Chapter 12: Too Trusting in Love
Frederick glanced over casually.
His eyes landed on Charlotte.
Today, Charlotte was dressed pretty conservatively. She had on a champagne-colored silk blouse and a fishtail skirt, covering herself up completely.
But somehow, this outfit made her even more attractive.
Chloe spoke up for Ethan, "Frederick, Oliver was just teasing Ethan, not out of jealousy."
Frederick shifted his gaze, gave Ethan a quick look, and asked, "Really?"
"Of course! Ethan loves me so much he wouldn't fight over another woman. Besides, Oliver and Miss Russell are just friends!" Chloe insisted.
Frederick ignored her and went back to his paperwork.
Ethan was the first to leave and got into the car.
Chloe quickly followed.
Oliver cleared his throat and said, "Frederick, thanks a lot. I'll treat you to dinner sometime."
With that, he tried to pull Charlotte away.
Frederick watched them, exhaling a smoke ring, and said calmly, "Oliver, you go ahead. I need to talk to Ms. Russell."
Oliver didn't dare to disobey.
Even though Frederick was about their age, his career was way more successful, making him pretty intimidating.
Oliver signaled to Charlotte, "I'll wait for you in the car."
Charlotte was puzzled, not understanding why Frederick wanted to talk to her alone.
Frederick toyed with the cigarette between his long, strong fingers, making even the simplest actions look attractive.
After a moment, he looked up at her. "Ms. Russell, you're quite something."
Charlotte was taken aback.
Instinctively, she tried to defend herself, "I..."
"You want to say it has nothing to do with you?" Frederick's smile was faint, with a hint of mockery. "Ms. Russell, you can't possibly not know why they fought, right?"
Charlotte felt powerless to explain. If he said it was so, then it had to be, because he was Frederick, the top lawyer in the country.
Charlotte felt wronged, her eyes welling up with tears. "Mr. Hawkins, rest assured. I would never interfere in your sister's relationship."
Frederick suddenly stood up and walked toward her.
Charlotte looked up at him with tearful eyes, feeling helpless.
Frederick looked down at her, reached out, and lightly brushed her cheek. Charlotte felt humiliated and turned her face away.
Frederick spoke softly, "Ms. Russell, you're feeling wronged and resentful. Ethan betrayed you for Chloe, and now you're the one who looks like the other woman? Still thinking about him?"
Charlotte denied, "I am not!"
Frederick withdrew his hand. "I believe you."
Charlotte felt both humiliated and angry but didn't dare to lash out. She could only mutter through gritted teeth, "Frederick, you're a jerk!"
He didn't get angry; he just looked at her intently.
After a long while, Frederick finally spoke, very softly, "You did nothing wrong except trust in love too much."
Charlotte was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, Frederick had already left.
Frederick drove, occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror to see Chloe snuggled up against Ethan's shoulder, looking blissful.
Frederick felt a bit of mockery.
The car came to a slow stop in front of the restaurant. Ethan leaned down to thank Frederick, and for a moment, their eyes met with a shared understanding.
Frederick nodded slightly and drove away.
Chloe, sitting in the passenger seat, chatted with Frederick, "Miss Russell is really pretty! It seems like Oliver really likes her. And Frederick, she looks quite well-endowed!"
Frederick suddenly felt a bit warm, a subtle flush spreading across his face as his thoughts wandered.
Chloe continued to chatter, "She's so beautiful. I always felt there was something between her and Ethan. It's a good thing she's with Oliver."
Frederick didn't respond.
After a while, he asked Chloe in a calm voice, "When are you getting married?"
Chloe blushed. "That depends on Ethan. He's so focused on his career, I don't want to bother him too much."
At a red light, Frederick asked casually, "Does he love you?"
Chloe nodded. "Of course."
"What does he love about you?"
Chloe happily listed, "My prestigious family background, my excellent education, my attractive looks, my kind-hearted parents, and I have a capable brother."
Frederick chuckled softly.
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