Chapter 706

Monday.
As soon as Charlotte stepped into the classroom, Emma, Eileen, and Alvina sprang out of their seats and rushed over to her, their eyes wide and sparkling with
excitement.
Charlotte set her backpack on her desk and sat down, lifting her chin just a little. “Want my autograph?”
All three nodded eagerly. “Yes, please!”
“How about a photo?”
They nodded again, their faces lighting up. “And if it’s not too much… could we maybe catch a glimpse of Kenneth? Just from far away. Just one look, we promise.”
Charlotte grinned. “No problem. I’ll bring you the autographs tomorrow. As for the photo, you’ll have to wait until I’m back from my competition.”
Kenneth was super busy these days.
Emma hesitated, then pulled a photo of Charlotte from her pocket and handed over a pen. “Could you sign it as ‘Echo’?”
“Of course.” Charlotte took the pen and quickly signed a few photos.
Emma clutched the signed pictures to her chest and did a little happy dance in place. “I can’t believe Kenneth’s sister is my classmate!”
The other students saw what was happening and hurried over, crowding around Charlotte, all hoping for a signature. More than a few were feeling lucky about choosing Kingswood University.
When the signing was done, Glenn waved Charlotte over. The incident with the online rumors at The Cabinda University was being taken care of, and they needed her to come by.
The dean’s office was quiet and solemn. When Charlotte arrived, she found Robert sitting on the sofa, looking as sharp and energetic as ever. Carmelita stood in front of him, her face streaked with tears.
“Charlotte, you’re here.” Robert’s face softened as soon as he saw her. He reached out and gently patted her hand, leading her to sit beside him. “Have you eaten?”
Charlotte had thought Donald or Kevin would be the ones to handle this. She hadn’t expected Robert to show up himself.
“I’ve eaten,” she said quietly, settling next to him. She glanced across at Carmelita, whose tears started falling even harder as soon as their eyes met. Letty stood nearby, lips pressed tight, her stare cold and steady.
“Carmelita has admitted everything. The school is prepared to expel her. Do you have any other opinions, sir?” the dean asked, voice respectful as he wiped sweat from his forehead.
Robert was an honorary member of The Cabinda University’s board and donated millions every year. He’d been retired for a while, only! coming out for charity events, so his presence here showed just how much Charlotte meant to him.
Of all the people Carmelita could have crossed, she picked the Gates family’s lost- and-found princess. Now, even the university might get dragged into the mess.
Expulsion. The word alone made all the color drain from Carmelita’s face. Hadn’t Letty said it wouldn’t be that bad if she apologized? So why…
“If Charlotte is willing to forgive you, maybe we can reconsider the dean suggested.
Carmelita turned to Charlotte,
desperate. “Charlotte, I swear I didn’t
mean it. You weren’t really hurt, right? And since I’m your sister’s
Wern
classmate, that counts for something
you’il forgive me, wont
you?”
Because she was Olivia’s classmate?
Charlotte caught her gaze, a mocking smile curling at her lips. She didn’t rush her
reply. “Not a chance.”