July 12, 2023. Chapter 2-2. Thank you for waiting. Ladies, the next chapter might be in the evening. Thank you for understanding.
Charlotte was at the penthouse of the Diamond Hotel Plus, Swaxon. Her eyes watered, and her stomach hurt from laughing so hard. Again and again, she replayed the hotel surveillance video of Victoria, acting like a damsel in distress. "I can't believe she fell for that! Haha!" Charlotte said. "And thank goodness, my husband is so smart!" "You are so creative," Charlotte complimented her husband. She sat on Liam's lap and kissed his lips and cheeks. "You never cease to amaze me. I am so in love with you." Liam smiled. He ran his fingers through her soft golden hair and said, "I love it when you say that. I'll never get tired of hearing those words every day." Charlotte still had eyes and ears on Victoria. She still had surveillance in Victoria's apartment. Because of that, she overheard her mentioning Liam's name. She was unsure of the details of Victoria's plans. Victoria did not voice it all out when she did the planning. However, everything became apparent when she staked out t
In front of the board of directors, the CEO candidates were called into the main conference room. "Mister Timothy Cash," Arthur called. He turned to the only female contender and said, "Miss Charlotte Strauss." Glancing at Maximo Baldwin's son, he named, "Mister Frank Baldwin." "Together with the board, we have decided how to evaluate your skills and competencies," Arthur described. "To select the best CEO for Strauss Asset Investments, we will assign you to different departments in certain months. One month in the Finance Department, one month in the Human Resource Department, two months in Marketing and Sales, and two months in the Fund Department. These are the key departments that we can't live without." "You will merit points for managing the departments in those months, depending on your performance. We will weigh your output, your management skills, and your ability to bring out the best in your team," Arthur presented. "Now, you might wonder why the Human Resource Departm
Liam watched Charlotte sleep. He studied her now slender face, her pointed nose, and long lashes. He wondered if it was a sin to be so smitten with his wife. He checked his watch because he would leave for London a few hours from now. It would seem like sleep was nowhere near. Liam did not want to leave his wife. If only he could take her wherever he needed to be, Liam would, but what could he do? Charlotte was Charlotte, and she was a go-getter. He understood she had an objective, and nothing would stop her from being Strauss Asset Investments' next CEO. He stroked her hair, and she hummed. She turned to face him, her arms automatically wrapped around his frame, and her chin rested on his chest. Their bare skins touched, and Liam held the urge to make love to her again. That night. His wife was so needy that they achieved five rounds before midnight. Liam stayed silent for the rest of the hours, hugging his wife. He relished in her touch and scent. He closed his eyes but cou
"The trial starts tomorrow," Timothy heard his father say. Timothy was having dinner with his family at the old Cash mansion when Tony spoke. He looked up, thinking deeply. "What? Why did you tell him that for?" Marian Cash sarcastically asked. With a scoff, she glanced at Timothy and said, "Nothing in that trial will clear Charlotte from being infertile. Even if you say she had lost weight, it doesn't change that she cannot give me a grandchild." "What if her attorneys prove otherwise?" Timothy asked. "A lawyer cannot confirm that," Marian pointed out. "But if you insist on going, I'll accompany you to prove a point." "I'd also like to hear what Charlotte's lawyer has to say," Tamara, Timothy's sister said. "Look, son. Fine, we go to that trial for publicity's sake. We will continue to make the media see us supporting Charlotte, despite your divorce," Marian said. "But as for Charlotte, please, don't pursue her any longer." "Have you forgotten how much money she got from yo
Charlotte glanced at the Cash family and saw them intensely waiting. From the earlier cross-examination with Doctor Serina, she had noticed Timothy clench his jaws. 'You think that made you angry, Tim? Wait till you hear what Victoria has done,' Charlotte thought. Then, she glanced at the rows of seats behind her. Other people were present, those that Yael had arranged to be witnesses for that hearing. Charlotte was glad that her grandparents were not there. She had purposely asked them to stay home because she did not want her grandmother to get a heart attack with everything that would unfold. She did not know when Carla arrived, but Charlotte was happy to see her. Maddison had been called, and it was time for the show. Charlotte was about to turn her attention to the front when the door to the courtroom opened again. Chadwick let Charlene enter. Charlotte's mouth fell open. After her last exchange with her mother, she was unsure if she would come, but she had invited her to
"I could never forget the woman who broke my family. It was Maddison Buck," Charlene began. She told the story of how Maddison came into their lives, declaring that she had an affair with her husband, Paul Strauss. "She said that she and Paul had a daughter together, and that was why she was after him, to get support for the child, but my husband refused to acknowledge the child. He insisted that nothing happened to them." "Did you ever get to the point where you had done DNA testing with the child? Have you met this said child?" Yael asked. Charlene shook her head and said, "No, I didn't. She disappeared all of a sudden. We could not prove anything. She came into our lives like a storm and just vanished into thin air." "Interesting. That would be all for me," Yael said. Maddison's lawyers examined Charlene. She was questioned in many ways to test her memory. So far, Charlotte's mother has proved to be consistent. She was asked to sit, and Maddison was requested to be on the stan
