Chapter 6 Why Is He Here Again?

The party last night wrapped up really late. Luke, wanting to make it up to Charlotte for dragging her to the bash on her first workday, impulsively snapped up a diamond necklace for her, valued at one million dollars. Charlotte had never received such a lavish gift before. She thought about declining it, but Luke seemed to read her mind. "I've never gifted anything to a woman with so many eyes on me. Please, don't let me be embarrassed." So, Charlotte ended up accepting the necklace, feeling like she had no other choice. The following morning, as they both emerged from the hotel and hopped into the same car for work, cameras caught them in action. These two incidents combined set off a buzz all over the globe. Charlotte, feeling overwhelmed, dialed Sofia from her desk. "What am I supposed to do? The necklace is worth one million dollars. I couldn't repay that even if I worked for him for five years." But Sofia reassured her. She explained that Luke was always generous, which helped him build numerous business relationships. "If Luke really has a thing for you, isn't that kind of great? Don't worry about accepting the gift. To him, that money is just a drop in the bucket." Charlotte sighed, "You're always making light of things. I'm so anxious. I don't even want to go outside. It feels like everyone is staring at me." "It was a tough call, but accepting that necklace was the only way to save him from embarrassment in front of everyone." Sofia paused briefly. "When you didn't come home last night, I was half-expecting something had happened between you two." "Really, Sofia? What goes on in your mind?" Charlotte chuckled. "You think of crazier things than I do." "I didn't see it coming either – Luke being Frank's uncle. It's a small world, isn't it?" The mere mention of Frank made Charlotte feel uneasy. "Let's not talk about him now. I'm at work. We'll catch up at home." "Alright. Skip eating out tonight. I'll have the maid prepare something you love." "That sounds perfect." Charlotte was overwhelmed after ending the call. It was just her second day at the office, and everyone already knew about the necklace. Their stares as she walked in spoke volumes. Despite Sofia's counsel, Charlotte was determined to return the necklace to Luke. It was excessively pricey and, given her relationship with Luke, she didn't feel it was appropriate to keep it. After wrapping up her work, she carried the necklace, neatly boxed, to Luke's office, knocking on the door with a mix of nerves and resolve. "Come in." Charlotte didn't beat around the bush. "Boss, I can't accept this necklace. It's too extravagant. The incident from last night is affecting my life, and I need to return this to you." Hearing her words, Luke acknowledged his mistake. "I apologize, I wasn't thinking straight. I had a bit too much to drink and made a hasty decision. I'll release a statement to clear up the misunderstanding." "Thanks." Luke had been drawn to Charlotte from the moment he first saw her, feeling like she brought light into his life. His long-standing single status had made him quite the catch, surrounded by many admirers, but he hadn't been interested in any of them. Charlotte was just about to leave Luke's office when Frank came in unannounced. "Didn't you say you'd send it to me, Luke? Why do I have to come here just for a draft?" As she turned to leave, Charlotte accidentally bumped into Frank. His demeanor changed immediately upon seeing her, and he couldn't help but make a snide comment. "Quite the center of attention last night, weren't you, Miss?" Luke was quick to defend her. "Mind your language, Frank." Frank, oblivious to the rudeness of his remark, only stopped because Luke seemed irritated. Then, addressing Charlotte, Luke asked, "Can you bring me the design sketches you were working on yesterday?" Seeing Frank had already soured Charlotte's day. She retrieved the ring design, a piece she knew Frank would give to someone specific. She had braced herself for encountering Frank at work, but not this soon. Despite personal feelings, Charlotte presented her design ideas with utmost professionalism. Luke was genuinely impressed by her design, even considering it for a limited edition. Finding such a talented designer was rare, and he was eager to support her growth. Frank, after Luke's compliments, gave a scornful smirk. "Doesn't look that impressive. I've heard about this lady's Heart of Love design. Seems like she's been overrated by the media." Charlotte remained professional. "If there's any aspect you're dissatisfied with, sir, please let me know. I can adjust the design to meet your expectations." Frank meticulously examined Charlotte's design, finding faults. "The diamond here seems awkward, and this element is redundant, right?" "Alright, I'll modify it according to your feedback as quickly as I can." Charlotte wanted to leave the situation. She collected her drawings and left the office. Frank took this opportunity to follow her. "Luke, I'm going to see this through. If there's anything else that needs to be addressed, I can talk it over with her." "Be careful with how you act. If you want to cause trouble, do it elsewhere, not in my office." "I understand." Frank then followed Charlotte. Catching up, he asked, "Why the rush? You don't want to be around me?" Charlotte deflected his comment. "I've accepted your project, and I'm committed to doing my job well. I hope today you can interact with me purely as a client." Anticipating that Frank might try to follow her to her office, she cleverly headed toward the reception area, where other employees were present, hoping his conduct would be more appropriate in a public setting. Frank eyed the busy employees around them. "You sure we should talk here?" "Isn't this where clients are normally received? Isn't it the same at your company?" "Just think about it. If something were to happen here, who would it affect more?" Charlotte was shocked by his implication. "Are you threatening me?" Frank subtly nodded toward her office. "Some matters are best discussed privately, in your office, right?" Charlotte, frustrated but composed, agreed, "If you insist, sir, then we can move this conversation to my office."