All Chapters of Mastering Charlotte: Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

JamesCharlotte smiles, but the smile is a bit wan, made more so by her nose which is bright red in the cold, close to matching her hair.How do I explain to my emerald-eyed wild-child that Beth, for all her beauty, her polished manners and her elegant ways, holds not a fraction of the attraction for me that she does?Beth's a true sub....You're a sub when it suits you to be........ and only for me....My flame-haired mermaid has already proved she is a survivor. Could Beth have done the same?I wrap an arm around her shoulder. "If I wanted someone like Beth, I would be with someone like Beth.""But she's so beautiful," she protests. She looks close to tears.Can it really bother her so much?"You're beautiful too. And not just on the outside. The things I want from you, Charlotte, all come from the inside. And no amount of expensive clothes or nail polish can replace that."She looks doubtful but sucks her lower lip and nods."And don't suck your lips. They'l

A fine day, bright sunshine, the buzz of the City:A gangly ginger-haired teenager skulks in the background, wandering from one place to another. Always on the move, never stopping anywhere long, she travels the City. Passing through the crowds, the buzz and the confusion, never part of it, she keeps walking, always walking.Arms folded, head and face down, her long red hair swishes with her movement. She's tall for her age, built like a beanstalk with no traces of a developing woman's figure. And thin, with no flesh to her arms and legs, her face is pale and has only a promise of beauty to come.In the backstreets, the lost and the lonely lie stretched out in sleeping bags or on cardboard. As she sees them she crosses the street to pass by on the other side of the road.She keeps walking.At last, streets and houses give way to green spaces. Fields stretch as far as the eye can see, cut off only by the mountains rearing up on the horizon.She halts, looking intimidated. Sh

JamesMaking our way to the meeting room for her interview, I follow behind as Michael holds a pale-faced Charlotte's hand.Beth and Richard are already waiting. I knew Beth was going to be present to support Charlotte, but Richard also, billionaire owner of a large part of the City, has cleared his diary to be here too. I'm not sure what he thinks he can contribute, but his presence speaks volumes.How many student trainees receive that kind of accolade from their CEO…?.... and friend…Beth gives her a hug. Francis brings a tray of coffee and her favourite chocolate-chip biscuits, which Charlotte doesn't touch.When Charlotte doesn't take offered food, you know she's not feeling good....Her smile is small and forced. She's doing her best to be polite, but I think it takes every ounce of Michael's support to keep her going. Still, she said she wanted to do this and overall, I believe she has made the right choice.We don't have to wait long. It's just as well. No-one

KlempnerOutside, sitting in the car, key hovering over the ignition, "Of course not. I wish it was 'Of course not'."Bech's voice is neutral. "You want me to get rid of him, sir?"You'd love me to say yes, wouldn't you........ You can't stand the pasty-faced little perv either...."It's a tempting thought, isn't it? But no, I really don't have anyone to replace him right now."Bech frowns. "No one, sir? Baxter perhaps? He thinks for himself....""Yes, he does, but he's busy with what's going on in South America.... He's sending a fresh batch next week.""Sir, you have a lot of people to call on. Surely, someone....""Yes, Bech, I do, but they're scattered. I need someone here." Glancing at him side-long, "I'm guessing you're not volunteering for the job."He rubs the side of his nose. "Not my style, sir," he replies blandly."Didn't think so. So, we're stuck with Jenkins for now.""He knows the rules," he says. "He won't touch them, but.... that doesn't mean

RichardWill lays knife and fork to one side, steepling his fingers. "Richard, I know you and I are old friends and that you're calling me on that now, but I also have to answer for my own actions. Allegations have been made regarding the man and I cannot simply ignore them.""What allegations?""I'm not at liberty to say."Very helpful...."So, ask Charlotte herself what you want to know. She'll tell you the right of it.""You really think she will?"Hmmm....I take a mouthful of the Cabernet, swishing it around to give myself time to think. "Let me put it this way. How far would you get with any prosecution on James if Charlotte refuses to co-operate?" Will purses his lips. "And as for the Blessingmoors business, which is where you do need her evidence, I don't believe there is any team of wild horses that will drag anything useful out of her so long as she thinks there is an attempt on your part to attack James.""You really think so?""I'm sure so....""He bou