Chapter 5 It's Him Again

Upon discovering that her day's work on a jewelry design was actually for Frank, Charlotte was filled with disgust. The thought that someone like him, whom she considered a jerk, would wear her creation was disdainful to her. Trying to hide her feelings, Charlotte gave Frank a small smile. "Hello, I'm Charlotte Hall." Frank's smile didn't look genuine. "Hello, I'm Frank Allen, and this is my wife, Lorraine." Charlotte nodded politely to them but didn't say anything more. But Frank didn't seem to want to leave it at that. "Uncle, did you check her background before hiring? We shouldn't just let anyone into the company." Luke had no patience for this and wasn't interested in saving face for Frank. "Are you trying to tell me what to do? My business is not your concern." "I'm just trying to help. I'm worried you might hire the wrong people." Charlotte smirked inwardly, thinking, 'You're the one who's wrong here, not me.' Luke's expression chilled, signaling he was done with the conversation. "If there's nothing else, I need to introduce her to my friends. Please excuse us." Frank quickly said, "I didn't mean anything bad by it." Without another glance at Frank, Luke took Charlotte by the arm and led her away. Lorraine was confused by Frank's harsh tone tonight, as it wasn't typical for him. "Why are you acting like this about the woman with Luke?" she asked, trying to understand his behavior. Frank glanced at Charlotte walking away. "It's nothing." "You went too far. Your uncle hates being told what to do. It's no surprise he's upset. You should apologize to him when you get the chance." Frank was slightly annoyed but answered politely, "Of course, I will." In his mind, Frank planned a different kind of "apology" for Luke. He wanted to reveal Charlotte's "true colors". He couldn't let Luke get involved with her. Though Frank called Luke "Uncle," they were about the same age. Their relationship was more about family ties and business, usually friendly enough. Charlotte felt uneasy. The way Frank had looked at her and the things he said might make people at the banquet suspicious. She didn't want anyone here to know about her past with Frank or cause any trouble. Charlotte's appearance was a mystery to many, as Frank never shared her pictures. Only those in their close circle knew what she looked like. Frank had spun a tale about Charlotte's alleged affair to convince Lorraine that their divorce happened before he and Lorraine started dating. He claimed they'd been separated for six months and denied any involvement with Charlotte's babies. With all the IVF documents in his possession, Charlotte had no way to prove her innocence. Frank's influence as a respected financial expert only made things worse. His lies had branded Charlotte as unfaithful, deeply hurting her. Seeing Frank now, Charlotte struggled to comprehend how she could have ever loved such a cruel man. Beside Frank stood Lorraine, her face radiating innocence. Charlotte couldn't help but think Lorraine was completely in the dark about Frank and Charlotte's past. Charlotte's past struggles intensified when her father, Bill, barred her from returning home, forcing her to raise her children alone abroad. Noticing her discomfort, Luke asked, "Are you feeling okay?" "No, I'm fine," Charlotte responded. "I'm just not used to these events and feel a bit on edge." Remembering Frank's earlier remarks, she wished she could slap him, but the formality of the setting restrained her. Frank observed Charlotte and Luke conversing with a growing sense of suspicion, wondering about her intentions in getting close to his uncle. Luke, meanwhile, continued introducing Charlotte around. "Let me introduce you, this is..." Charlotte maintained a courteous smile throughout the introductions. One of them said, "It's you! Your jewelry designs created quite a buzz. I heard there were long queues, and some people couldn't even get their hands on them." "You're too kind. But in our world, artworks need constant innovation to stay memorable." "You're just being modest." After some conversation, Luke made toasts and talked with the guests. Charlotte quietly told Luke she was feeling a bit uneasy and excused herself to go to the restroom. To her surprise, she ran into Frank again when she came out. He seemed to be waiting for her on purpose. Frank's tone was a bit hostile. "What are you doing here?" Charlotte, fixing her hair and makeup in the mirror, replied without looking at him, "I could ask you the same." "Think before you act," Frank warned. "Reputation is everything. If word gets out about your 'affair' and the children, you're finished." Charlotte laughed. "Really? You're that confident?" Frank lowered his voice, "Just watch." Charlotte met his gaze coolly. "You know the truth better than anyone. No need for threats. But what if Lorraine learns you were already with her before our divorce?" "Shut up!" Frank quickly looked around. "Don't even think about telling Lorraine, or you'll regret it." "Try me," Charlotte challenged, her eyes filled with disdain. "A real person wouldn't stoop to your level. Can you even call yourself human?" Frank's face turned red with anger. "You have no right to insult me!" With a slow, mocking clap, Charlotte said, "At last, you understand. I'm not afraid of you. Do you really think you're that important?" Just then, Lorraine called from the restroom, unaware of what was happening. "Frank? You there?" "I'm here," Frank replied. Then he shot Charlotte a glare. "Remember what I said." Charlotte stood her ground. "Same goes for you." With a provocative glance toward the restroom, she warned, "Better keep your mouth shut, or you'll be the one regretting." Then, she turned and walked away. She spotted Luke still talking with others. Taking a moment to compose herself, she approached him. "Sorry to keep you waiting."