Chapter 171 Alan Has Results from Investigating Charlotte
After returning to his room, Martin splashed cold water on his face in an attempt to shake off the weariness that clung to him after a sleepless night. Despite his efforts, he still felt no drowsiness. Determined to clear his mind, he decided to change into fresh clothes and head out for a morning run.
As he jogged through the streets, the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow on the city. The physical fatigue from his run did little to lessen the troubles weighing on his heart.
Just then, the butler approached and informed Martin that Alan had arrived. Martin instructed the butler to bring Alan to the study, eager to hear what he had to say.
Alan wasted no time and pushed the documents towards Martin. "These are Charlotte's recent records,” he said, his tone serious.
As Martin opened the files, Alan explained, "I had her background checked briefly. More than ten years ago, Charlotte went abroad with your mother, Linda, and they've been living overseas ever since. Recently, after Linda married a local man, Charlotte started boarding at school. Your mother, soon pregnant after her marriage, devoted herself entirely to her new family, neglecting Charlotte almost completely.”
Alan continued, “ Despite the neglect, Charlotte excelled academically and received fill scholarships for her tuition and living expenses. After graduating from university this year, Charlotte worked for half a year, saved some money, and has now come back to find you."
Martin’s heart sank as he processed the information, Charlotte had been the first to return to the Langley family, but she was promptly sent away by someone sent by Martha. Moreover, Martha kept this matter under wraps.
Alan went on, “ She visited the Langley Group, but the receptionist refused to report her arrival, claiming that she did not have an appointment. She waited outside the Langley Group for several days, hoping to see you, and eventually went to the Moore Group to find President Shen. By chance, she ran into President Carter who was inspecting the company and managed to ask him for your address. She said she wanted to give you a surprise, which is why President Carter didn't inform you of this matter."
The investigation into Charlotte’s background had been thorough.
Though not exhaustive in detail, it was enough to confirm one thing.
This Charlotte is indeed his sister, and there's nothing suspicious about her identity.
Martin's eyes narrowed dangerously, and he slowly uttered a few words through his thin lips, "Turning a deaf ear?"
Alan hesitated before responding, "I was afraid of worrying you, so I tried to convey it subtly! It can't be said that she was completely ignored; rather, she was left to fend for herself, to survive or perish on her own. Miss Langley has had a difficult life these past years, and it's a miracle she's made it this far."
Martin’s anger surged within him.
"After going through so much trouble to take Charlotte away, why did they not take proper care of her? It’s a disgrace to motherhood."
Over a decade ago, his parents divorced, and he, as the heir to the Langley family, he remained by the Langley family. Charlotte was taken away by their mother. Who severed all ties with her out of fear that she would return to the Langley family.
Martin had always believed that his mother truly cared for Charlotte and would never treat her harshly. But to his disbelief, she had been totally neglected, left to struggle on her own.
This was a deeply personal matter for the Langley family, not something they could openly discuss. Faced with Martin’s questioning, their only response was silence.
Martin, deeply affected by the hardships Charlotte, closed the folder with determination and said in a resolute voice, "Purchase a house in Charlotte's name and then find her a job that suits her. I want to make up for all the years she has suffered."
"I'll arrange it right away!" Alan acknowledged Martin’s request and left to make the necessary arrangements.
With a momentary respite from the intense situation, Martin decided to freshen up. He took a shower, changed into a clean clothes, and then took the initiative to knock on Charlotte's door.
Charlotte, who had barely slept by daybreak, concerned that she might not be awake, he tapped gently twice on the door. Hearing no sound from within, he was about to leave when after a few steps the door opened. Charlotte emerged, rubbing her sleepy eyes, looking as though she hadn't fully woken up yet.
"Martin, were you looking for me?"
Feeling guilty, Martin asked, "Did I wake you?"
Shaking her head while rubbing her eyes, Charlotte replied, "No, I'm a light sleeper, the slightest noise wakes me up!"
Martin couldn’t help but notice her deep insecurity, wondering what she had gone through to become so cautious and restless in her sleep. He gently ruffled her hair and said, “Its nothing important. Go back to sleep. If you nee anything, I’ll be in the study.”
Charlotte shook her head, determined. "I can't sleep anymore! Martin, didn't you say you'd take me to see Randy? Let's have breakfast and then head over. I'm eager to see him."
"Are you sure you don't want to sleep a little more?" Martin asked.
Despite her sleepiness, Charlotte shook her head, her straightforwardness shining through. "I won't sleep! I'll go to bed early tonight."
"Alright! I'll wait for you downstairs, come down when you're ready." Seeing her insistence, Martin didn't press further.
In no time, Charlotte was ready and came downstairs.
As usual, her hair was tied in a ponytail, she was wearing a cheap down jacket bought from a street stall, and her leggings were so worn they were pilling, but she didn't seem to care in the slightest.
Martin noticed her simple attire, prompting him to message Alan: "Buy clothes for Charlotte, as many as possible. They must be delivered before we return home tonight."
A prompt "ok!" was the response.
After breakfast, Martin drove Charlotte to the hospital.
As they sat in the luxury car, Charlotte marveled at the new experience. She touched everything, her face full of wonder, "Martin, this seat feels so comfy."
"Martin, is this a refrigerator? I've never seen a fridge in a car before."
"Martin, your car is so comfortable! I don't feel dizzy at all sitting here!"
Martin, who had been quietly listening to her, finally couldn't help asking after this remark, "Do you get car sick?"
Charlotte pouted and nodded, "Yeah! One time I got so sick; I almost threw up. Motion sickness pills don't work for me, so I usually just ride the subway instead of the bus."
Martin was silent for a moment, his eyes betraying his sorrow.
"Do you know how to drive?"
Charlotte shook her head: "No, I never had the time to learn."
Martin declared, "I'll hire a personal driving instructor for you. People who get car sick usually don't when they're driving themselves!"
Upon hearing his words, Charlotte's eyes instantly lit up, and she nodded eagerly. Then, after a moment's thought, she shook her head, "No, I couldn't afford a car anyway, what would be the point of learning?"
Martin chuckled softly, "As long as you get your driver's license, feel free to choose any car from my garage!"
Charlotte continued to shake her head, "No! Even if you are my brother, I can't take advantage of you."
Martin was amused by her righteous refusal. He found his sister to be of good character, innocent and cute, which only increased his fondness for her.
Upon reaching the hospital, Martin parked the car and Charlotte naturally linked her arm through his.
Martin stiffened at her intimate gesture, seeming restrained and was about to withdraw his arm, but he stopped himself, awkwardly allowing her to stay linked after seeing her innocent and genuine smile.
As they walked, Charlotte leaned her head on his shoulder and said with a smile, "It feels so good to have a brother! Martin, have you missed me over these past years?"
Martin's heart softened, and he couldn’t help but relax in her presence.
As they reached the parking lot entrance, they happened to meet Patricia, who was also coming out of the parking lot. Both Martin and Patricia were taken aback.
Patricia's gaze fell inadvertently on Charlotte, who was linked arm in arm with Martin, and she felt a pang of jealousy. She had thought that she no longer loved Martin, that she could be indifferent to whoever he was with. But seeing him so close to another woman stirred emotions she couldn’t deny.
But upon witnessing him being so close with another woman, she had to admit, she was insanely jealous, her heart painfully cinching.
How could this be? Had she fallen for him again? Or was she just deceiving herself all along, never having stopped loving him?
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