Chapter 681

He was definitely overthinking things. It was totally normal for Anthony to look after the younger ones. That was all it was. Nothing more.
Robert took a slow sip of his wine, trying to drown out the uneasy thoughts swirling in his mind. Still, he couldn’t help glancing over at the two of them every other second.
When he caught sight of what was happening, his eyes twitched and he nearly choked on his drink. Charlotte sat quietly, her pale arms propped on the table, scrolling her phone with an absent look. Whatever she saw must have annoyed her. Her little face scrunched up, ready to complain, but before she could say anything, Anthony leaned in close and whispered something in her ear.
Just like that, the storm clouds disappeared from Charlotte’s face. She smiled, took the orange Anthony had just peeled, and popped a slice into her mouth like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Robert froze, rubbing his eyes as if he could clear the images from his mind. Was he seeing things? Maybe he was just paranoid, imagining problems where there were
none.
Night finally settled in, and the city lights blinked on. Robert stood at the door with his family, sending off the last of the party guests with polite smiles and warm handshakes.
One of his friends spotted Charlotte by Robert’s side, looking sweet and well- mannered as always, and couldn’t resist speaking up. “Robert, my grandson’s coming back next month. Maybe he and Charlotte could meet up?”
Charlotte was beautiful, smart, and carried herself with a quiet confidence. After a whole evening like this, Robert had noticed more than a few hopeful glances thrown her way. If he so much as blinked, someone would try to snatch her up.
He smiled, patting Charlotte’s hand gently. “Who she chooses to spend time with is completely up to her. We don’t want to interfere.”
That left no room for argument.
He would never let Charlotte be used as a bargaining chip in some arranged marriage. The Gates family might have a solid reputation in Cabinda, and sure, marriage was the easiest way to keep their standing secure, but he refused to let Charlotte pay that price.
“Donald, see him out, please.”
Robert didn’t give the man a chance to protest. He just kept smiling.
“Of course, Grandpa.” Donald stepped forward and led the guest away.
Once the man was gone, Robert’s smile faded. He let out a cold little laugh, his eyes sharp and full of annoyance. “His good-for-nothing grandson thinks he can make move on my Lottie?”
Charlotte squeezed his hand a little tighter, the smallest smile on her lips.
As the last guests trickled out, the room was still buzzing with noise and laughter.
Suddenly, a slurred voice cut through the chatter.
“Lottie, come have a drink with me.”
Heads turned as everyone tried to spot who had spoken. A young man, probably in his twenties, stumbled into view. His cheeks were bright red from too much wine, and he swayed dangerously as he headed straight for Charlotte, glass in hand.
“Lottie, watch out!”
Donald and the others at the door called out the warning just in time.
Charlotte, still holding onto Robert’s arm, turned to look. Before she could react, the man’s hand reached out, grabbing for her.
“Lottie!”
Panic flashed across Robert’s face. He tried to pull Charlotte away, but the guy was quicker than he looked. His hand clamped down on Charlotte’s wrist.
“Let go.”
Charlotte lowered her gaze, her voice calm and cold. She glanced at his hand and, out of respect for his vague connection to the Gates family, tried to keep her patience.
The man grinned, the stink of
alcohol heavy on his breath. “A little fire, but? He reached out with his
other hand, aiming for her face. “Come on, let’s go somewhere quieter.”
Charlotte’s eyes turned icy, her whole aura shifting in an instant. The air around her seemed to drop several degrees.
Just as she was about to teach him a lesson…