Chapter 9

"Oh, I see," I replied with feigned innocence. "I thought maybe it was because you had someone else in your heart…"

Charlie's expression shifted immediately, turning dark and troubled.

"Of course there's someone else in my heart, but it's not love—it's hate."

I watched him intently, sensing that he was talking about me. I silently waited for him to continue.

"I used to have a wife," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But she's missing now, along with my child."

"Is it possible something happened to her?" I ventured.

Charlie let out a cold laugh. "You don't know my ex-wife. She's unbelievably selfish. This is definitely one of her schemes, probably because she isn't happy about how I manage my career."

"Just wait," he continued, his tone darkening. "I'll find her eventually. If she's treated my child well, I might let it go. But if she hasn't, I'll teach her a lesson she'll never forget."

I stayed silent, smirking inwardly. He had no idea that the very woman he desp