Chapter 676

Something definitely felt off. She needed a minute to pull herself together.
After touching up her makeup, Charlotte made her way over to Robert and stood quietly behind him like the perfect granddaughter. Up ahead, Anthony was taking out his gift, holding it out at just the right moment.
It was a plain, unadorned box. Nothing fancy at all.
“Robert, happy birthday. Wishing you good health,” Anthony said, leaning forward a little and offering the box with both hands.
“Anthony, you’re too polite.” Robert smiled, then nodded for Lottie to take the gift. He didn’t open it, just handed it off for safekeeping.
It barely weighed anything, almost like there was nothing inside. Charlotte blinked in surprise, and she wasn’t the only one. The last time Anthony came over for dinner, he nearly brought an entire store with him. Now, for Grandpa’s big birthday, he only showed up with a tiny box.
“Anthony, make yourself at home,” Robert said, giving a polite nod and telling the staff to take good care of him. Then he took Charlotte’s hand and pulled her into the crowd, introducing her to all their friends and family.
People couldn’t hide how impressed they were. Everywhere she looked, someone was smiling or staring in awe. Robert’s eyes crinkled with happiness.
Charlotte, on the other hand, felt so out of place. Mingling with strangers was never her thing. Every now and then, she’d glance back at Anthony, who was standing off to the side.
He caught her eye and smiled, so warm and soft it almost melted her. He loved seeing her like this, right in the spotlight, surrounded by admiration. In his mind, it was exactly what she deserved.
After greeting all the older relatives, Robert led Charlotte to another part of the room. This area was packed with young men, all around Charlotte’s age, all looking sharp and put together.
Robert started introducing her with almost too much enthusiasm. There was no missing his message.
Donald, Roger, and Kenneth all froze for a second. Then, as if on cue, they glanced at Anthony. His smile was long gone. His face had turned cold and dangerous, the kind of look that could make anyone nervous.
Was Grandpa really trying to set Lottie up with other guys, right in front of Anthony?
Watching Anthony’s mood get
darker and darker, Kenneth couldn’t hold back a laugh Sure, he felt for the guy, but after all the times
Anthony had made his life difficult,
this
was too good to resist
“Hi, Lottie. The first guy stepped forward, tall and handsome, his eyes practically sparkling as he looked at her. I’m Les, twenty-two, studying at Stanford.”
“Hey, Lottie, I’m Waldo. I’m twenty.”
“My name is… I’m twenty-one
eighteen.”
With every introduction, Anthony’s expression got stormier. He couldn’t believe how young these guys were.
Robert started to point out another group, patting Charlotte’s hand and speaking gently.
But Charlotte stopped him, putting on her sweetest, most delicate voice. “Grandpa, my feet hurt.”
He softened right away. “Alright, go rest for a bit.”
He let go of her hand, then turned to the young men. “You can chat among yourselves.”
Charlotte was always so quiet. Maybe talking with people her own age would help her open up.
The guys all smiled, eyes glued to Charlotte as they hurried after her. When they caught up, though, they nearly stopped in their tracks.
Charlotte was already sitting down, looking perfectly at ease. Behind her stood Donald, Roger, and Kenneth each one looking grumpier than the last Next to Charlotte sat Anthony, elegant and intimidating, his presence impossible to ignore.
“Something you need?” Anthony asked, slipping a peeled lychee into Charlotte’s
mouth. He raised his eyebrow, his deep gaze icy as he stared them down.