Chapter 353 You Remind Me of Someone I Used to Know
Frederick mulled it over for a sec.
He decided to skip the party.
He grabbed his phone and dialed up Charlotte. After a few rings, she picked up. "Frederick?"
He loved the way she said his name.
He let it hang in the air for a moment before grinning and saying, "I'm not gonna make it to your party. Gonna stay home with the kids. I'll swing by to pick you up when it's done."
Charlotte knew what was up.
He didn't want to deal with the entertainment crowd, so he opted out.
She didn't push it.
"Alright, you stay home. The driver can take me," she said.
But Frederick was firm about picking her up himself.
Charlotte chuckled and agreed.
She hung up and turned around. Jenna was coming over with some newbies, the supporting cast from the movie Charlotte had backed. They were a bunch of good-looking young folks.
All of them were super polite and on their best behavior.
Tonight was the big celebration.
Charlotte had gone all out, rocking a deep purple gown that swept the floor.
Her golden hair flowed down her back like a waterfall.
She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, casually scrolling through her phone. Her laid-back vibe had a hint of self-admiration, making her even more captivating.
The newbies were nervous but couldn't help sneaking glances at her.
Charlotte finally looked up and scanned the room.
She froze for a moment; one of them looked a lot like Ethan.
He was clean-cut and had that same lack of desire.
Charlotte stared at him.
Her gaze was a mix of sadness and intensity, and everyone could feel it. The young guy got a bit jittery and said, "Ms. Russell."
Charlotte snapped back.
Her eyes were a bit misty, and she gave a soft smile. "You remind me of someone I used to know."
Jenna chimed in softly, "He's the third male lead in this movie! His name's Gabriel Perez."
Gabriel gathered his courage and asked, "Was he a friend of yours, Ms. Russell?"
Charlotte smiled faintly. "Something like that. You're better than him."
At least he was alive and kicking, unlike Ethan.
With that, Charlotte slowly walked out.
The others were jealous of Gabriel for catching Charlotte's eye.
They bombarded Jenna with questions, and she quietly warned, "That was Ms. Russell's first love. He passed away recently, and she's been down, so don't bring it up again."
Gabriel looked towards the door, lips pressed together.
The party was off the charts.
Elizabeth just signed with Charlotte's company, which totally pissed off Tina. She called up Elizabeth, yelling and even threatening to cut off resources for her.
But come on, in Syeattel, everyone knew Charlotte had way more clout than Tina.
Elizabeth was super grateful to Charlotte.
On stage, she couldn't stop thanking her.
Charlotte sat in the audience, looking all calm and collected, like someone who knew they had all the power. That chill vibe made her even more attractive.
Gabriel, at 24, couldn't help but admire her.
As the party was winding down, Charlotte decided to bounce early, and Jenna went to get the car.
Charlotte strolled through the hotel courtyard alone.
The night wind was pretty strong.
A voice called out from behind, "Ms. Russell."
She turned around.
Gabriel was standing there, watching her with those young, adoring eyes.
He walked towards her, step by step.
Charlotte didn't move.
Gabriel had a white rose in his hand, looking all nervous and awkward. "Ms. Russell, I thought this flower would go great with your dress tonight."
Charlotte took the rose.
She looked at him and said softly, "It's lovely! Thanks! My husband leaves a rose on my pillow every morning too."
That gentle rejection made Gabriel's face turn a bit red.
Charlotte was kind.
She added softly, "You're nice! No need to apologize or feel embarrassed."
Because liking someone wasn't a crime.
As long as you didn't cross any lines, it was all good.
The night wind was chilly, and suddenly, a well-made men's coat was draped over her shoulders.
She looked up to see Frederick.
He looked down at her and gently scolded, "It's cold out here; why didn't you bring a coat?"
Charlotte looked up, smiling warmly.
Gabriel felt even more awkward.
Frederick glanced at him. He was sharp and immediately noticed the resemblance. Seeing how young he was, he figured the kid was just another admirer of his wife.
Frederick nodded at him and walked off with Charlotte.
As they got into the car, Frederick noticed the rose in her hand. "Looks like it was pulled from a bouquet, huh?"
Charlotte sat in the car and looked up at him. "That's Gabriel; he's only 24!"
Frederick snorted lightly.
He walked to the back of the car, opened the trunk, and placed a whole bouquet of roses in her lap.
Coincidentally, they were white roses too.
Charlotte blinked. Were these for her?
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