Chapter 300 Charles's Belated Explanation and Apology
George's hand was already outstretched!
Upon hearing Catherine's words, he retracted it.
Charles and Philip stood at the door, both wearing the same expression as George.
Only Alexander had a faint smile on his face, his gaze always following Catherine's movements, never looking away no matter what she did!
The light fell on them, and under the Tyndall effect, the light had contours. Catherine's and Alexander's profiles were reflected together, making all other sounds seem redundant.
Juniper suddenly felt like she was intruding on them. "Uh, I just remembered I haven't put on my shoes. I'll head out first. Philip, go pay the bill for me."
"Sure, I'll pay, I'll pay for everything."
Juniper was in such a hurry when she left that she ran out barefoot, and now she felt the soles of her feet getting a bit chilly.
Philip quickly pulled Juniper away from the scene.
Charles glanced at Alexander's wound. Catherine's movements were very careful and meticulous, occasionally asking him if it hurt.
Watching the scene before him, Charles chuckled softly, his eyes showing a mix of loss and relief, his emotions a bit complex, but he still closed the door.
Charles turned to look at Odette and Gabriella behind him. "Catherine is fine. I'll take you two home."
Odette held her face, her eyes filled with hearts. "Ms. Windsor and Mr. Howard have such a good relationship! Mr. Howard used to come and accompany Ms. Windsor at work whenever he had time!"
Everyone at the gallery knew Alexander. Every time he brought afternoon tea for Catherine, he would also bring some for the gallery staff. They often enjoyed the treats with Catherine!
They had already considered Alexander as one of their own; after all, he was their boss's man!
Gabriella quickly declined, "Mr. Windsor, we just wanted to check on Catherine. We don't want to trouble you. We can take a cab home ourselves!"
Charles stood still, turning to look at Gabriella.
The hospital corridor was bustling with people, and the smell of disinfectant was pervasive. Charles's gaze traveled through the corridor and landed on Gabriella's face.
After a moment, Charles's thin lips curved into a smile, and he said firmly, "Are you refusing me? It's just taking you home, not a big deal."
After saying this, Charles turned and left, as if the cold atmosphere just now wasn't brought by him!
Gabriella had no choice but to pull Odette along and follow him.
After all, Odette still worked for the Windsor family's business, and it wouldn't be good to offend the Windsor family. It wasn't like she had any extra dealings with Charles.
Thinking this, Gabriella reluctantly followed Charles's pace.
Charles drove steadily, his gaze always on the road ahead, not giving an extra glance to the people behind him.
Odette, being young, had worked with Charles at the gallery before and started chatting about gallery work.
Charles listened attentively and nodded after Odette finished speaking. "Thank you for your hard work. With your cooperation, Catherine's work is easier."
"No, no, it's all because Ms. Windsor manages well. She's amazing! Last time, I had a problem with an exhibition setup, and after changing it dozens of times, I still couldn't find the issue. She took one look and found it!" Odette was practically worshipping Catherine!
Even though they were about the same age, Catherine was a few years younger than her, yet so capable!
"Does Mr. Howard often visit Catherine?" Charles asked.
"Yes, Mr. Howard is busy with work but still brings afternoon tea. He even accompanied Ms. Windsor at work last time!"
From an outsider's perspective, one could better understand Catherine and Alexander's relationship, which put Charles at ease.
Perhaps because Charles was always responsive, Odette completely let her guard down and boldly started gossiping. "Mr. Windsor, what about you? Do you have a girlfriend?"
"No."
Odette was almost surprised and a bit regretful. "Someone as excellent as you, never had a girlfriend before?"
Charles said lightly, "I had one, but she despised me. So even when meeting her family, no one knew we were in a relationship."
"What? How could that be!"
Charles smiled gently, changing lanes and separating from the original traffic flow. "I didn't understand her insecurities back then, so it was my fault. Meeting someone in a crowd is not easy, but drifting apart is simple."
Odette nodded, half understanding, "You're right, but it's still a pity."
Gabriella bit her lip, her voice a bit hoarse. "Didn't you say you were getting engaged next year?"
"Yes, the date is set, but the person hasn't been found yet."
Odette stunned. "What? You can set the date before finding the person?"
"My family is pressuring me, so I used it as an excuse. If I don't find someone by then, I'll let Catherine and Mr. Howard get engaged. It's not a big deal." Charles had indeed set the engagement for next May.
"If Catherine and Mr. Howard don't want to get engaged, I'll tell my mother I got dumped. She'll understand. After all, being single at my age with so many younger siblings, it's hard to find a partner in the dating market."
Odette didn't expect Charles to be such a humorous person!
They used to think Charles was stern and unapproachable, but now they knew he was so witty and charming!
"With your qualities, finding a partner is too easy! I bet your wedding will happen next May!"
"Thanks for your kind words."
Gabriella couldn't shake the feeling that Charles's gaze fell on her when he said this, making her feel uneasy!
The car stopped near Gabriella's home. Watching the two sisters get out, Charles finally looked away and drove off.
Odette wanted to talk to Gabriella, but when she turned around, she saw Gabriella still staring at Charles's car, her eyes filled with emotions she couldn't understand.
"Gabriella, what are you looking at? Hey, Gabriella! Why are you walking so fast?"
Gabriella walked quickly back home and locked herself in her room.
Her mind was still replaying Charles's words. The broken truth from years ago was now laid bare, making her feel uneasy and anxious.
She felt like Charles's words had deeper meanings! Was he explaining himself to her?
But the events of the past weren't something she could decide alone. Whether it was her leaving without a word or the Windsor family approaching her, it was all too much for Gabriella to bear.
Gabriella's phone vibrated on the floor, and a message came in.
Charles: [Sorry for the late apology. Also, I know everything about what happened back then.]
Gabriella's hands trembled, unsure of how much Charles knew. She tried to brush her hair back but found her hands were wet with tears.
Regret and indescribable pain pricked her heart like needles. Gabriella covered her face, crying silently.
Meanwhile, in the office, George watched as Catherine skillfully bandaged Alexander's wound.
"Catherine, how did you learn to bandage?" George asked.
"I learned it when I was a kid," Catherine replied.
George was dumbfounded and couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
Images of Catherine and Elodie having to bandage their own wounds in the past flashed through his mind!
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