Chapter 14: A Win-Win Situation

Linda, seated beside Charles in the car on their way home, slowly leaned closer to him. She gently placed her hand on Charles's, her fingers brushing against his. "Charles, darling, can I go with you to see the family today?" she asked, her voice sweet and full of anticipation. Charles stiffened at the touch, his skin prickling with discomfort. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that it was Linda beside him, and reluctantly nodded his approval. Overjoyed, Linda threw her arms around his and planted a kiss on his cheek. Their intertwined scents filled the backseat, and Charles froze for a moment, suddenly remembering the scandal circulating in the media. "Be careful. There might be cameras," he warned, pulling her off him. Linda pouted in a playful huff but turned her head away, choosing not to press further. At the back entrance of Duchess Cartie's estate, Alicia was struggling to unload turkeys from a cold truck, her face pale and dripping with sweat. Each turkey she carri