SWNOVELS Chapter 10
Chapter 10 Zachary’s Explanation
Zachary was in his office when Charlotte walked in. Upon seeing her, he frowned. “What are you doing here?”
With a tone of mockery, Charlotte asked, “Were you in the middle of something with Annie?”
“She and I—”
He tried to explain but was abruptly cut off by Charlotte. “I have a question for you.” Charlotte wasn’t interested in Annie. The realization that Annie held greater importance in Zachary’s heart than she or their kids did, was as clear as daylight to her.
Zachary was annoyed by Charlotte’s indifferent demeanor. She had drastically changed from the woman he knew three years ago. Her charm had now evolved into a blend of sharp wit and cool indifference.
“Ask away,” Zachary responded curtly.
“Are you the director of Liene Hospital?”
“Yes, I am. Is there a problem?”
“Did you intentionally leak the news of my grandmother’s death to my grandfather?”
Zachary froze, a cigarette clenched between his fingers. He looked at Charlotte, puzzled. “When did you ever have a grandfather?”
Charlotte was hiding more secrets than he thought. The info Leo drummed up was all work-related. Her life overseas was practically invisible. Zachary had hit a roadblock every time he’d tried to dig deeper. His initial suspicion was Gordon working behind the scenes, but now it seemed like the puppet master was her grandfather.
Seeing Zachary’s surprise and confusion, Charlotte deduced that he was not the source of the leak. “I see. Sorry for the bother.”
However, as she got up to leave, Zachary caught her wrist. “So, that’s it? You’re just leaving?”
“What is your issue?” she snapped, a wave of revulsion crashing over her at his touch.
Seeing the disgust in her eyes, Zachary tightened his grip. “How dare you barge into my office without permission?” Charlotte attempted to wriggle free from his clutch, her response only amplifying his irritation. Zachary mused, ‘And now she thinks she can just leave? Seems like she can’t wait to get away from me.’
Ignoring her struggles, Zachary pulled Charlotte into his arms. Charlotte fumed, “Release me!”
“Do you want to know the truth about Mrs. Moore’s death?” His sudden proposition stopped her resistance.
Her eyes, wide with shock and anger, bore into his. “What does that have to do with you?”
“I’m aware of your visit to the hospital.” Zachary’s disclosure stirred suspicion in Charlotte. She wondered, was he involved in this too?
Facing her piercing stare, Zachary confessed, “Your grandmother’s death is suspicious. I’m also looking into it.”
“Really? I’m starting to believe you had a hand in it.”
“You don’t trust me.” His statement bore a trace of sorrow.
She scoffed, “Is there any trust left between us?” Lightly brushing Zachary’s hand off her wrist, she straightened her clothes and collected herself. “Mr. Sullivan, may I ask you some questions?” A formal tone colored her words, mirroring their strained relationship.
His eyes darkened as he lit up a cigarette. Exhaling a stream of smoke, he proposed, “I can answer your questions, but on one condition.”