Chapter 24: Doghouse

Charlotte had no choice but to make her exit on foot. The cobblestone path was lined with luxury cars, but she moved against the tide, her chestnut locks in disarray across her brow. Her eyes, pools of blue, held back tears in a fierce yet delicate defiance. She was preoccupied with Liam's cold dismissal until a car pulled up abruptly before her, forcing her gaze upwards. "Hey, gorgeous," the man in the car called out, winding down the window, his eyes alight with awe and avarice. "All alone? Who's done you wrong to leave you so crestfallen?" Charlotte took two steps back, asserting, "Sir, you're blocking the path." While cars honked behind him, the man was undeterred. "We both know how the game is played. Name your price for the night." The clientele of this restaurant were either wealthy or noble, and many women lingered in anticipation of a lucrative encounter. He mistook Charlotte for one such woman. He smirked, "Look how upset you are. Did the lady of the house catch you?