August 2, 2023. Chapter 2-2. Thank you for patiently waiting. The next chapter will be in the afternoon.
"Allowing a new contender for the CEO position makes the competition fair and square. We cannot limit our options between Charlotte and Frank, just because Timothy is gone," Konstantine said during the meeting. "From day one, we had agreed that we are all willing to consider an outsider to compete for the job." Konstantine pointed to the man beside him and said, "Well, Lev Agapov is akin to finance investment, having been the former CEO of South Pacific Bank. He handled banking operations and ran various investment services." "Is it really necessary to bring an outsider?" Frank was the first to react, and secretly, Charlotte could not help but agree with him. "Sometimes, a fresh idea will make a big difference," Fabio remarked. "I agree with Konstantine on this." "Are you afraid of a healthy competition, Frank?" Konstantine asked before turning to Charlotte. He asked the same thing, "And you too, Charlotte?" At the back of Charlotte's head, she wanted to roll her eyes, but yes,
"A ten thousand dollar signing bonus and a ten-year contract for a mere security guard?" Lev revealed before passing copies of Jim Ash's employment contract. "What? Ten thousand dollars?" Jack Hall reacted, his eyes bulging at the news. "My Charlotte, why did you offer such an amount?" Melissa Smith asked. She gazed at Arthur, asking, "Did you really approve of this?" "As your CEO, I decide what's best for the company," Arthur replied. "I wholeheartedly believed Charlotte had looked into Jim Ash, and the benefit that he can bring forth to the company." "Board members, please," Arthur said. "This is my job. You need not worry yourselves with this matter." "But what can a bodyguard give us?!" Konstantine reacted. He shook his head and said, "What sales experience does he have?" At that point, Frank, Charlotte's competitor, also turned to her in shock. He commented, "This is unlike you, Charlotte." Maximo, Frank's father, laughed. He said, "This happens when a woman tries to make
"Wow, this place is huge," Charlotte remarked, seeing the hectares of land. Charlotte had just arrived at the site where the new Heart and Lung Center would be built. The site for the medical facility was far from Swaxon proper, around an hour's drive. The massive area showed signs of previous clearing, which meant old structures had already been taken down to prepare the land for its next skyrise. Regardless, the site looked in order. The venue was made of temporary steel frames, and its roof was made of polycarbonate panels. Impressed, Charlotte asked, "Are you sure this isn't already a hospital? Such a big expense for a groundbreaking ceremony, don't you think?" Chadwick laughed. He replied, "This is the Thompsons making a statement. You should have seen the one made before the Diamond Hotel Plus Swaxon was built." They walked in, finding their seats. Suddenly, Charlotte's eyes gleamed. She elbowed Chadwick, saying, "Look, that guy is hot!" She flushed and suggested, "I think
"Exceptionally, you can stay five meters away from me," Mister Thompson said. Charlotte heard Doctor Shantelle laugh. The beautiful lady glanced at her husband and said, "Oh, Evan. Don't overdo it." Shantelle turned to Charlotte, saying, "Come to our table. We have much to talk about." While Charlotte was dragged away from the common gathering area, Lev Agapov gave her that "How the hell did you get their attention" look. He was throwing daggers with his eyes while Charlotte merely shrugged. Lev was clearly consumed with jealousy as his eyes continued to follow her. Sadly for him, his eyes can only reach so far. Ultimately, they arrived at another part of the venue where only VIP guests were present, and the glass walls were tinted. No one could see from the outside. Chadwick followed after them, and the fact that Evan and Shantelle did not shoo him away, Charlotte realized they knew her. As soon as the glass door shut behind them, Charlotte asked, "Did my offer catch your atte
"Is there a way for you to live longer than five years?" Charlotte watched as Konstantine continued to interview Emma. Other board members asked her about her condition, like Melissa Smith, who continued to weep about the little girl's story. "If I get a real heart, yeah," Emma said. "But if I don't, I go to heaven and meet Grandma and Grandpa. It isn't so bad." All the more, the board members cried. They were all probably wondering how Emma was so brave. "Her parents already prepared her for the possibility," Doctor Shantelle revealed. "Innovations are on the way. Evan and I are funding a study on how to make a mechanical heart last longer because the truth is, there are not enough heart donors." "So we are really thankful for everyone's donation. Your grants will not only be given to children, but young teens who are also struggling to find a heart donor," Shantelle added. "Recently, I only partnered with those who share and believe in my vision, and seeing how you all interac
"Charlotte, throughout the CEO tests, you have shown the competencies required of a great leader. You have demonstrated adaptability and decisiveness. You have empowered the teams under you, especially the sales and fund departments," Arthur said in front of a room full of executives and board members. Each one of them had a smile on their face as Charlotte stood before them. "You have taken calculative risks which we did not understand at first, but the outcome blew us all away," Arthur added. "We have so many good things to say about how you managed each department assigned to you, but for us and Maximo -" Arthur paused, glancing at Maximo. The latter nodded at him and then gave the same regard to Charlotte. Arthur said, "What impressed us the most was how you were readily available to aid your opponent - your supposed rival." "For us, that showed how you can be a great example and a leader," Arthur said. "And with that, we have closed the CEO position and handed it over to you."
Chadwick froze, seeing Carla slump to the floor. "Carla!" He called, rushing to her. He immediately scooped her in his arms, asking, "Are you awake?" Carla hummed. She threw her head back, answering, "Barely." Her chest heaved, and her eyes remained closed as she wrapped one arm around Chadwick's neck. "I had too much to drink." Faintly, she requested, "Bring me inside, please." 'How troublesome.' Chadwick tried to think back. He acknowledged how Carla and Charlotte consumed two bottles of wine. Thus, she was likely drunk, which was why she suddenly proposed marriage! She wasn't thinking straight! Chadwick did as she requested. While he carried her in his strong arms, he struggled to get Carla's finger to open the door. When he got in, he asked, "Where do I put you?" "Room," she responded, her eyes were still closed. "I don't know where your room is," Chadwick complained. "Why don't you walk to your room?" Carla did not answer. Instead, she nestled into his chest, making C
Everyone in the company slowly became aware of Charlotte and Liam's relationship. They still did not know they were already married, but it was clear that Liam Wright was seriously pursuing Charlotte. In the days that followed, he sent her signature bags and jewelry. One evening, as Charlotte worked late with Arthur, Liam sent a chef to cook in front of everyone doing overtime. The employees could not help but leave remarks. "Mister Wright is obsessed with Miss Strauss!" "Talk about gift to impress!" "Miss Strauss is so lucky!" Going out on an official date was their boldest statement. They went out to another location outside the Diamond Hotel. Charlotte finally returned to one of her favorite restaurants, David's Palace. Clearly, the news of her newfound relationship broke out because, during Fabio Bianchi's visit to the company, he intentionally stopped by to speak to her. He said, "Mister Liam Wright, huh? You caught the eye of a billionaire hotel CEO." "Well, I would not
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