Chapter 423

Lavinia: Anthony, if only you were ten years younger.
If that were the case, he’d be the one going to school with that girl right now.
Anthony caught the excitement in his mother’s texts, the way she couldn’t hide how much she liked this mysterious girl. He couldn’t help but smile. His mom hardly ever approved of anyone.
Anthony: Me being ten years younger isn’t happening in this lifetime.
Still, he thought, he’d managed to find a wife who was ten years younger than him.
Lavinia: Anthony, when are you going to introduce us to Lottie?
She could barely wait. She was dying to see what the girl was like in person. Anthony: She’s busy with her studies right now. Let’s give it a little more time.
Busy with her studies? Lavinia left the chat with Anthony and looked up at her husband’s sweet, patient face, her brow scrunched in frustration. “By the way, do you know how old Anthony’s girlfriend is?”
Matthew gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I’m sure she’s at least over eighteen,” he said softly.
Eighteen? Lavinia looked stunned, then huffed, clearly annoyed. “If he dares mess with a girl that young, I’ll wring his neck.”
Matthew stayed silent. He wasn’t about to voice his own opinion, especially since his wife was eight years younger than him. Apparently, she’d forgotten all about that.
Later, after evening study hall, Charlotte trailed behind Andrew and Parrish. Andrew carried her backpack, barely looking up from his phone as they walked.
“Oh my god,” he suddenly blurted out.
Charlotte glanced at him, her face unreadable. “What’s up?” Parrish asked.
“Anthony’s parents are finally back,” Andrew said, grinning at his screen. “He’s not an orphan anymore.”
Parrish nodded. He’d already heard
about it. Supposedly, they’d only
come home because it was
Patricia’s birthday. As soon as the party was over, they’d be offo
traveling again.
As they talked, both boys glanced back at Charlotte. Her hands were shoved in her pockets, her head lowered, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking.
“Charlotte, my grandma’s birthday banquet is next month. Are you coming?” Andrew asked.
Charlotte glanced up, lips pressed together. “I haven’t decided yet.”
She wasn’t a fan of big, formal gatherings, and she definitely wasn’t ready to meet Anthony’s parents. But Patriela had always been goodTM* to her. If she didn’t go, she knew the old lady would be disappointed.
“Charlotte Andrew leaned closer, lowering his voice, “There’ll be a lot of worden there who have their eyes on They all superclingy. If you don’t go
“I’ll go.” Charlotte cut him off, sounding calm but firm.
She looked at Andrew. “What does your grandma like?”
If she was going, she needed to bring a proper gift.
“She loves calligraphy and paintings.”
“Got it.” A small, knowing smile appeared at the corner of Charlotte’s lips.
With her answer, Andrew whipped out his phone and shot off a text to Anthony. Anthony, Charlotte said she’ll come to Grandma’s birthday party! Anthony: Why?
Andrew: I told her a bunch of women would be there trying to go after you, and she agreed right away.
Anthony’s mood instantly shifted. He could already tell he was in for it when he saw Charlotte later.