Chapter 79

“You’re going to be late for class. You can play with him again when you get home tonight.” Anthony’s voice was gentle as he ruffled Charlotte’s hair, coaxing her with a soft touch.
He glanced down at the dog sprawled out at her feet, looking way too pleased with himself. Anthony nudged the dog with his foot and told him coolly, “Go back.”
98K let out a little whine but stayed put, stubborn as ever.
Anthony just stared at him, completely at a loss.
Charlotte’s lips curled in a small smile. She reached down, gave 98K’s soft ear a squeeze, then pointed toward his doghouse not far away.
Without her saying a word, 98K trotted off, grabbed his leash from the ground, and slipped it around his own neck like he knew the drill.
Seriously?
Anthony felt both exasperated and helpless. Whose dog was he, anyway?
“Let’s go,” Charlotte said. She drew her gaze back and started walking, lazy and relaxed.
After a couple of steps, she suddenly stopped and looked down at her empty hand, her brows knitting together in a tiny frown.
Anthony noticed her pause and caught the faint disappointment on her face. He smiled to himself, then reached out and took her hand again, wrapping it in his own.
She was still so young. She definitely needed a little extra care.
At the front gate, Hans had already pulled up and was waiting. When he spotted Charlotte next to Anthony, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Was that Ms. Main?
Did she actually go home with Anthony last night?
And now they were holding hands.
They were moving faster than a rocket. Anthony was really getting serious this time.
Anthony put her backpack and coat in the car first, then held his hand over the doorframe so she wouldn’t hit her head. “Careful,” he reminded her.
Once she was settled, he slid in beside her, his tall frame filling the seat. He reached into the cooler grabbed a bottle of milk, and stipped it into her backpack like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Charlotte just glanced at him, but didn’t say anything.
As they neared the school, she pulled out a blank sheet of paper and scribbled a few lines in quick, confident handwriting. The words were all complicated medicine
names.
“Take these for two rounds and Patricia will be completely cured,” Charlotte said, handing the note to Anthony, her voice light and casual. “Consider it a thank-you for the phone.”
Anthony took the prescription, his deep eyes meeting hers. A smile spread across his face. “Don’t you think youre being a little too generous?” He didn’t say it, bute everyone knew how valuable a prescription from a miracle doctor was.

Charlotte looked straight at him. She could tell he had already figured out who she really was.
“Maybe a bit,” she said, her eyes narrowing slightly, her tone steady. “Let’s call it six months’ rent, too.”
“Deal.” Now that he was sure, Anthony’s smile grew warmer. He didn’t say anything more about it. “Study hard,” he said, his voice low and gentle. “I’ll pick you up after school.”
Charlotte pouted a little, but answered obediently, “Okay.” She pushed open the car door and hopped out, her easy stride showing she was not someone to mess with.
Hans watched her go, then blurted out, “Anthony, I heard Ms. Main broke a school record on her last exam.”
Anthony rested his hand on the window, still watching Charlotte as she walked away. He raised an eyebrow and gave a soft laugh. “Really? She’s smart.”
Hans’s face was a mix of confusion and surprise as he tried to explain. “Um… Ms. Main scored a seven in physics. She came in last for the whole school. It’s actually the lowest Score ever at Vanguard High.”
“Seven?” Anthony’s lips curved in a slight smile, his eyes gentle. “That’s not bad.”
The way he said it, you could hear the affection and pride in his voice.
Hans was stunned. Seven? Last place?