Chapter 531

“Charlotte!”
“Charlotte!”
Andrew and Parrish watched her with red eyes, both of them too afraid to hug her so they just stood there, looking heartbroken. They had no idea Charlotte had been through so much, especially because of Olivia’s family. Those people were the worst.
“Welcome back, Charlotte.”
“We’re just glad you’re alright, Charlotte.”
The rest of the class spoke up too, their voices warm and supportive.
“Thanks, everyone.” Charlotte nodded politely and tossed her backpack to Andrew. She smiled, just a little. “I brought snacks. Let’s share.”
“Awesome!” Andrew grinned and started handing out the treats. The whole class joined in, laughing and munching, and soon the mood had totally changed.
After sitting with them for a while, Charlotte grabbed a box of chocolates and went to find Eleanor in her office.
Eleanor was on the phone, her face full of disbelief.
“They want me to be Head of Administration?”
The news had come out of nowhere. She could barely process it. A promotion like that, and so fast, was bound to make everyone else jealous. Word was, someone high up had named her personally.
“Yes… Okay,” Eleanor managed to say, her voice shaky as she ended the call. She looked up and saw Charlotte standing in the doorway, just as calm and sweet as always. Relief and gratitude washed over her. “You’re back?”
“Yeah.” Charlotte walked over, set the chocolates on the desk, and smiled. “Congratulations, Eleanor!”
Eleanor stared at her, dazed. Every time she got a promotion, it seemed to be connected to Charlotte somehow. Was it just a coincidence?
Then she shook her head. How could Charlotte, who’d just returned from a rural town, possibly know anyone with that kind of power?
“Honestly, more than this promotion,
I care about your exam results,” Eleanor said, her tone gentle. “Especially you. I want to see you take first place in the whole country and walk through the gates of The Cabinda University, shining
Teaching the national top scorer would mean more to her than any promotion.
“Deal.” Charlotte smiled, a real one this time, not her usual distant look. “You’ll always be the teacher I’m most grateful for.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting to see you make Cabinda proud.”
“Thank you.” Charlotte gave a polite nod, then left the office.
Two weeks later, there were just three days left before the entrance exams. School was on break so everyone could rest.
Robert missed Charlotte, so she went home to spend a couple days with her grandpa. But she ended up with two nights of insomnia.
When Robert saw the dark circles under her eyes, he freaked out. “Why can’t you sleep at home?”
“I just can’t sleep in a different bed,” Charlotte answered, completely serious.
Even sleeping pills hadn’t helped lately. The effect of not being with Anthony was stronger than she expected.
Worried her sleep issues might mess up her exams, Robert told Kenneth to drive her back to her friend’s place.
Alright.” Kenneth ran a hand through his hair, grabbed Charlotte’s backpack for her, and led her outside, looking a little guilty.
Anthony had already gotten the message and was waiting outside. Charlotte walked up to him, holding out her hand with a pouty tired took
that clearly said, Why aren’t ook
hugging me yet?
Anthony smiled and took her hand, his voice soft. “Just a little longer, okay?”
Watching the two of them act like no one else was there, Kenneth rolled his eyes. “Can you two save it for later Some
f us are..
still breathing over here.”