Chapter 569

Anthony was at his desk in the study when the message came through. He had his phone in one hand, absentmindedly scratching 98K’s head with the other. He hadn’t slept at all last night. With Lottie gone, he’d tossed and turned until finally giving up and diving into work until sunrise.
Seeing Charlotte’s text now, a smile curled at the corner of his mouth. His usually dark eyes shimmered with warmth and something close to mischief.
Right then, Kenneth’s name flashed on his screen. Anthony answered, leaning back in his chair, his expression relaxed.
“My grandpa called you, didn’t he?” Kenneth sounded rushed, almost panicked.
If anyone ever found out about Anthony and Charlotte, Kenneth would be in the most trouble by far.
Anthony just hummed, still in a good mood.
“You’re seriously still smiling?” Kenneth’s voice was practically shaking. He was obviously in the middle of rushing back from the film set. “If Grandpa finds out you and Charlotte are together, he’ll break your legs. I swear.”
Anthony’s smile deepened. He knew now wasn’t the best time to go public with their relationship. Still, it couldn’t hurt to score a few points with the family.
“I know what I’m doing,” he said, his voice low.
Kenneth let out a frustrated groan, raking a hand through his hair. “I must’ve owed you two big time in my past life.”
Anthony laughed, sounding even lazier. “Thanks, Kenneth.”
There was a beat of silence.
“Just shut up,” Kenneth finally muttered, and hung up.
Anthony sat for a minute or two, then called Hans. His voice was husky, a bit quieter than usual.
“Get extra gifts ready.”
First impressions mattered, and he was planning to make a great one.
At the same time, a flashy red motorcycle pulled up in front of the Gates Estate. Charlotte swung off the bike, pulled off her helmet with a practiced flick, and shook out her long hair. Her face was almost too perfect, sharp and bright in the morning light.
“Charlotte.”
The guard at the gate dipped his head respectfully.
She nodded, handing over her helmet. “Are the guests here yet?”
“Not yet,” the guard replied, just as respectful.
Charlotte nodded again and glanced at the garden. Everything was
freshly trimmed and bloominnet
almost overdone. It was obvious
they had pulled out
the stops to,
welcome Anthony.
She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to shake off an unexpected flutter of
nerves. Grabbing her bag, she headed inside.
“Charlotte.”
“Good morning, Charlotte.”
“Charlotte looks gorgeous today.”
People greeted her all along the way. The maids eyes shone as they
er walk past, their faces
full of awe and admiration.
ет
Charlotte wore a white turtleneck skinny pants. The outfit
and black
เวฬุ
was simple, but ffa magazine
on her, it her, it looked like..
something straight ©
cover.

།
One maid leaned in to whisper, her voice full of curiosity. “But… why is Charlotte
wearing a turtleneck in this heat?”
The others looked just as confused.
“Lottie’s back?”
Samantha appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, a huge smile lighting up her face.
“Aunt Samantha,” Charlotte greeted her, sounding sweet and polite.
Before she could say anything else, Kevin came around the corner, also in a pink apron.
Charlotte’s eyelid twitched. She licked her lips, suddenly feeling parched. “Uncle Kevin.”
A powerful CEO and a business tycoon, both in aprons in the kitchen. The sight was just a little too much to process.