Chapter 429

Anthony paused, just for a second, then a slow smile tugged at his lips. He leaned in close, his breath warm against Charlotte’s skin. His voice, low and rough, sent a shiver through her. “Whether I’m old or not… that’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself.”
Charlotte’s eyes wandered down from his striking face, lingering on the open collar of his shirt. A blush crept up her cheeks, impossible to hide.
After a moment of tense silence, she spoke quietly. “Don’t test me, Anthony. You couldn’t handle the consequences.”
She sounded so defiant, it was almost too much.
Anthony grinned wider, letting out a soft laugh. “Oh, Lottie, I could say the same to you. You couldn’t handle the price of pushing me, either.”
“Really?” Charlotte tipped her head, her fingers suddenly brushing his chest without warning. She smirked. “I don’t buy it.”
The second her hand touched him, she felt his muscles tighten. His breathing turned rough, his eyes going dark with something wild and hungry.
They stared at each other, the air so thick it felt like time had stopped.
A few seconds passed before Anthony finally caved. He grabbed her teasing hand, pulled it away, and then practically bolted for the bathroom, looking more rattled than he’d ever admit.
When the sound of water started up behind the door, Charlotte couldn’t help herself. She grinned, her laughter spilling out, soft and free.
The next morning, Anthony drove her to the front gates of Vanguard High School.
He watched her walk away, his expression clouded. Even with his sharp features, he couldn’t hide that hint of irritation.
Beautiful lady? The words echoed in his mind.
He pressed his lips together, pulled out his phone, and scrolled to Andrew’s number. “Anthony?” Andrew answered almost right away, his tone respectful.
“Has Charlotte been behaving herself lately?” Anthony asked.
“She’s been pretty good,” Andrew replied honestly. “She’s actually been paying attention in class this week. Didn’t even sleep through a whole lesson.”
“No weird people hanging around her?” Anthony’s fingers tapped against the car window, his tone casual but sharp.
“Weird people?” Andrew sounded confused. “Not that I know of.”
Anthony stopped tapping, let out a quiet breath. “Forget it. Don’t tell Lottie I called you.”
“If anything strange happens, let me know right away.”
Without waiting for a response, Anthony hung up.
Andrew just stared at his phone, stunned, trying to make sense of the call.
Was Anthony actually worried about Charlotte dumping him? He’d kind of love
ee Anthany get a little taste
of heartbreak for once.
At lunch, Charlotte grabbed her backpack, ready to slip out.
Andrew noticed and quickly called out, “Charlotte, are you going somewhere?”
Charlotte usually didn’t bother leaving the classroom unless she had a real reason.
“Just something I need to take care of,” she replied, her gaze lowered.
Before he could press her for details, she was already gone.
Andrew stood there, uneasy. Was Charlotte up to something?
Ten minutes later, in a plain little
bubble tea shop near the set
Sound the “beautiful
in a quiet corner.
She adjusted the brim of her black cap and strode inside, her long legs making her
look effortlessly confident.
“Sweetie Lavinia spotted her and waved, her voice bright. “Over here.”
Even in her forties, Lavinia looked incredible She was stylish and elegant her beauty warm and
approachable, like she could easily pass for someone in her early thirties.
“Hello,” Charlotte greeted politely, sitting down across from her. She looked up and
met Lavinia’s brilliant, welcoming smile.