Chapter 131: Frederick Panics
Oliver picked a nice restaurant.
Charlotte drove over and arrived right at eight.
Oliver was waiting in the parking lot. As soon as she parked, he opened her car door.
"I've been wanting to take you out; it's not easy," Oliver said.
Charlotte got out, smiling. "I was just at your house teaching Sophie piano the other day. Mr. Taylor invited me for dinner, but you weren't there!"
Oliver stared at her.
"You know that's not what I want," he said slowly.
Charlotte hesitated but spoke up. "Oliver, you know my situation. We're not right for each other."
Oliver kept staring.
The atmosphere got tense. Charlotte felt a pressure from Oliver she hadn't felt before.
Suddenly, Oliver laughed lightly.
"It's just a meal today, Charlotte. If you're this stressed, I won't ask again. This is to celebrate your career success," he said.
Oliver's charm made Charlotte smile.
She closed the car door and walked into the restaurant with him.
Oliver had a reservation, but they ran into Frederick, who was dining with an elegant woman in her fifties. Oliver greeted her briefly.
Frederick looked at Oliver, then at Charlotte.
Charlotte wanted to leave.
Frederick wiped his lips and said, "Ms. Russell lives alone now, so dating should be convenient."
Oliver raised an eyebrow. That was a jealous remark!
Oliver placed a hand on Frederick's chair and smiled. "Frederick, you live alone too; it should be convenient for you as well!"
Frederick's eyes narrowed.
Oliver kept smiling.
The elegant woman noticed the tension. She asked softly, "Frederick, who is this?"
Frederick, locked in a silent battle with Charlotte, couldn't acknowledge her as his girlfriend. He smiled faintly, trying to brush it off.
Oliver blinked and said sweetly, "Mrs. Allen, this is my friend, Charlotte. What do you think?"
Mrs. Allen smiled. "Quite nice!"
She turned to Frederick. "Last time your mother mentioned you had a girlfriend, an Aries, just as the astrologer predicted. Bring her next time, and I'll treat her to dinner."
Fortunately, they restrained themselves in front of the elder and didn't cause a scene. Oliver respected Charlotte and didn't want to embarrass her.
Frederick left shortly after.
Charlotte relaxed. During the meal, she felt Frederick's gaze on her the entire time.
"You still have feelings for him," Oliver said in her ear.
Charlotte was taken aback.
Oliver's eyes were close, charming and seductive. His voice was husky and sexy. "He almost punched me in the restaurant just now!"
Charlotte lowered her eyes.
She and Frederick were almost over; discussing it was pointless.
Oliver smiled and said no more.
He was graceful and gentlemanly.
Charlotte felt comfortable and relaxed around him. She cherished Oliver as a friend. He always stood up for her when she needed it.
After dinner, Oliver suggested a walk and maybe a movie.
Charlotte felt it was too inappropriate for friends and declined.
Under the streetlights, Oliver held the car door for her and smiled. "You're really guarded, Ms. Russell!"
Charlotte fastened her seatbelt and said softly, "I value our friendship, so I can't take it further."
Oliver stared at her for a long time, then stepped back to let her drive away.
As Charlotte's car drove off, Oliver's lips curved slightly. Friendship? He wanted more—marriage and kids.
Charlotte slowly drove back to her small apartment.
Under a tree, a golden Bentley was parked.
Frederick, dressed formally, leaned against the car door smoking. The sight of the luxury car and handsome man drew attention. Young girls passing by giggled, trying to catch his eye, but Frederick only had eyes for Charlotte.
She approached.
He took a deep drag of his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing, making his features even more striking. Charlotte knew if Frederick wanted to date other women, he could easily succeed. His looks were exceptional.
"Mr. Hawkins, what's wrong?" Charlotte asked.
Frederick tossed the cigarette butt and stomped it out. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"
Charlotte didn't move. After a long pause, she asked hoarsely, "Is that why you visit? If so, we can go to a hotel."
Frederick frowned. "Your place is right here, and you want to go to a hotel?"
He remembered Charlotte didn't like hotels. She was clearly upset with him right now.
Frederick lowered his stance. "Stop it! It's been so many days, and you're still mad? There's nothing between me and her!"
Charlotte wasn't easily swayed.
She looked at his car and said, "Mr. Hawkins, I'm not messing with you. I don't have the right. I just think our relationship is more suitable for a hotel! I won't take your car; I'll get a cab back afterward."
Frederick's eyes darkened. He stared at her for a long time, then suddenly turned and got into the car.
After fastening her seatbelt, Charlotte sat beside him.
Frederick deliberately threw a small box onto the center console, then turned to her and said, "Let's stay at the hotel for the night. I'm afraid you won't be able to get out of bed."
Charlotte turned her face away. He could be such a jerk!
Frederick watched her for a while. Seeing she didn't respond, he drove to a five-star hotel, somewhat angrily.
When he got the room card, even the receptionist sensed something and didn't dare say anything.
Frederick took the room card and walked ahead quickly.
Charlotte followed him slowly into the elevator.
This was her second time coming to a hotel with him. The last time, he had been quite rough, and she still had some lingering fear.
The elevator was eerily silent.
Frederick had his hands in his pockets, expressionless.
Charlotte thought to herself, why bother? Clearly here for a fling, but looking like he was suffering.
Once in the room, Frederick wasn't as eager as before. He casually tossed the box onto the bed, then threw his jacket onto the foot of the bed.
Frederick looked at her, "Ms. Russell, do you want to take a shower?"
"No need!"
"Why not?" Frederick suddenly leaned in, his long fingers gently touching her cheek, "You smell like Oliver. How can that be okay without washing it off?"
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