Chapter 9: Mason’s Gamble

Charlotte’s 

I stood outside Mr. Lucas Goldberg’s office, frozen, staring at the nameplate like it had the power to change my life. And in a way, it did. My heart pounded, my palms were sweaty, and the knot in my stomach felt like it was tying itself tighter.

Okay, Charlotte, deep breaths, I thought. You’ve faced worse than this. Well… maybe not.

I adjusted my tie, tugged at the hem of my suit jacket, and finally, with a shaky hand, pushed the door open.

Mr. Lucas Goldberg looked up from his papers, his eyes sharp and calculating. It was like looking at an older, more intimidating version of Charles. The resemblance was uncanny—the same piercing blue eyes, the same chiseled jaw. But where Charles’ arrogance was all swagger and charm, Lucas’ was steely and authoritative.

“Good day, sir,” I said, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

“Mr. Mason,” he greeted with a nod, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, assessing me like a chess piece. “How are you?”

“I’m doing well, sir. And yourself?” I replied, forcing a smile as I sat down in front of him.

He didn’t answer my question, which I took as a signal to shut up and listen. He flipped through a few files on his desk, then spoke. “You’ve been working on our fraud detection protocols, correct? I want to know what you think so far.”

My mind whirled, trying to piece together everything I’d read in the files. *Come on, Charlotte, act like you know what you’re talking about!*

“Yes, sir,” I said, my voice steady now. “I think the current systems are robust but could benefit from tighter internal controls. I’d suggest integrating a new digital ledger system for real-time audits and possibly restructuring the approval chain for sensitive accounts.”

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’ve put some thought into this.”

“I have, sir,” I replied, hoping I wasn’t just talking out of my ass.

“Good.” He paused, then asked something that caught me completely off guard. “But tell me, can you handle my son’s character?”

*Handle his character?* My mind raced. Was he warning me? Was Charles really that bad? I decided to play along, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Well, sir, working for your son is a bit like… babysitting a tiger. You never know if you’re going to get a friendly purr or have your hand bitten off,” I said with a grin, hoping the joke would land.

For a tense second, Lucas stared at me, and then, much to my relief, he laughed. A deep, hearty laugh filled the office.

“You’ve got guts, Mr. Mason. I appreciate that.” He stood up, walking around the desk and extending his hand. “You saved my son’s life, and that doesn’t go unnoticed. I’ve added a little extra to your bonus, along with his. You deserve it.”

My eyes widened. Extra money meant I could keep up this charade a little longer, and maybe get ahead of my spiraling mess.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll continue to give it my best,” I said, shaking his hand firmly.

Lucas nodded, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. “Good. Keep up the good work. And keep an eye on Charles.”

As I left the office, I could hardly believe it. I had survived an encounter with the notorious Lucas Goldberg and actually walked out with more money. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was playing a very dangerous game.

Charles’ POV

Mason walked into my office with a smug grin on his face, which was rare. Almost nobody left a meeting with my father looking happy. Usually, they left looking like they’d been through hell. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“How was it?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.

He shrugged, his grin growing. “Not bad at all.”

I stared at him for a moment, stunned. *Not bad?* My father usually grilled new hires alive. How had Mason managed to come out unscathed?

Before I could press further, my phone buzzed on the desk. I glanced at it—Alex, one of my boys, calling.

“Yeah?” I answered.

“Charles, we’re hitting the club tonight. You in?” Alex’s voice was buzzing with excitement. “You know the girls are going to be all over you. You could use some fun.”

I looked at Mason, who was still standing there, watching me. I smirked. “Sure. Send me the details.”

Mason didn’t say anything, but I could tell from the look on his face that this wasn’t his scene. He looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Not my problem. He’d have to get used to it. After all, he worked for me now. I was the boss.

 At the Club

The club was packed when we arrived. Lights flashed, music pounded, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and alcohol. The moment we walked in, all eyes turned to us—or rather, to me. Girls were practically throwing themselves at me, and why wouldn’t they? I was Charles Goldberg.

I slid past the crowd, heading to our VIP table. Mason followed closely, looking as uncomfortable as ever.

I flopped down on one of the plush couches, and within seconds, girls surrounded me. One started playing with my hair, another ran her hands across my chest, and another leaned in to whisper something suggestive in my ear. I barely heard her—I was too busy enjoying the attention.

“Want to grab some girls, Mason?” I asked with a smirk, glancing over at him. “I’m sure they’ll *satisfy* you.”

Mason shook his head, his face flushed. “No, thanks.”

I rolled my eyes. “Suit yourself.”

 Charlotte’s POV

Sitting opposite Charles, watching him with those women draped all over him, I couldn’t help but feel a knot of disgust. I’d known Charles was a playboy, but seeing it up close? It was nauseating.

Just then, a group of girls approached me, giggling. “You’re really handsome,” one of them purred, leaning close.

I froze. Crap. They didn’t know I was a woman, and now they were flirting with me.

“Uh, thanks,” I muttered, trying to pull away as they started touching my arm, running their fingers along my suit. One even rested her head on my shoulder.

I stood abruptly, nearly knocking over my drink. “Excuse me,” I mumbled, slipping past the crowd and heading outside.

Once I was out in the cool night air, I took a deep breath, relieved to be away from the chaos. But I knew Charles wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. He’d be here all night—maybe until the morning if he hooked up with one of those girls.

Charles’ POV

I glanced over at Mason’s empty seat and laughed to myself. What kind of guy turns down beautiful women? He’s so uptight. As one of the girls gave me a lap dance, a thought crossed my mind. What’s his problem?

I reached for my drink, but just as I did, I heard a loud snap.

My eyes darted to Mason, who was standing near the entrance, looking mortified. His belt buckle had just come flying off and hit one of the girls square in the forehead.

For a moment, the entire table froze. Then, the girl let out a shriek, clutching her head dramatically. Everyone burst out laughing, and Mason’s face turned beet red. I couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“Well, Mason,” I said, smirking, “looks like you’re losing your grip—on your pants, at least.

As Charlotte’s belt buckle snaps and causes chaos, she’s left flustered

and scrambling to keep her disguise intact while Charles and the girls find the whole situation hilarious.