What? Charlotte's father had an affair with this nurse?' Timothy asked in silence as he listened to Charlene give her statement. "Uh. How disgusting. The Strausses are a family of cheaters," Marian Cash whispered to Timothy and Tamara, but just as she said that, she paused. Timothy realized his mother unwittingly mocked him for also being a cheater. Marian took it back, saying, "You had a valid reason. How were we supposed to know that Charlotte was being medicated incorrectly?" He clenched his jaws and ignored his mother. Timothy focused on the hearing and later reflected, 'But then again, Charlotte's father denied it, and they were not able to confirm the child was his.' The trial continued, and the nurse was called into the stand again. Timothy recalled how the earlier lawyer brought up Victoria. Ever since, Charlotte insisted that Victoria had something to do with Serenity Fertility Clinic, but he has not seen the connection. It wasn't until the next lawyer, Mae, named Madd
"Charlotte, child. Can you tell me what happened today in court? I'm very anxious to know," Pete said on the phone, and Charlotte sighed. "Grandpa, can you give me time, please? In a way, today's hearing was what I had hoped for, but Maddison dropped a bomb that I have yet to look into," Charlotte said. She wasn't ready to tell Pete that Maddison suggested he and her father had masterminded the mad woman's kidnapping. There was so much more Charlotte and her lawyers had to know. "You are making me nervous. Where are you?" Pete asked. "We are at the hotel, in a conference room, covering today's hearing," Charlotte said. "We will deliberate, and then, if we end early, I'll see you later. If not tomorrow. I still have to see Mom. The next hearing will be this Friday." "Okay, Charlotte. If you say so, I hope to hear from you soon because, you know, once the hearing is documented in court, it will become public, and I would still end up knowing," Pete reminded. "Don't keep things from
Dear Beloved Readers, Thank you for supporting me throughout Liam and Charlotte's story. I know many of you wish to continue with this story, but it has already ended. I felt it has just the right amount of closure to conclude this book. I love all your eagerness. This was my first attempt to write a rebirth story, and I hope you enjoyed it. In a way, it was different than most of what I have written so far. Don't forget that this is my entry to the Goodnovel Contest, "Remorse-Revenge-Redemption." Feel free to drop your gems and re-read the book as many times as you wish. Your reads and gems will help me win the contest. So, you are probably wondering what is next for me. I have many requests for Lily and Lucas's story. I will do my best to focus on that, but at the same time, I already have a story in mind for Kenneth. So, let's see. Give me time to rest, recharge my brain, create an outline, and discuss with my editor. I will announce through my social media when my next
In an intimate chapel in Swaxon, rows of seats were aligned with turtle tree leaves. The same were adorned with peony and lilac blooms. Chandeliers hang on the ceiling, including hanging wisteria flowers and candlesticks. Gemstones also hang randomly from above, longer ones particularly bordered the aisle. Liam stood in a floral arch, waiting for his bride. He wore a tailor-fit suit as he held his gaze high, his eyes gleaming in tears. Despite having aged and having formed a few wrinkles on his face, he remained handsome and dignified. All his children stood alongside him. His twin boys were to his right. Scarlett Cecilia and Caleb Chad took the other side. Surprisingly enough, their little guy was cooperating with the ceremony. Smoke machines began to emit vapor towards the back of the chapel, and it signaled everyone who attended the wedding to turn to the aisle and turn on their lanterns. Over fifty small lanterns attached to a stick illuminated Charlotte's path. Most of t
Almost three years had passed. Charlotte and Liam's family had a picnic lunch with Carla and Chadwick. The older kids were done with their meals and enjoying their desserts. Only Caleb Chad was still munching his vegetables next to Charlotte. Liam drank a full glass of water and revealed, "Marian and Tony Cash are getting out today." Charlotte wiped her mouth with a table napkin. She remembered how Timothy's parents tried their best to evade imprisonment by delaying their hearing, but in the end, they were convicted of tax evasion. Marian and Tony were sentenced to five years. Charlotte did not even realize it had been that long. She straightened her posture, saying, "Wow, time flies." "Do you think they will be a problem, though?" Carla asked. "No, they won't," Chadwick assured everyone. "Our men have already spoken to Tony Cash. We have sent the message. If they don't bite, we won't bite back. They know not to mess with the Wrights." "So far, Victoria has not been a proble
