Chapter 464

Their bodies were close, barely any space between them. Charlotte looked up at Anthony, her gaze playful and deliberate, the air between them shifting.
“Anthony Her voice was soft as she pressed her palm to his chest, her face inching closer, eyes narrowing with mischief. “Did I ever tell you that I
Anthony’s lashes lifted. His voice came out low, rough with curiosity. “That you what?”
“That I hold grudges,” Charlotte finished with a sly smile. She tapped his chest, right where his heart beat strong beneath her fingers. Her tone was cool, almost teasing. “I’ll let you off this time. But if it happens again
She trailed off, but the warning was clear.
Anthony took her hand, a patient smile tugging at his lips. “I get it. The Carter family does business with us, but I’ve never talked to that woman. I never thought about her, and I definitely didn’t give her that nickname.”
He kissed her forehead, his voice gentle, full of affection. “I’ll be more careful from now on.”
Whatever tension had simmered between them dissolved. Anthony let out a small sigh, rolled over, and pulled her into his arms.
“Get some sleep. I’ll wake you when it’s time to eat.”
“Mm.” Charlotte snuggled closer, breathing in his scent, a sleepy smile curling on her lips.
When she woke up again, the sky outside the window was already dark.
Anthony noticed right away. He grabbed a black coat and came over, leaning down to kiss her forehead with a soft laugh. “Hungry?”
“Yeah, a little,” Charlotte answered, her voice still thick with sleep as she rested her chin on his shoulder.
Anthony brushed her hair gently. “Come on, dinner’s ready in the main hall. Grandma wants you there.”
“Okay,” Charlotte mumbled, eyes still closed, not quite ready to leave his arms.
He gave her a helpless look, then scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom. After she washed up, he kept his arm around her and led her out to the hall.
As soon as Charlotte appeared, Patricia waved her over excitedly. “Lottie, sit by me!”
Charlotte shot Anthony a quick glance, let go of his hand, and took the seat next to Patricia with an easy, natural grace. Instantly, people clustered around her, asking questions and showering her with attention.
Dorothy, though, sat stiffly, her expression off. She’d just gotten a call from Melissa’s mom, who told
her all about how Melissa was
humiliated at the party went home in tears, and locked herself
room.
her
She’d been wondering how Patricia even knew this girl, let alone why she liked her
so much. Seeing her up close, it suddenly made sense. This was the same “Miss Healer” who had saved Patricia months back.
So that’s how she and Anthony met. No wonder Patricia was so fond of her.
Still, Dorothy couldn’t help but
question Charlotte’s background.
She probably didn’t come from any kind of impressive family. Would
Matthew and Lavinia really let someone so ordinary marry into Blair family? The more Dorothy thought about it, the more she felt Melissa was a better fit for Anthony.
“Mom, why are you staring at Charlotte like that?” Andrew’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He sounded annoyed.. Seriously, don mess with Charlotte. She’s not as simple as she looks, and youn’t want to find out what happens if you cross her.”
Not simple? Dorothy shot him a glare. “What, has she got you wrapped around her
finger too?”