Chapter 645

Andrew’s voice rang out. “Charlotte, I can’t reach Anthony
He trailed off as he stepped into the room and saw Everlot holding Charlotte close, like he might actually kiss her.
Andrew’s eyes went wide. He balled his fists, charging in, ready to fight.
Anthony saw him coming, let go of Charlotte, and stepped back quickly, dodging Andrew’s wild punch.
Andrew swung and missed, then grabbed the nearest chair with a cold, furious glare. “I’m taking you down tonight!”
Charlotte was supposed to be Anthony’s wife. No one else could even think about her. If someone tried, Andrew would be the first to take them out.
Charlotte rested her chin on her hand, about to explain everything, but before she could get a word out, Anthony grabbed Andrew’s arm and tossed him backward.
Andrew hit the floor hard.
“Stop acting crazy!”
Andrew froze at the sound of that voice. It sounded exactly like Anthony.
Slowly, Andrew looked up and watched as the man ripped off his mask. Anthony’s face appeared, sharp and familiar as ever.
“Anthony?” Andrew’s eyes went huge. “How is it you?”
Anthony rubbed his wrist, picked up Charlotte’s backpack from the bed, and tossed it at Andrew. “Get out.”
Andrew just sat there, stunned, clutching the backpack. He stared at the two of them for a long moment before finally stumbling out of the room.
Seriously? Anthony was so worried about Charlotte that he’d disguised himself as Everlot and spent more than ten days at the base, suffering right alongside them?
All this time, the guy Andrew was keeping an eye on… was Anthony?
***
That night, Donald and Charlotte went back to the Gates family home together.
Dinner was already set out. The table was packed with food.
Robert, Kevin, Samantha, Roger, and Kenneth were all waiting in the dining room.
When Charlotte and Donald walked in, everyone’s eyes lit up.
“You’re back?” Samantha jumped up from her seat and hurried to the door.
Donald raised his eyebrows, just
about to greet her, but his
mom who he hadn’t seen
more
than six months walked right past
him and grabbed Charlotte’s hand.
“Lottie, you’re home.”
Donald pressed his lips together, a little awkward, but then saw Robert smiling at him and relaxed.
“Grandpa he called softly.
Robert didn’t even pause and just walked by.
“Dad Donald tried again.
Kevin gave him a quick look, tossed out a half-hearted “Oh,” and kept walking.
Donald’s smile froze. He rubbed the back of his head, then wandered over to the dining table. He glanced at Roger and Kenneth, who looked chill as always in the corner and cleared his throat
“Do you guys get ignored like this at home too?”
Kenneth grinned. “See all this food? Mom actually cooked it herself.”
Donald stared at the dishes, still in disbelief.
He was over thirty, and this was the first time he’d ever learned that Samantha could cook.
“Better get used to it,” Roger said,
nodding seriously. “From now onet
the family ranking goes like this: Lottie Grandpa, Mom and Dad… and then the rest of us.”