Two years had passed. "And this year's World Finance Market award for the country's promising investment company goes to Strauss Asset Investments of Swaxon City!" A round of applause echoed across the venue. Company employees who attended the business gathering screamed for joy. At the same time, the host continued to introduce the company, "By the end of last year, Strauss Asset Investments has profited over three billion dollars while contributing generously to the Heart and Lung Center of Swaxon. The same company has opened two other branches, one in Braeton and another in Capmond. Their expansion granted over three hundred jobs." "Their partner, Gravity Ventures, held the same award three years ago, and today, they lead the finance market with the help of Strauss Asset Investments." The host looked at the party where Charlotte and her team sat and said, "Strauss Asset Investments continues to make smart investment decisions, satisfying the needs of their clients. And it is ex
"I, Paul Strauss, take you, Charlene, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. This is my solemn vow," Paul said in front of the crowd. Charlene was crying, taking deep breaths. Paul had to wipe the tears from her face before Charlene managed to speak her vows. In Braeton's biggest Cathedral, Paul and Charlene married again. After holding back due to Errol's death, their union was finally renewed. Charlotte was crying in her seat while carrying Peter. The toddler was sleeping in her arms after running around before the wedding could start. Her other boy, Paul Luces, was still at it, giving his nanny a run for it by the Cathedral's grounds. "I feel it, Mother's happiness. I feel that she is very happy with her second chance," Charlotte said. "And Father too," Liam said, looking at Paul's expression. Charlotte agreed. Paul's eyes were gliste
"Breathe in. Breathe out. Push along with your contractions - I'm so happy to be here right now. Thank you, heavens, for this opportunity," Scarlett said while holding Charlotte's hand. She cried, "My beautiful daughter-in-law is giving me another wonderful grandchild, and I am here to witness it all." Scarlett Wright got her wish come true. Liam's flight got delayed due to air traffic in Swaxon. Scarlett became Charlotte's automatic companion as she gave birth. Charlotte pushed, feeling the pain running down her pelvis. She gasped and was about ready to make another push when Scarlett said, "Don't be afraid. Mom's here. I'll be your strength. Take as much energy as you need from me -" "Okay, Mother. I got it," Charlotte said, trying not to interrupt her mother-in-law. "Arrggh." Scarlett was multitasking. She leaned sideways to see what was happening between Charlotte's legs. Then, she announced, "The baby is crowning!" "You can do it, Charlotte! You can do it!" Scarlett added, le
"So this is how it will work," Charlotte said. She was wearing a white robe around her, and so was her husband. "Liam and I will reveal the gender of Chadwick's and Carla's baby, and they will announce ours." "Everyone got it?" Charlotte asked, giving a thumbs up to their family members. "Liam and I will go first." "We are excited!" Scarlett screamed. "We are all curious why you both are wearing robes!" "That's because," Liam said. "Inside these robes are the truth about Carla's and Chadwick's baby's gender." Carla held Chadwick's hand from her seat and said, "I'm feeling nervous." The couple was back at Samantha's and Ethan's mansion to have the gender reveal party, which every one of the Wrights, based in Braeton City, attended. Pete and Cecile had traveled with Charlotte and Liam, whereas Paul, Charlene, and Lucinda were just in town. Carla had no problems with the venue because it gave her brother and mother an alibi for a longer trip. If the event were in Swaxon, it would
"Charlotte?" Frank called. "Should we postpone the meeting?" Charlotte opened her eyes and realized she was in the conference room, having a meeting with the executives. They had a short break while the internet was being restored, and Charlotte took a moment to doze off in her chair. A chuckle left her lips. Charlotte reasoned, "Sorry. It's the pregnancy hormones." "Oh, I know. My wife also suddenly sleeps in the middle of anything," Xander teased. "But you always came back rocking, Boss. We have no complaints." "Internet's back up, Boss," Ming said. "Right," Charlotte said before looking at the screen before her. "Carry on." "As you can see, Boss, our competitor, A&D Mutual Fund, has followed our investment tactics. I can't help but be annoyed," Ming remarked. Charlotte smiled. A&D Mutual Fund was the competitor company that supposedly hired Shane Westly, Jim Ash, and Billy White. Even Xander jumped into working with them in Charlotte's past life. However, with the knowledg
" You found me all messed upYou found me down on my luckSo lost, but then I woke up in love" ~ Chadwick's and Carla's wedding party was a blast. They entered, dancing to the tune of Woke Up in Love by Kygo, Gryffin, and Calum Scott. Carla raised her arm, lifting her bouquet as the guests congratulated them. Visitors included some of her followers on social media, her co-actors from Pacific Lifeguards, co-workers of Chadwick within Liam's security team, Charlotte's and Liam's family, and Boris. While Carla fluidly danced to the music, Chadwick looked stiff but tried to dance along. "Go Chadwick! Go, Chadwick! Haha!" Charlotte laughed while clapping her hands. She turned to her husband and encouraged, "Look here and cheer Chadwick on!" Liam shook his head the entire time. He said, "Just let me remember Chadwick as a stiff lad. I can't imagine him dancing." "Aww. This is another side of Chadwick that I haven't seen before," Scarlett remarked, smiling at Chadwick. She and her hu