Chapter 543 Believe
As the conference room settled back into silence, the shareholders began to express their support and apologies to Charles. Diana stood frozen, unsure how to face his sudden appearance.
She could have handled today's situation herself, though it would have been more time-consuming and complicated.
This was the first time Charles had defended her in front of the shareholders, a stark contrast to the distant and avoidant behavior she remembered.
Charles dealt with the shareholders coldly before turning to her, his icy demeanor softening slightly as he spoke quietly,
"Let's go home. Benjamin is waiting for us."
Such a simple statement, yet it made Diana's eyes well up with tears.
She didn't understand where this emotion was coming from and quickly turned her head to wipe away the tears before following Charles out of the conference room.
Their hands remained clasped, something Diana hadn't even noticed. As they walked down the hallway, she couldn't hold back her question any longer,
"Why did you come today? You seem so familiar with the company. Have you regained your memory?"
Charles stopped and turned to look at her. Sunlight streamed through the hallway windows, casting a soft golden glow on his strong features.
He reached out and gently touched the corner of her reddened eyes, speaking softly,
"I was worried about you. Your brother came to find me. He told me about today's situation, and I came right away. I'm glad I made it in time."
"And what they said, you don't believe any of it?"
Diana's lips trembled as she spoke.
"Some things," he said quietly, "don't require memory to know right from wrong. I believe you."
Diana's heart raced, and the next moment, Charles pulled her into an embrace, burying his head in the crook of her neck and inhaling deeply, like a child seeking comfort.
"I was scared too," he murmured, "afraid I wouldn't be able to intimidate them, that they'd find out I don't remember anything."
Diana stiffened. He had reverted to his at-home self, expressing emotions and vulnerability that the pre-amnesia Charles would never show.
She didn't speak, her hand instinctively patting his back in a gesture of comfort.
Charles lifted his head, his hands gripping her arms, his gaze complex,
"I saw you with Mr. Richardson. Your relationship isn't ordinary, is it? Because seeing you two standing so close made me feel awful. I hate him, even though I've only seen his photo. It's like he took you away from me."
He gave a bitter smile,
"Amnesia is strange. Some emotions remain, but I don't remember why. So I want to hear from you, what is your relationship with him?"
Despite the accusatory tone, Diana didn't resist. Her heart pounded as she realized his memory might be slowly returning.
And when he fully remembers, will the controlling Charles come back?
Seeing her not answer, Charles's eyes grew more forlorn. He released her and turned away.
His once upright posture slumped, leaning on his cane as if he had lost all strength.
Diana snapped out of her daze and instinctively grabbed his hand, answering his question,
"Nothing."
Her voice was loud, startling even herself.
Charles paused but didn't turn around.
Diana lowered her voice and continued to explain,
"We have no special relationship, just friends. Those photos are just normal interactions. The Richardson Group and the Percy Group collaborating benefits both sides. I need to show results to gain the shareholders' trust. If there was anything between us, I would tell you."
Charles still didn't turn around, and Diana couldn't see his expression, feeling inexplicably anxious.
"You just said..."
"I believe you."
Charles finally turned back, picking up her words. He pressed his lips together, his eyelashes trembling as if in compromise.
"I said I believe you. If you say there's nothing, then there's nothing."
"Charles."
Diana grabbed his face, gritting her teeth.
"What do you mean by this? It's like you're saying I've already cheated, but you have no choice but to forgive me!"
Charles, caught, didn't bother hiding his emotions.
"Yes, I'm unhappy. I'm jealous."
With that, he turned and entered the elevator. Diana smirked and followed him.
"You've lost your memory, and you're still jealous."
"You are my wife. Even if I forget, I should be jealous."
Charles accepted it smoothly, then a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll come to the company with you. Maybe being in a familiar environment will help me recover more memories."
Diana, distracted by his sudden change of topic, immediately objected.
"No, you're not fully recovered yet."
"I'm fine. Look at me today, full of energy."
To prove his point, he let go of his cane and stood unaided for a moment.
Diana pursed her lips, about to speak when the elevator arrived.
They had to get off first.
However, as they passed the reception desk, they saw a familiar figure.
The man looked anxious and spoke sternly.
"Let me up. I need to see Ms. Spencer."
"Sorry, sir, you don't have an appointment today. You can't go up. How about calling Ms. Spencer?"
The receptionist was professional, even though Billy had been here many times. No appointment meant no entry.
"I've called. She's not answering."
Billy had heard from Nolan about Diana being accused and had immediately pushed a meeting to come and testify.
Though Nolan later said the issue was resolved, Billy still felt responsible and wanted to stand by Diana.
He hadn't expected the biggest obstacle to be the receptionist...
"Ms. Spencer might be busy. Please wait a bit. Ms. Spencer!"
The receptionist was about to lead him to the waiting area when she saw Diana standing nearby, with Charles beside her.
Seeing two important figures, the receptionist's expression changed, worried she might get in trouble for not letting Billy up.
Fortunately, Billy saw Diana and quickly walked over.
"Diana, are you okay?"
Charles immediately stepped between them, his tone unfriendly.
"Sir, can you only see one person? How about greeting me too?"
Diana's hand was tightly held by Charles, his fingers interlocked with hers as if declaring his territory.
Luckily, it was work hours, and there weren't many employees downstairs, only the receptionist witnessing the scene, almost gasping.
"Charles?"
Billy finally recognized the man beside Diana, frowning and stepping back.
"What are you doing here?"
Charles sneered.
"This is my company. What do you think?"
The atmosphere grew tense, and Diana sensed the rising tension.
To prevent things from escalating, she tightened her grip on Charles's hand, pulling him back to her side, and gave Billy a polite smile.
"I'm fine. The issue has been resolved. Thank you for your concern."
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