Chapter 304

Charlotte buckled herself in, keeping one hand on 98K’s paw. Her voice was quiet, almost expressionless. “Were you busy today?”
Anthony understood right away. She was upset because he hadn’t called or messaged her all day.
“A bit,” he answered in a low voice. He set 98K on the back seat and reached out, taking Charlotte’s hand gently. “I had a five-hour meeting. After that, I had to meet a few people
He leaned closer, his eyes dark and unreadable. “I just thought you could use more time with your family.” His voice softened. “Did you miss me?”
Charlotte’s thoughts were written all over her face, but she just pressed her lips together and stayed silent.
“If I’d known you missed me this much, I would’ve reached out sooner.” Anthony gave her a small, apologetic smile. He used his fingertip to brush a loose strand of hair from her forehead, eyes never leaving her face. “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”
Anthony always knew exactly why she was upset, and he was always good at apologizing. Charlotte had only been angry for a few minutes, but already, her irritation was starting to fade.
“If I keep letting him off the hook, he’ll get spoiled,” she thought, trying to hold on to her resolve. “No, I can’t let it slide so easily.”
She balled her hands into fists and looked up at Anthony, determined to stand her ground.
But the moment she met his gaze, warm and full of affection, all her resolve melted away. The words she’d wanted to say turned into a quiet, “Okay.”
Yeah, she wasn’t mad anymore.
Propping her chin in her hand, Charlotte gazed out the window, feeling a little helpless. Why was it so hard to stay angry at him? Next time she got upset, she’d have to remember not to look at his face.
Later, at Imperial Heights.
After her shower, Charlotte grabbed her phone from the bed.
In the family group chat:
Jackson: Charlotte, I’ve sent the failed H3N1 experiment data to your email.
Nine: Got it.
Adonis: Charlotte, the research institute is running low on funds.
There were plenty of people looking for Asclepius, and some had even offered big money. But they were all overseas, and the risks were too high. No one wanted Charlotte to take on something so dangerous. For now, they just couldn’t get the funding.
Just as the message went out, a notification popped up. The institute’s account had received a transfer. One million.
Nine: That’ll keep us afloat for a couple of days. I’ll figure something out.
Nine: Also, send me the info on the buyers looking for me. I’ll choose one myself.
After sending the messages, Charlotte closed the chat. She was about to open her
email to check the experiment report when she heard a knock at the door.
Anthony walked in, wearing a robe and carrying a mug of warm milk.
“You sleeping alone tonight, or with me?” he asked.
The question caught Charlotte off guard and she froze for a second While she hesitated, Anthony leaned down caging her in at the desk His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile.
“Actually, I don’t even need to ask,” he said quietly.
“Whether I ask or not, you always
end up sneaking into my bed anyway.” His dark eyes were
half-lidded, his breath warm against her face, voice low and just a little bit smug From now on, you don’t have to sneak. I’m giving you full permission.”
Full permission… He said it like she was getting such a good deal. Honestly, she kind of was.
“So, coming to bed, Lottie?”
Charlotte’s cheeks felt hot, her heart racing. She blinked, trying to play it cool, but before she could even answer, Anthony swept her up in his arms.