Chapter 1497
Charlotte felt a wave of relief wash over her when she saw Fiona again.
In Charlotte's mind, the most nerve-wracking moment before today was when she had to kill that prince.
"Go see your great-grandmother," Fiona told Charles.
Charles instinctively glanced at Charlotte. He knew that while others might give her a hard time, Fiona wouldn't.
Charlotte gave him a reassuring nod.
Only then did Charles let go of her hand. "Mom."
Fiona waved him off dismissively.
She had raised Charles well, but lately, he had picked up some of Darwin's bad habits, which annoyed her.
Charles nodded slightly and headed to Janna's room.
"Mrs. Solomon," Charlotte said softly, glancing at Fiona.
"Come here," Fiona reached out her hand.
Charlotte looked at her, feeling a rush of nostalgia. It was like the time she had traveled from overseas and stood on the grassy shore of the lake. Fiona had reached out her hand then, too, saying, "Come here."
Charlotte took a few steps forward, walked up to Fiona, and placed her hand in hers.
Fiona held her hand and looked up at her. "In the blink of an eye, you've grown up."
Charlotte's eyes welled up with emotion.
"Don't be embarrassed. Charles has had feelings for you since he was little, I know that. I also know you two dated."
Charlotte looked at Fiona. "I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" Fiona asked with a smile. "I know you've been avoiding him for a long time, and it's he who's been persistently chasing after you."
"No, that's not it," Charlotte shook her head. "I avoided him because I liked him, not because he was pestering me."
Fiona looked at Charlotte, her smile tinged with helplessness.
"And now?" Fiona asked gently. "Do you really want to marry him, or have you just been worn down by his persistence these past few days? Charlotte, to me, you and Charles, and Chicago are no different. I won't let anyone force you into something you don't want. If you don't want this, even if I have to break Charles's leg, I won't let him bother you."
"No, no!" Charlotte quickly waved her hands. "Don't break his leg, I'm willing!"
Fiona's smile widened.
"Really? You only get this one chance. If you get married, any conflicts will be between you two as a couple, and I won't interfere as your mother-in-law," Fiona said seriously.
"Mrs. Solomon," Charlotte suddenly choked up, "I love him, and I want to be with him."
Fiona knew that Charlotte seemed indifferent to everything. But as she grew up, she cared about more and more people, and the constraints on her increased. Yet she was the least equipped to handle those constraints.
"That's good," Fiona said, looking at Charlotte with gentle affection. "You have to trust Charles. If he wants to make something work, he will."
"Okay."
"Come here for a hug," Fiona said, opening her arms with a smile.
Charlotte, her eyes red, fell into Fiona's embrace.
Fiona gently patted her back.
"From now on, you can't be like these past few years, always staying away from home."
"I won't," Charlotte shook her head.
Fiona patted her back again.
Then she teased, "Even though I was prepared for this, Charles is really lucky to have you."