Chapter 129: So Many Men Like Ms. Russell
Oliver's sweet talk could charm any woman.
Charlotte was a mess.
She couldn't remember how or when she hung up the phone.
All she recalled were Oliver's last words: "What's the big deal about putting in some effort and time to pursue you? Charlotte, I've waited long enough; I don't mind waiting a bit more."
Charlotte parked the car.
She gently stroked the steering wheel.
She had no idea how to turn Oliver down. He was great; he didn't need to wait for her.
She'd been with Ethan for four years, and now things were murky with Frederick.
Charlotte knew she wouldn't be Oliver's lifelong partner.
She sighed and got out of the car.
Ahead was the Cooper Group, a place she never wanted to return to.
Charlotte definitely didn't want to see Ethan. She handed the check to the receptionist and said, "Please give this to Mr. Cooper."
The receptionist had been with the Cooper Group for six years. She knew Charlotte, Mr. Cooper's ex-girlfriend.
People thought Mr. Cooper had dumped Miss Russell, but there was a rumor in the Cooper Group that Mr. Cooper had regretted his engagement and tried to win Miss Russell back but got rejected.
The receptionist was polite to Charlotte. "Don't worry, Miss Russell. I'll make sure Mr. Cooper gets it."
As she finished speaking, she looked behind Charlotte. "Mr. Cooper!"
Charlotte slowly turned around.
Ethan was standing behind her, who knew for how long.
Charlotte spoke calmly, "Mr. Cooper, thank you for your kindness, but I can't accept it."
No need for small talk. Charlotte turned to leave.
Ethan grabbed her hand.
"Charlotte!" His tone was urgent, like he was afraid she'd vanish.
Charlotte shook off his hand. "Ethan, have some respect!"
Ethan gave a bitter smile.
He let go of Charlotte and said quietly, "Let's just sit here for a bit. I'll have Gemma bring us some coffee. Charlotte, there are people around; you don't want to make a scene, do you?"
Charlotte looked around.
Indeed, quite a few employees were watching.
If she didn't listen to Ethan, who knew what he'd do.
Five minutes later, Charlotte was sitting with him in the lobby café.
Ethan personally made Charlotte a cup of coffee. After it was ready, he asked gently, "How many sugar cubes?"
Charlotte said, "One."
Ethan added the sugar and handed it to her, then sat across from her.
Charlotte observed him.
Ethan had lost a lot of weight recently, showing he wasn't doing well. If it were the old Charlotte, she would have felt sorry for him, but now she felt nothing.
It had only been a year.
Charlotte sighed a little.
Ethan spoke gently, "Charlotte, try it. If it doesn't taste good, I'll make another cup."
Charlotte was very cold. "Ethan, just say what you want. I'm not here to reminisce."
"I see." His tone was a bit sad.
When he looked up again, he said to Charlotte, "The $500,000 is just a token of my appreciation! Charlotte, don't refuse me. I just want to make it up to you, to be good to you. Can't you even give me that chance?"
Charlotte had a rough night. She still felt dizzy.
But today, within an hour, she had two men confessing their feelings and showing kindness to her, one of whom was her ex who had betrayed her!
Charlotte didn't want to talk to him any longer.
It was clear Ethan hadn't given up on her.
She stood up and said politely, "Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Cooper! I have things to do, so I'll be off."
Ethan stopped her. He looked into her eyes and said, "Charlotte, after last night, are you still going to be with him?"
Charlotte's face tightened.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, she forced a smile. "This has nothing to do with you, Mr. Cooper!"
Ethan saw this as a rare chance.
He lowered his voice. "I know you want to acquire the old music center, Charlotte. Let me help you."
Afraid she'd get the wrong idea, he quickly added, "I don't mean anything else, just a token of my appreciation!"
Charlotte wasn't that naive.
She smiled faintly. "Thanks for the offer, Mr. Cooper." With that, she left.
Ethan watched her walk away.
He stood there for a long time, noticing her red eyes. Was it because of Frederick?
Feeling uneasy, he finally dialed a number. "Mr. Lewis, do me a favor and get in touch with the Blossom Music Studio. You handle the negotiations, and I'll cover the costs. Once it's done, you can choose any project from the Cooper Group."
Ethan hung up.
His gaze was intense.
He longed to see Charlotte. She was different now, more stunning. Even if she just stayed by his side and talked to him as a friend, he'd be happy!
Charlotte left the Cooper Group.
She found a realtor and rented a 500-square-foot apartment.
After signing the contract, she checked the time. It was around 11 o'clock, a time when Frederick would definitely not be at the apartment.
Charlotte planned to go back and get her things.
But she hadn't expected Frederick to be home on a weekday morning.
Charlotte opened the door and went in.
Frederick was sitting on the couch reading a magazine, dressed casually, clearly not having gone to the office.
When he saw Charlotte, his blue eyes were filled with hidden anger.
But he didn't speak, probably waiting for her to apologize.
Charlotte felt uncomfortable.
She cleared her throat. "I'm here to get my things!"
Frederick ignored her and continued reading his magazine. His cold attitude made Charlotte feel even worse.
She quickly went to the master bedroom.
While packing, she realized she had very few belongings. Most of the clothes and skincare products were given to her by Frederick. Charlotte didn't want to take those things.
She packed a small suitcase, which was light and easy to carry.
Just as she was about to leave, Frederick leaned against the doorframe.
He looked at her. "Ms. Russell, did you forget something?"
Charlotte placed the keys on the nightstand.
She took out the bank card he had given her, which she hadn't used in a long time but still kept in her wallet.
Finally, she said softly, "The valuable jewelry and clothes are all here. You can have Cherie check them."
Frederick's face didn't look good.
He snorted, "What about the dog downstairs? Are you not going to feed it anymore?"
Charlotte thought of the little white dog. She would miss it and might come back secretly to feed it!
But she said, "I'm not feeding it anymore! It's not worth it!"
Charlotte felt it was about time. She picked up her suitcase to leave.
Frederick blocked her at the door. He lowered his head, his high nose bridge very close to her, so close that their breaths mingled.
Charlotte glanced down.
She turned her head and said uncomfortably, "Mr. Hawkins, if you need me, just call. I'll be here."
Frederick stared at her.
His eyes showed an emotion she had never seen before, like anger and frustration!
After a long while, he suddenly let her go nonchalantly, a mocking smile on his lips, "You are very professional!"
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