SWNOVELS Chapter 12
Chapter 12
‘Past friendship? How ironic,‘ thought Charlotte. She tightened her grip on the door handle. Twisting around, she addressed Annie with a glare. “You’re talking about friendship now? That ship sailed three years ago,” she retorted, scoffing at Annie. “But what did I expect? The Lynn family seems to excel at breeding ungrateful members fond of dishonest business.”
With a sarcastic smile playing on her lips, Charlotte slid into her car, denying Annie the chance for a rebuttal. She gunned the engine and shot off, leaving Annie under the shadow of her imposing Mercedes–Benz. Charlotte’s assertive exit, like her beast of a car, was starkly at odds with her petite frame. Annie realized the true Charlotte was very different from the gentle and kind–hearted mask she’d been wearing.
Clenching her fists, a slow tremor took hold of Annie. A vicious fire sparked in her eyes, the flames of rage coursing through her.
Charlotte didn’t go somewhere to relax after leaving Supreme International Group; instead, she headed straight for the police station. The news gave Zachary an instant headache.
“So, what’s our next move?” Leo asked, worry lacing his voice.
“We cooperate,” Zachary replied flatly, taking a drag from his cigarette. “If she’s after answers, we give her answers.”
Leo picked up on the unspoken meaning behind Zachary’s words: Charlotte wouldn’t stop until she uncovered the truth she was after.
Zachary’s lighter flickered as he took a couple of drags from his cigarette, not uttering another word.
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Zachary silently took a couple more puffs on his cigarette while Leo fretted. “It’s not looking good for Ms. Lopez.”
“Yeah, I noticed,” Zachary responded nonchalantly. Leo, who thought he knew Zachary inside and out, found this reaction somewhat puzzling.
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Meanwhile, the rumor mills in Liene City whirred with chatter, comparing Annie and Charlotte in the aftermath of the expo incident. The city had pretty much determined who came out on top. Despite Annie being Zachary’s fiancée, he didn’t seem to be putting any effort into quelling the trending gossip or protecting her reputation.
The police assured Charlotte they would handle her case, and their professional demeanor helped her feel a sense of relief. She walked out of the police station with a lighter heart.
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Chapter 12
Out of nowhere, a figure darted from the shadows. Caught by surprise, Charlotte was already wrapped in someone’s arms before she had a chance to react.
“Charlotte, it’s truly you!” A familiar voice exclaimed.
“Olivia?” she replied, recognizing the source–Olivia Sullivan, Zachary’s younger sister.
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Seeing the young girl, Charlotte instantly relaxed. Her eyes filled with warmth. “Why are you here, Olivia?”
“I heard you came back, and I’ve been searching everywhere for you. I even went all the way to Maple Estates!”
“You went to Maple Estates?” Charlotte was surprised.
“Yeah, but the housekeeper told me you’d already left. We should head back. Grandpa’s missed you.”
At the mention of “Grandpa,” Charlotte went quiet. Her face drained of color as the word weighed down on her, making it hard for her to breathe. Within the extended Sullivan family, Olivia was the one who truly cherished her, and her Grandpa Jerry was her most staunch defender.
“Olivia, I… I still have some things to handle…” Charlotte began, only to be cut off.
“Are you worried about Zachary? You shouldn’t be. He hasn’t been to the old house for years. If he shows up now, Grandpa will give him an earful!” Olivia interrupted before Charlotte could excuse herself. She didn’t allow for any further discussion and promptly ushered Charlotte into the car.