Chapter 190 Your Old Flame?
The champagne-colored BMW cruised into Maria's neighborhood.
Maria had dinner ready early and lit up when she saw them arrive together. "I'll whip up another dish. It'll be quick."
Charlotte handed over a box of pastries.
Maria loved them. She took it, glanced at Brian, and thought he was a good kid.
Brian was on his best behavior around Maria and even offered to help in the kitchen. Maria couldn't let him and told him to take a bath first.
Brian grabbed his luggage and headed to the small room. His ease made Charlotte wonder if he was related to Maria.
Maria finished cooking, and Brian came out, still a bit steamy.
His height made him look good in anything.
He sat next to Maria, serving her food like a son.
Charlotte found some of his behavior annoying but had to admit Brian was good at pleasing Maria. Seeing Maria happy made her happy too.
While they were eating, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Brian said eagerly.
Watching his tall, broad back, Maria whispered, "This kid is really nice, enthusiastic, and polite."
Charlotte smiled.
Brian opened the door to a refined middle-aged man and an elderly lady.
"Who are you looking for?"
Elijah brought Savannah and Audrey to the door. Seeing Brian, he was momentarily stunned.
Did they get the wrong place?
No!
He asked politely, "Is Charlotte home?"
Charlotte heard his voice and was extremely annoyed, but Maria gently pressed her hand. "Guests are guests! Your father always taught you to be polite."
Charlotte forced a smile.
Maria welcomed the Mitchell family in. Before she could offer anything, Savannah looked like she was about to cry. "My precious granddaughter lives in a place like this! Elijah, you're not a good father."
Elijah stayed silent, his face flushed with shame.
Charlotte's expression was indifferent. "I'm doing just fine! Mr. Mitchell, you don't need to feel guilty!"
Maria poured them some water.
Savannah tried to take Charlotte's hand, but Charlotte pulled away.
Savannah was hurt. "Why won't you come back? Elijah has billions. You could live a thousand times better than now! If you come back, everything will be yours and Katherine's. Your father and I would never be biased."
Charlotte remained unmoved.
These people just wanted a biological child and didn't care about the pain she faced with Katherine. They didn't really want to acknowledge her; they just wanted her to reconcile with Katherine.
Her expression stayed calm.
Brian looked at her, then, chewing on a toothpick, said to Savannah, "How much money you have to be so arrogant."
Audrey was displeased.
She looked at Brian, guessing he was probably an employee, and sneered. "That's money you'll never earn in your lifetime!"
Brian put down the toothpick and gave a wicked smile. "I have billions on me right now. Wanna complete?"
Audrey trembled with anger.
"Elijah, look at the kind of people Charlotte is surrounded by. I told you her environment is too complicated. She's not suitable to return to the Mitchell family. Katherine is much simpler!"
Elijah hesitated. "Charlotte, is he suitable to be here?"
Charlotte gave a cold smile. "Mr. Mitchell, I can't drive anymore. Do you have a problem with me hiring a driver? Besides, whether I'm complicated or simple, I can't measure up to the Mitchell family. You should leave!"
Brian swayed beside her. "Yeah, don't interrupt our family dinner!"
Charlotte glared at him. 'Who's your family?'
However, Brian was quite impressive. Having him at Maria's place was perfect; if the Mitchell family came to bother them again, he could block them.
Thinking this way, Charlotte found him much more agreeable!
Elijah's face turned pale. Charlotte still couldn't drive. Did that mean she couldn't be a pianist either?
He stepped forward earnestly. "Charlotte, come abroad with me. I'll find the best doctors for you. You have my best genes. Once your foot is healed, you'll surely shine."
Charlotte gave a cold smile.
Brian said, "So you just want an heir!"
Elijah wanted to explain, but Brian was already ushering them out. "Go out. We didn't make food for you. Three people showing up at once. Even if you're poor, you can't just barge into other people's houses!"
The Mitchell family was furious.
Audrey, who was from Bostan, gritted her teeth as soon as they were outside. "Where did that bastard come from?"
Elijah, however, was lost in thought.
He recalled the look Charlotte gave him earlier. It was cold and unfamiliar, with no warmth at all.
Audrey noticed his thoughts and gently patted his arm. "We still have Katherine, Elijah. Katherine is our real child! Raising is more important than birthing. Charlotte wasn't raised by us, so it's normal for her to be distant."
Thinking of Katherine, Elijah felt a twinge of softness in his heart.
His current wish was for Katherine to find a good match after her divorce. If that happened, their family would be complete!
