Chapter 106: A Silent Standoff
Frederick figured she was really mad.
He whispered, "Is it worth getting this upset over someone insignificant?"
It was late, and Charlotte didn't want to argue.
She softened, hugged his waist, and said, "I believe you." Then she closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.
Frederick couldn't sleep.
He watched her face in the moonlight, grinding his teeth.
Charlotte was really asleep!
After their argument, she didn't seem interested in talking or fixing things.
Frederick wasn't in the mood to coax her either.
Morning came.
He woke up to an empty bed; Charlotte was gone.
He heard faint sounds of housework outside.
Frederick lay there, thinking about last night. Their relationship felt off.
They shouldn't be fighting.
Once he figured it out, he got up, washed, and dressed in a light gray shirt, black dress pants, and a business coat.
As he put on his watch and walked out, Charlotte was setting the table.
The morning light made her look soft, but Frederick remembered her temper last night; even gentle rabbits can bite.
He sat down, drinking coffee and reading the paper.
Charlotte had made him an egg sandwich.
Frederick took a bite and thought it tasted better than the ones he had had outside. He stared at it for a moment.
Charlotte asked gently, "Does it not taste good?"
Frederick looked at her.
After a while, he smiled. "It's great!"
Charlotte didn't say anything, just sipped her milk slowly.
Frederick noticed she was distracted again.
He didn't say anything, grabbed his coat, and left. Charlotte fetched his shoes, serving him diligently, which might make other men feel proud.
But Frederick didn't see it that way; the more gentle she was, the more distant she seemed.
Charlotte was treating him like a boss now!
Frederick couldn't tell if it was good or bad, but he wasn't happy.
He looked at her, his tone cool. "I'm going on a business trip to Boston in a couple of days. Want to come?"
Charlotte was surprised.
She thought for a moment and said, "Sophie has two classes this week, so I might not have time."
Frederick didn't push it and left.
Charlotte stared at the closed door, wondering if this was their silent standoff.
Their conflict wasn't huge; they hadn't had a major fight. But after seeing him with that stunning client, Charlotte couldn't treat him the same.
At least, she couldn't be close to him.
She was human, not a machine.
After Frederick left, Charlotte cleaned the apartment thoroughly.
Around noon, the pawn shop called.
Charlotte quickly answered, "Hello, any news?"
The manager apologized, "Miss Russell, I'm sorry! The necklace you pawned was bought by a middleman, and he didn't leave any contact info. We've tried everything but couldn't find him."
Charlotte was disappointed.
After a moment, she said softly, "If there's any news, please let me know! I'm willing to buy it back at double the price."
Charlotte stroked the phone, wondering if this was fate.
Just a few days short, and she could have redeemed her mother's keepsake.
After last night, Charlotte wanted to find a job.
Frederick could be part of her life, but not her whole life. Otherwise, if they broke up, she'd be stuck.
Her resume was solid, and she could easily find a job.
But Charlotte wanted to look around a bit more.
At noon, Maria called her home for lunch.
When she got there, Charlotte realized it was her 24th birthday. Maria had made a three-tiered cake and a table full of dishes.
William put a birthday hat on her, smiling. "Glad I can be here to celebrate! I've never missed one of your birthdays."
Maria nudged him, reminding him to be careful with his words.
Charlotte's eyes got a bit moist.
She hugged William and Maria.
Maybe they weren't her biological parents, but they had given her all their love. At least now, her dad was safe.
Thinking of this, Charlotte's grievances from last night faded a lot.
During the meal, William asked about her work.
Charlotte hesitated. "I quit my job at the music center. I'm planning to find another one."
William didn't doubt her.
Maria seemed thoughtful.
After the meal, she called Charlotte into the bedroom, closed the door, and asked directly, "Had a fight with Frederick?"
Charlotte didn't hide it.
She vaguely said, "I need to have a job."
She didn't say much, but Maria understood. Charlotte following Frederick without a clear status was bound to suffer. Besides, Frederick hadn't visited William either, which was telling.
He was just playing with Charlotte.
Maria quietly wiped her tears.
She took out a bank card from the safe, containing 2 million dollars, half of William's savings.
Charlotte refused to take it.
Maria forcefully handed it to her.
Maria choked up, "We had no choice back then! I'm sorry, Charlotte. Now that you're with someone, even though the Hawkins family has endless money, always spending someone else's money will make people look down on you! Buy him some clothes and shoes occasionally, don't be too frugal, or others will look down on you."
Charlotte felt extremely sad.
Maria continued, "I think you shouldn't look for a job. Rent a place and open a music studio. With your skills, I believe you won't do badly! You should have your career."
Charlotte looked down at the bank card.
After a long time, she gently hugged Maria. "Thank you, Maria."
Maria wiped her tears and said, "Don't tell your dad about Frederick! His health can't take the shock."
Charlotte nodded. "I understand."
She walked out, knowing Maria cried alone in the bedroom for a long time.
At six in the evening, Charlotte returned to the apartment.
Frederick was already back, and Cherie was there, helping Frederick pack.
The secretary was quick and efficient.
Frederick stood by the window, talking on the phone, his tone serious, likely about a problem with the Boston case.
After hanging up, he looked at Charlotte. "My business trip got moved up; I'll be gone for about a week."
Charlotte wanted to talk about opening a music studio, but it wasn't the right time, so she softly asked, "What time is your flight?"
Frederick looked deeply at her. "In two hours."
Charlotte looked up at him.
She thought he was too busy to even have time for a silent standoff with her.
Just when Charlotte didn't know what to say, Frederick picked up his luggage and told the secretary, "Charlotte will take me to the airport."
What?
Charlotte was stunned.
Frederick lightly tapped her head. "If you change your mind now, I'll have Ms. Smith book another ticket."
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