Sebastian's question hung in the air, his eyes fixed on Charlotte, a hint of challenge in his tone.Charlotte felt the weight of Sebastian's gaze, sensing an unspoken expectation. She knew that if she said yes, Sebastian might kiss her then and there. Gathering her composure, she searched for the right words."Well..." Charlotte hesitated, feeling the intensity of Sebastian's presence.Suddenly, Nathan's appearance broke the tension, providing a welcome distraction for Charlotte."Mr. President, your call," Nathan interjected, handing Sebastian his phone and relieving the awkward atmosphere.Sebastian took the phone, his demeanour shifting back to his usual composed self."Thank you, Nathan. I'll return the call later," Sebastian said, pocketing the phone and restoring a sense of normalcy.Charlotte breathed a quiet sigh of relief, grateful for Nathan's timely interruption.As they settled into the quiet of the plane, Sebastian and Charlotte focused on their work, occasionally exchang
Chapter 20As Sebastian and Charlotte glided across the dance floor, their movements synchronized and elegant, they seemed enveloped in their own world. With each step, Charlotte felt the connection with Sebastian deepening, a sense of friendship that transcended their professional relationship.As they danced, Charlotte couldn't help but marvel at Sebastian's grace and charm. Despite his reserved demeanor, there was an undeniable allure about him, drawing people in, including herself.Sebastian, too, found himself captivated by Charlotte's presence. Her calmness and confidence stood in stark contrast to his cautious nature, yet somehow, they complemented each other perfectly.With the music playing, the dance floor crowded with couples, Sebastian and Charlotte seemed to meld into one, lost in the rhythm of the music and their close connection.Unbeknownst to them, Sebastian's colleagues and partners didn't overlook their dance; they watched with interest from the sidelines."Sebastia
With a sense of urgency, George dialed the number, his fingers impatiently tapping the screen of his phone. He knew he was stepping into dangerous territory, but his need for information outweighed concerns of privacy or morality.The call connected, and a familiar voice greeted him. "Hello?""Anne, it's George," he said, his voice low and urgent.There was a pause on the line before Anne responded, her tone cautious. "George, what's wrong? Why are you calling me?"George took a deep breath, preparing to ask the question he needed an answer to. "I need to know Sebastian's schedule. It's important."Anne's voice carried a hint of hesitation as she replied, "George, I can't just disclose that information. It's confidential.""Please, Anne," George pleaded, desperation evident in his tone. "I need to know. It concerns my family."Caught between her loyalty to Sebastian and her desire to help George, Anne sighed on the other end of the line, torn.Finally, after a moment of silence, Anne s
Chapter 22"Charlotte, this event's successful signing is all thanks to you. It's your first time in Feia, and this place is special. Take a two-day break to explore the beauty here," Sebastian said warmly to Charlotte.Charlotte smiled appreciatively, about to thank him, when a clear voice rang out in the air of Feia: "Charlotte."Charlotte and Sebastian were at a café, having just finished meeting with a collaborator. She turned around, her face lighting up with a smile. "David, what a coincidence to see you here!" She hugged David while Sebastian looked coldly at the unfamiliar man, feeling a surge of displeasure. He couldn't remember Charlotte ever smiling so happily in his presence."Charlotte, it's been so long. You still look as beautiful as ever." David's joy was palpable. He noticed the handsome man beside Charlotte. "And who might this be?""He's my boss. We're here on a business trip," Charlotte explained.The tension between the two men was palpable, and Charlotte tried t
Sebastian couldn't understand why the sudden idea popped into his head that having Charlotte move in with him might help him determine if his mental illness was completely cured.For the first time, he realized he was being somewhat reckless. After all, he didn't know Charlotte well and wasn't sure if her father sent her to spy on him. Moreover, Charlotte was indeed his nephew's former fiancée, and his brother's family wasn't as simple as it seemed. Though the conglomerate was under his management now, he knew his brother's family wanted his son, George, to enter the company."I'm not interested in your identity; I'm only concerned about your current status," Sebastian said."I need to consider it," Charlotte replied. She was eager to regain her mother's art gallery quickly. She also knew her father was still hoping for an alliance with the Goliath Group, and her stepmother and stepsister were also eyeing it. But when it came to her marriage, even if it was contractual, she needed to
The night view of Feiyr was covered with a charming veil as night fell.Soft music was playing in the car window. Sebastian was a driver for the first time.However, his attention was attracted by Charlotte sitting next to him. She looked a little confused.The wind blew, blowing Charlotte's hair and covering her face.Sebastian couldn't help but reach out and gently push Charlotte's hair behind her ear."Tell me the truth. Are you trying to seduce me?" Charlotte asked drunkenly.Sebastian was embarrassed by her words but knew this was not the time to get angry."Don't talk nonsense, you're drunk."Charlotte didn't seem to listen. She continued to look at Sebastian with a dazed look."I know you think so too. You are interested in me.""You are talking nonsense." Sebastian tried to stay calm, but he was a little irritated.He didn't know if Charlotte was joking or if she misunderstood his intentions.Charlotte didn't feel embarrassed at all. She reached out and gently stroked Sebastia