After they left, Charlotte stayed silent.
Maria spoke up, "I won't let them in again!"
She felt sorry for Charlotte. She had always thought having a loving biological father would be better, but she wasn't blind. The Mitchell family didn't show much love for Charlotte, at least less than what they had given that crazy woman.
Charlotte patted Maria's hand. "Mom, I'm fine!"
Brian sat down to eat, diligently serving Maria food. "Exactly, Maria, don't get upset. With me around, you'll live comfortably every day, glowing with happiness!"
Maria couldn't help but laugh.
Charlotte was still uneasy and stayed the night.
Brian kept Maria in high spirits.
Charlotte was quite satisfied. Early in the morning, she got ready to go to work, but as soon as she went downstairs, Brian was leaning against the champagne-colored BMW, lazily greeting her, "Good morning, Ms. Russell!"
Charlotte cleared her throat. "Just stay with my mom."
Brian said, "But Maria told me to accompany you all day. What should I do? Whose orders should I follow?"
Charlotte didn't argue further.
She got into the car and softly said, "Go to the music studio on Maple Avenue!"
Brian made a gesture and stepped on the gas.
He was a race car driver, after all. The car sped along, practically cutting through traffic. What was supposed to be a half-hour drive took only fifteen minutes.
With a screech, the car stopped in front of the office building!
Brian got out, opened the car door for Charlotte, and complained, "Can you sit next to me next time? Sitting in the back makes you old. Only rich old men and women sit in the back seat."
Charlotte looked at him. "I'm your boss!"
She stepped into the elevator and turned back. "I don't need the car this morning. Go back and help my mom with grocery shopping and chat with her!"
Brian held the elevator door with one hand, smiling. "I get it. You just want to monopolize me, thinking that if I bond with your mom first, it'll be easier for you to win me over! Ms. Russell, just confess your feelings early so we can avoid detours."
Charlotte walked into the elevator and threw her words over her shoulders at him. "Get a health certificate from the psychiatric department!"
He actually went and got one, even bringing back a receipt for reimbursement. "Look, I'm perfectly normal! By the way, I also checked with a andrologist. I'm very vigorous. Do you want to check it?"
Charlotte ignored him.
She looked at an invitation in front of her. It was for Nicholas's wedding on Saturday night.
She didn't expect Nicholas to invite her, especially after her big fallout with Whitney. Just as Charlotte was puzzled, Nicholas called her personally. He said it was Bradley's idea.
Bradley was with Lily now and wanted to bring Lily to the Lawson family wedding.
It would be best if Charlotte accompanied her.
Charlotte hung up the phone and rubbed her forehead, feeling quite helpless but unable to refuse.
Brian knocked on the table, clearly displeased. "A wedding? Your old flame?"
Charlotte didn't want to discuss it with him.
She coldly said, "There's a piano that needs to be moved to the headquarters. Go help with that!"
Brian ground his teeth. "Ms. Russell, you really know how to use people. I've given you all my strength. I don't care; I want to go to your old flame's wedding to eat and drink for free. You owe me that!"
At the Wise Counsel Law Firm.
Today, a big shot arrived. It was Charles Nelson from Bostan.
Charles sat in Frederick's office, exchanging pleasantries. "Frederick, your place is really thriving!"
Frederick was naturally modest. "It can't compare to yours!"
After a few more polite exchanges, Charles got to the point. "Frederick, I won't beat around the bush. I came to Syeattel for two reasons. First, to attend the Lawson family wedding, and second, to find my son. Brian left home without a word, leaving a note saying he came here to do something big. I'm just worried he doesn't have any money!"
Frederick thought of Brian.
He smiled slightly. "It's good for young people to experience some hardship. Mr. Nelson, you don't need to worry!"
Charles sighed. "That's easy to say, but I'm always afraid he'll go astray. Frederick, you're familiar with Syeattel. Can you help me find Brian?"
Frederick continued to smile lightly. "Of course!"
Charles was frustrated but genuinely missed his son. He sighed softly. "I wonder where Brian is now. Could he be wandering the streets? Alright, see you at the Lawson family wedding on Saturday!"
Frederick saw him out, being very polite.
After seeing him off, Cherie came in. "Mr. Hawkins, should we look into Brian's situation now? He must be using some electronic devices. I'm sure we can find him in no time!"
Frederick took a sip of coffee.
He smiled faintly. "Mr. Nelson spoils his son too much. Boys need to be toughened up."