Chapter 282

“Lottie, here’s a little reward for you.”
A reward?
Charlotte took the box and popped it open, pulling out a diamond that sparkled so brightly it almost hurt to look at. She held it up, turning it between her fingers with a little smile. Oh, right. Now she remembered. The last time she helped him with the global defense system, she’d cut him a deal. He had promised to send another gift. But he still didn’t know she’d charged him two hundred million more for some “intel.” If you added this diamond, worth five hundred million, she had racked up a cool seven hundred million from him.
She couldn’t help it. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to laugh.
Anthony noticed the grin spreading across her face. “What’s so funny?” he asked, lips quirking up at the corners.
“Nothing.” Charlotte’s smile wouldn’t quit. She set the diamond back in its crystal case, stretching out a little. “Just tired.”
Four hours of sitting still, plus her time of the month, had left her feeling wiped out.
Anthony nodded, got up, and slipped his jacket over her shoulders. “Let’s go home,” he said, voice soft.
Charlotte nodded right back, tossing the crystal box to Hans without a second thought. Then she held her hand out to Anthony, not bothering to hide what she wanted.
Hold my hand.
Anthony raised an eyebrow at her, amused by how bold she was. He let out a low chuckle, gave in, and wrapped his fingers around hers before guiding her out.
Hans nearly tripped over his own feet, clutching the box like his life depended on it. Charlotte probably hadn’t seen this kind of wealth up close before, never mind handling a diamond worth hundreds of millions. Yet she’d tossed it to him like it was some cheap plastic toy. Hans sighed to himself. Anthony was going to have to hustle hard to keep up with her.
He tucked the box safely in his bag and followed them out.
In the car, Charlotte curled up in her seat. Anthony’s jacket was draped over her, covering half her face so only nose and those striking. eyes showed.
her
Anthony shook up a thermos, checked the temperature, then leaned over and lifted
her head a little. “Drink this,” he coaxed, gentle as ever.
Ginger lemon honey tea? Hans could
barely believe his eyes. Not only had Anthony remembered to bring a heating pad, hed made tea too? The, guy was seriously next level.
Charlotte peeked up at Anthony, took a few sips, then leaned right into his chest, settling in Anthony loved how easily she let herself relax against him.
“I heard Roger’s back. Is the family dinner tomorrow?” he asked.
“Mmm.” Charlotte’s voice was sleepy. “But I have some things to do tomorrow. Maybe the day after.”
Things to do? Anthony knew she kept a lot to herself. If she didn’t want to share, he never pushed.
“Be careful out there. Don’t get hurt.”
“I won’t.” She yawned and nestled even closer, breathing in his scent with her eyes closed.
The car was quiet for just a second before her phone rang.
“Anthony, it’s The Blair Estate calling,” Hans said, picking up and handing over the phone.
Anne’s voice came through, tight with worry. “Anthony, can you come back? Patricia got upset earlier, and she’s not doing too well.”
“Upset?” Anthony asked, shifting his jacket over Charlotte and holding her hand a little tighter.
“Yes. Someone bought the thing Patricia wanted. She’s been angry ever since.”