The following day, Charlotte woke up to find herself fully dressed. Still drowsy, she rubbed her eyes and tried to recall the events of the previous night.She remembered drinking a lot, but the details were completely hazy. Sitting in bed, she glanced around and noticed a white shirt folded neatly beside her. It looked distinctly like a man's shirt.Feeling a bit hesitant, she finally decided to put on the shirt. It barely covered her thighs, making her feel both exposed and strangely comfortable. With her mind still foggy from sleep, she stepped out of the room, trying to piece together what had happened the night before.As she entered the living room, all activity abruptly stopped. Every eye turned to her, and she instantly felt the weight of their stares. Scanning the room, she realized a meeting was in progress. The attendees were essential figures in the company and gathered to discuss a crucial project with Sebastian.Charlotte's sudden appearance caused a moment of stunned si
"Nothing happened last night, right?" Charlotte asked uncertainly."You don't remember?" Sebastian's deep eyes stared into hers."I just remember you helping me take a bath, but nothing after that," Charlotte said, embarrassed."Something did happen. We slept in the same bed," Sebastian said with a straight face."Really?" Charlotte blinked, questioning him.She didn't want their interactions always to occur when she was drunk. The first time had been her initiative, but this time, she wasn't sure if she had been too drunk, if she had been the one to initiate it, or what exactly had happened."Yes, in the same bed," Sebastian said, a slight smile on his lips. "Do you wish something had happened?"Charlotte blushed at his words. "I just don't want any misunderstandings between us."Sebastian's gaze softened. "Don't worry. Nothing happened that you wouldn't have wanted."Charlotte sighed in relief but still felt a bit awkward. She tried to piece together the fragments of last night in he
Sebastian squeezed her hand to comfort her."I'll go with you to see Claire.""You're coming too?" Charlotte asked in surprise."I'll stay nearby, where I can see you but she can't see me."Charlotte nodded, quickly got dressed, and used a scarf to cover the marks on her neck."We need to find out what she's thinking. Don't you think she looks a bit like me?"Sebastian didn't comment on that.At the café, Charlotte saw Claire already sitting at a table by the window."Claire.""Charlotte."The two of them sitting together looked like sisters.Claire's sharp eyes closely observed Charlotte. "So, how was your night?"Charlotte shrugged, maintaining a neutral expression. "Nothing special. How about yours?"Claire leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. "Just curious if you noticed anything strange last night? When I visited Sebastian, I thought I heard someone in his room."Charlotte's heart raced, but she remained calm. "Strange? No, I didn't notice anything. Maybe it was just a
Sebastien held Charlotte’s hand to comfort her. "I'll come with you to see Claire.""You’re coming too?" Charlotte asked in surprise."I'll stay nearby, where I can see you, but she can’t see me," Sebastien explained.Charlotte nodded, quickly dressed, and used a scarf to cover the marks on her neck. "We need to figure out what she’s thinking. Don’t you think she looks a bit like me?"Sebastien made no comment on this observation.At the cafe, Charlotte found Claire already seated by the window."Claire.""Charlotte."The two sat together like sisters.Claire’s sharp eyes closely observed Charlotte. "So, how was your night?"Charlotte shrugged, keeping her expression neutral. "Nothing much. How about you?"Claire leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. "Just curious, did you notice anything strange last night? When I visited Sebastien, I thought I hea
The next morning, the early rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Sebastien and Charlotte as they woke up, still in each other’s embrace.The calmness of the morning stood in stark contrast to the previous night’s panic, making their relationship feel temporarily better.Charlotte stretched and yawned, her mind already racing with thoughts of how to handle their complicated relationship. “We need a plan, Sebastien. Claire is already suspicious, and soon others will start noticing too.”Sebastien nodded, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. “You’re right. We need to be strategic.”Just then, Charlotte’s phone buzzed on the bedside table. She reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Claire’s name on the screen.“It’s Claire,” Charlotte said, holding up the phone for Sebastien to see.“Answer it,” Sebastien urged. “Act normal.”Charlotte took a deep breath and accepted the call. “Hey, Claire. What’s up?”“Hey, Charlotte. Are you fre
