Chapter 7

Charlotte retraced her steps and found her way to Pinecrest Residence. Daniel and Errol were already in the living room, conversing. Or rather, Errol was clearly in the middle of a heated rant—his cheeks flushed red, hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke. Charlotte stopped in her tracks and stayed outside. Earlier, right at the end of the workday, Daniel had been summoned back home by a call from Errol. It was Charlotte's first day as part of the family, and Errol insisted they had to have dinner together as a family. Charlotte had evening classes, yet she'd still manage to come home for dinner after visiting the sick Elyse. How was it that a grown man like Daniel couldn't find the time? After learning the full story behind their sudden marriage, Errol nearly flipped the coffee table. He was furious and made no effort to hide it. "You threatened her with her mother's life? Daniel Hoffman, is this really how I raised you?" His anger burned hotter the more he thought about it. Daniel had pushed the poor Charlotte into a corner—not only was she pregnant, but she'd also signed some ridiculous prenuptial agreement. "You donate millions of dollars to charity, but you can't spare enough to cover her mother's hospital bills without turning it into a business transaction?" "I was drugged," Daniel tried to explain. "It was a setup. The antidote didn't work. My head was all over the place. She was driving me home when I asked her if we could do it, and she asked me if I could give her a million dollars. I…" Even he knew how bad it sounded now. He trailed off, guilt creeping in. "How is it all my fault? Grandpa, you were the one pressuring me to settle down." "Was I supposed to let our family name die out then? How would I face your ancestors on the other side?" "You're obviously still full of life. Don't you think it's a bit too early for you to worry about that?" Errol shot daggers at him. "If you don't throw a wedding, I'll lose 20 years of my life!" "I can't," he responded. "The project I'm leading is at a critical stage. I seriously can't make time for it." "You don't have time for your own wedding?" Errol snapped. "Too bad. We're doing it. First week of next month. Your Aunt Trina will handle everything, and I'll supervise her." He wasn't giving Daniel a choice. Daniel was young and far too focused on work. If he didn't intervene, he would never get married. Charlotte seemed like a good one. Her eyes were clear, and she looked kind and sensible. She was clearly well-raised. Compared to the socialites Daniel had met during all those blind dates, she was a much better match. Just as he was thinking that, he glanced toward the doorway and noticed her standing there. "What's her name again?" Daniel responded, "Charlotte Moore." Errol was pleased to see her hanging back respectfully. He waved for her to come in. Charlotte finally stepped forward. "Come sit, Charlotte. I was just talking to Daniel about your wedding. Do you have any requests? Also, when will your mom be free to have a meal with us?" Charlotte didn't believe for a second that their earlier shouting match had anything to do with weddings, but she still answered truthfully, "Errol, my mother's condition is quite serious. She can't leave the hospital. "If a wedding is necessary, I only have one friend and her family to invite—there's no one else on my side." "Oh?" Errol's tone instantly softened, his expression filled with sympathy. "Then, let's wait until your mother recovers. We'll hold the ceremony when she's well enough. How does that sound?" After hearing that, Daniel arched his brow. Just minutes ago, Errol was demanding a wedding in eight days. Yet, he was agreeing to wait now? "That sounds great. Thank you, Errol. Thank you, Mr. Hoffman." "Did you hear that?" Errol smacked Daniel's thigh. "She's even thanking us. She's such a sweet and considerate young lady. You'd better make sure her mother is well taken care of at the hospital." Daniel's lips twitched. It was clear Errol was on her side. Charlotte felt touched. Errol was treating her like family. Before Daniel could respond, she chimed in, "Mr. Hoffman has already done a lot for my mom, Errol. My mother is being well looked after at the hospital. She even asked me to thank you both on her behalf." Daniel shot her a skeptical glance. Charlotte immediately lowered her head. The truth was, Elyse hadn't said anything about thanking Daniel. She only asked her to get used to his presence in her life. Errol smiled. "We're all family here. There's no need for such formalities. If you need anything, don't hesitate to speak up. Daniel's busy with work, so he might overlook things." His gaze softened with growing approval as he looked at Charlotte. She was well-mannered, respectful, and polite. It was rare to find someone with her kind of kindness and dignity these days. Daniel was lucky to have her. "I will, Errol," she responded. But she wasn't foolish enough to believe Daniel would actually accommodate her. She had no plans to ask him for anything. "How's school, Charlotte? Is it tiring?" Charlotte didn't answer right away. Instead, she tried to gauge his true intent. He probably wasn't curious about how she felt. He was probably considering asking her to pause her studies for the baby. But there was no way she was taking time off. Even when the baby was born, she'd only take a brief break—enough for postpartum recovery—and then return. "Classes are manageable. Mr. Hoffman has arranged for a wonderful team to take care of me, so the baby will be just fine." After hearing that, Errol smiled as warmly as ever. "Well, now that everyone's here, let's eat." Charlotte followed behind them and quietly observed how both men behaved. Each of them had someone to attend to them. A housekeeper brought warm water to wash their hands, and another began serving the food. Regina stood beside Charlotte and picked up the serving tongs. "This is my first time serving you, Mrs. Hoffman. Is there anything you can't eat?" "No." Truth be told, she used to be a picky eater. Her three guardians had spoiled her. She only ate what she liked, and whatever she didn't like never made a second appearance at the table. But ever since Elyse fell ill—especially in the past six months when her condition worsened—she no longer had the luxury of being picky. Now, she would eat anything that could fill her stomach. Regina was nervous as well. Having no requests made things harder. She had to carefully pick the dishes and gauge Charlotte's reactions to figure out what she liked. From the way Daniel had ordered Waterside Residence to be cleaned last night and arranged a full prenatal care team early this morning, it was clear the baby was very important. Regardless of Charlotte's background or origins, she was backed by Errol, and Daniel would likely have to defer to her. This was what it meant for a woman to rise in status through her child. The three of them ate in silence. Charlotte wasn't picky, as she ate whatever Regina served her. She ate until she was about 70% full, and when she noticed Errol and Daniel were still eating, she slowed down to avoid feeling awkward about finishing before them. Back home, meals had been different. She and Bianca would eat, then dashed off to play without a second thought. Neither of them was allowed near the dishes or the kitchen. Bianca's father, Simon Fletcher, had spent most of his life washing dishes. Errol eventually set down his cutlery, and a housekeeper brought him a napkin. He dabbed at the corners of his mouth before sitting back quietly. Charlotte followed suit, as she was already full. "Would you like some soup, Mrs. Hoffman?" Regina asked. "No, thank you. I'm full." Errol caught on and said, "Have some more. I can't eat much at my age. Don't mind me." "I really am full, Errol," she said sincerely. Errol then turned to Daniel, who was still eating. "Are you not done yet? Charlotte has class in the evening. Go give her a ride."