CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY – LORENZO’S TROUBLES

As she gathered her things to leave, Margaret approached her. "How was your first day, Charlotte?" Charlotte smiled genuinely. "It was great, actually. Everyone's been so welcoming, and I've learned a lot already." Margaret nodded approvingly. "Glad to hear it. You've got potential, Charlotte. I think you'll do well here." The praise, simple as it was, meant more to Charlotte than any society compliment ever had. This was something she'd earned, not something given to her because of her family name. As she left the store, Charlotte pulled out her phone. Without hesitation, she typed out another message to Lorenzo. "Survived my first day. Exhausted but... happy, I think. Thanks for encouraging me to take this step." His reply came as she was boarding the bus home. "Knew you had it in you, Char. Keep it up. One day at a time, remember?" Charlotte smiled at her phone, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the crowded bus. That night, as she soaked her aching f