Charlotte's heart raced as she heard Claire's voice outside Sebastien's door. Panic set in as she quickly assessed her options. Her neck was covered in Sebastien's kiss marks, and there was no way she could face Claire without raising suspicion."Hide in the bathroom," Sebastien whispered urgently, sensing her dilemma.Charlotte nodded and swiftly slipped into the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind her. She pressed her ear against the door, trying to catch snippets of the conversation outside.Sebastien took a deep breath and opened the door, greeting Claire with a forced smile. "Claire, what brings you here?""Can I come in?" Claire asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Sebastien's handsome face."Of course," Sebastien said, gesturing for her to enter.Claire stepped inside, her sharp gaze sweeping over the room, making Sebastien uneasy. "I wanted to discuss something about the project," she said casually,
Chapter 54The atmosphere in the meeting room was somewhat tense. Sebastien didn't immediately agree to Ronaldo's request. He turned to Ronaldo and said, "I will consider your request carefully." The first meeting between the parties ended just like that. Sebastien didn't want Ronaldo to take the initiative, even though he sought cooperation."Sebastien," Claire called out to him after the meeting, "Would you join me for dinner?"Sebastien glanced at Charlotte and said, "Let's all go together.""Ronaldo, do you have time to join us for dinner too?" he added.In the end, all five people from the meeting room were seated together at a restaurant. The seating arrangement was quite interesting, with Ronaldo flanked by Charlotte on his left and Claire on his right. Even Nathan noticed the resemblance between the two women. "Charlotte and Claire look quite alike," he remarked jokingly.Both Sebastien and Ronaldo paused, looking closely and indeed noticing the similarity. Sebastien didn't sa
Several days later, the much-anticipated meeting commenced as scheduled on a bright and sunny morning. Top executives and board members had already taken their seats in the elegant conference room. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Ronaldo, accompanied by his daughter Claire, strode in. Their entrance caused a brief pause among the attendees, who quickly resumed their composure."Ronaldo, it's a pleasure to meet you finally. I'm Sebastian," said Sebastian, rising to greet him. "This is my secretary, Charlotte, and my assistant, Nathan," he added, introducing them with a polite gesture.As Ronaldo entered, his sharp eyes immediately noticed Charlotte. There was a resemblance to someone from his past, but he maintained his composure, shaking Sebastian's hand firmly."Please, take a seat. This is my daughter Claire. You've met before," Ronaldo remarked, observing Sebastian and Charlotte closely for their reactions.Charlotte glanced up at Claire, recalling their brief encounter in Sebas
"Send me your location, Nathan. I'll come to you," Sebastian said over the phone."Charlotte, the president is on his way," Nathan turned to Charlotte. "Do you want to freshen up? I've booked a table at the hotel restaurant. We'll meet there."Charlotte finally snapped out of her thoughts and headed to the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the turmoil in her heart. After showering, she put on a light blue dress. Her wet hair fell softly over her shoulders, giving her a refreshingly natural look.Before she knew it, it was 7 PM. Nathan was already seated in the restaurant, his heart pounding with anticipation for Sebastian and Charlotte's arrival. He flipped through the menu while glancing at the door from time to time, feeling a bit anxious.Sebastian walked into the restaurant, his eyes scanning the room. He soon spotted Nathan and, with a slight frown, asked, "Where's Charlotte?"Nathan looked up and smiled, "She'll be down
Back at the hotel, Sebastian was trying to focus on his meeting with Ronaldo. Claire was still there, watching him with a curious expression."Why do you look so worried? My father is finally agreeing to meet you," Claire said, sensing his unease.Sebastian forced a smile. "Just making sure everything goes smoothly. This meeting is important."Claire nodded, accepting his explanation but still curious about his behaviour. Sebastian knew he had to keep his composure. The meeting with Ronaldo could determine the future of his business dealings, but more importantly, it could provide answers to the questions swirling in his mind about Charlotte and the sudden interest Ronaldo seemed to have in her. Little did he know, Ronaldo had his own hidden agenda, one that could potentially shatter Sebastian's world.Soon enough, Sebastian and Ronaldo were face to face. The air was thick with tension as both exuded a strong presence, their eyes locked in a
"Nathan, drop everything and find Charlotte. I need to talk to her and explain. I can't bear the thought of her being out there alone," Sebastian pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation, as he called Nathan as soon as Charlotte left the hotel."Got it, boss. I'll take the next flight over," Nathan replied."No need. I'll send my private jet to pick you up," Sebastian insisted.He knew he had to find Charlotte and make things right, but he couldn't risk going out now."Sebastian," came Claire's voice from outside the door. Sebastian quickly changed clothes and opened the door."Sebastian, my father has agreed to meet you. Are you happy now?" Claire said as if she were taking full credit for it.Sebastian was surprised. He had stayed here for so long without getting a meeting with Claire's father, Ronaldo. There had been no news despite Claire's attempts to arrange a meeting. It was said that Ronaldo was very fond of his da