Chapter 207 Go to Bostan and Surprise Her
"A business trip?"
Frederick was already half-awake before even touching the hangover soup.
He let go of her and leaned against the counter, wanting a cigarette but deciding against it because of Charlotte's throat issues.
Charlotte handed him a bowl. "It's Mr. Nelson's project. Big potential!"
Frederick couldn't help but say, "Is this for babysitting his kid?"
Charlotte thought his words were harsh but true.
Frederick sat at the small bar, sipping the soup, and asked, "Is Brian going too?"
Charlotte knew he was upset.
She didn't need to explain, but she figured if she didn't, he'd be mad all night. Weighing her options, she said calmly, "This project is thanks to his connections. If I don't bring him, I can't explain it to Mr. Nelson. Plus, it's not just us; the team has six people."
Frederick said nothing more.
His hand reached into his pocket, feeling the small velvet box.
While watching the movie before, he had measured her ring size with his hand.
He always wanted to give it to her but never had the chance. Valentine's Day seemed perfect.
Maybe she wouldn't accept it, but he thought Charlotte, being so kind, would at least appreciate his sincerity. Just like last time, even though she had her own regrets, she still comforted Uma.
Now, Frederick felt more affection for Charlotte.
He really wanted to take her to Uma's grave and let Uma see her. But he held back.
He'd wait until Charlotte was willing to wear his diamond ring, then he'd take her there.
Charlotte had a business trip early the next morning, so she didn't stay overnight. Frederick had the driver take her home.
Charlotte left.
In the villa's hall, the crystal lights seemed lonely. Frederick sat alone on the sofa, taking out the velvet box from his pocket.
He opened it, revealing a 52.0-carat diamond ring.
The diamond was flawless, something any woman would love!
Valentine's Day was just three days away!
Frederick really wanted to spend Valentine's Day with Charlotte. He wanted to make up for the hurt she had suffered and spend the day together.
Frederick thought for a moment and called Cherie. "Reschedule my plans. I need to go to Bostan around Valentine's Day."
Cherie casually asked, "Is there a new project in Bostan?"
Frederick leaned back on the sofa and said bluntly, "No! Charlotte is going there on a business trip!"
Cherie immediately understood.
She smiled lightly. "Then I wish you a happy Valentine's Day!"
Frederick hung up, feeling good, and decided not to tell Charlotte.
Women love surprises!
Charlotte took a team of six to Bostan and worked non-stop for two days.
The project was lucrative but demanding.
After two days, the plan was basically finalized, and everyone was exhausted, except for Charlotte!
Brian, with dark circles under his eyes, said, "Are you trying to make money or kill yourself? I've only slept four hours in the past two days!"
Charlotte signaled to Jenna. Jenna brought out a bag.
She unzipped it, revealing stacks of cash. Jenna divided them into five portions.
Each portion was $50,000!
No one felt tired anymore; they sat up straight, eyes fixed on the money.
Charlotte smiled. "Take it. $50,000 each! Also, Mr. Nelson is hosting a dinner at the hotel tonight. Get ready and relax a bit!"
Everyone cheered, "Ms. Russell is so generous!"
Brian, who usually wouldn't care about $50,000, admired Charlotte for her planning.
He took the money and whispered, "Not bad! How about we be dance partners?"
Charlotte refused, using his own trick against him. "I don't dance with men younger than me!"
Brian snorted and walked away.
Charlotte packed her things. She needed to attend the dinner to show respect to Charles and expand her network.
Back at the hotel, she changed into a champagne-colored embroidered gown, a high-end custom piece worth $300,000. It wasn't just about money; one needed connections to book such a dress. Lily had found it for her.
After changing, Charlotte did her makeup and called Lily, saying it was too formal.
Lily, pretending to be serious, said, "It has to be formal! In business, you need to show status. Clothes make the man!"
Charlotte looked in the mirror. She did look noble and beautiful!
She grabbed a clutch and took the elevator to the second-floor banquet hall. The hall was lively and grand.
Brian had arrived early, looking sharp beside Charles.
Charlotte walked over.
Brian's eyes scanned her up and down, and he snorted. "Not bad!"
Charlotte ignored him and greeted Charles.
Charles appreciated her and introduced her to several useful contacts. Charlotte socialized gracefully, making Brian anxious!
Charlotte was all smiles with others but barely acknowledged him!
'Who cares!' Brian thought, gritting his teeth.
Charles laughed heartily. "Charlotte, you should know him. Oliver, the son of Mr. Taylor from Syeattel! Like father, like son, Oliver is doing great in business now!"
Charlotte's body stiffened.
'Oliver! It was Oliver!' she screamed in her head.
She hadn't heard about Oliver for half a year. She hadn't asked, and no one had told her. Even Sophie, who took piano lessons from her, never mentioned Oliver.
Charlotte composed herself and slowly turned around.
Oliver held a wine glass, his gaze deep.
He had matured a bit, looking somewhat different!
Charlotte's expression softened, and she spoke softly, "Oliver!"
Oliver smiled slightly, put down his wine glass, and extended his hand. Charlotte hesitated for a moment before shaking it.
Charles laughed. "So you two know each other!"
Charlotte regained her composure and smiled. "I teach Oliver's sister piano. She's been learning from me for a year now."
Charles showed an "I see" expression.
Brian rolled his eyes. 'Teach piano lessons for his sister? It was clearly Oliver having a crush on Charlotte for years, failing to win her over, and being sent away by Frederick. Speaking of which, Frederick's methods were really ruthless!'
Brian looked at the old acquaintances, growing more annoyed. 'How long are they going to talk?'
Just as he was about to step forward, he glanced around and felt delighted. Frederick had actually arrived!
'Dressed to the nines, probably here to give a Valentine's Day gift and spend some quality time together! But who would have thought that Charlotte would run into Oliver! Wouldn't Frederick be jealous?'
He laughed, probably too obviously and arrogantly, catching Charlotte's attention. Following his gaze, she saw Frederick!