Charlotte Sterling and Evander Howard waited in the private dining room, sitting across from each other in tense silence. Neither spoke.

    After a while, Evander leaned back in his chair and loosened his cor. “Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?”

    Charlotte met his gaze. “What exactly do you want to hear?”

    He hesitated, as if he knew whatever she might say wouldn’t be pleasant. He let it drop.

    Jacques Howard returned, his expression distant, still caught up in the emotions of seeing an old acquaintance.

    “Have a good chat?” Evander asked suddenly, his tone edged with irony.

    The remark sounded almost mocking. Jacques frowned. “We just caught up for a bit. Don’t read too much into it–nor bother telling your mother.”

    “Does she ever wait for my report?” Evander began setting out the silverware. “You know how she is.”

    Charlotte pressed her lips together, silent.

    Jacques nced at her, then changed the subject. “Let’s order. The sooner we eat, the sooner we can get home and rest.”

    Dinner passed quietly; father and son barely exchanged words, and Charlotte kept her head down, focusing on her meal. Suddenly, her phone rang, making her jump. She nced at the screen–it was her brother.

    Evander flicked his eyes up, watching her in silence.

    Seeing the caller, Charlotte turned to Jacques. “Dad, I need to take this outside.”

    Jacques nodded. “Go ahead.”

    Charlotte stepped into the corridor, answering the call. “Hey, Wes.”

    “You went back to Riverspire City with the Howards?”

    “My brother–Hiram–something happened. I couldn’t just stay away.” Charlotte’s voice softened. “He only has me now. I can’t just leave him, but if he stays here in Riverspire, I’m worried he’ll get hurt again…”

    b1/3 /b

    b16:48 /b

    “Want me to send someone to get him out?” Wesley Rayburn immediately caught her meaning.

    Charlotte gave a smallugh. “He’s awake now. I’ll talk to him first. If we need help, I’ll let you know.”

    “Alright. Call me anytime.” Wesley paused, then added, “And Charlotte–be careful out there.”

    “I will.”

    Ending the call, Charlotte finally felt the tension in her chest ease.

    She turned to head back when a waiter carrying a tray of fruit slipped past her, heading into a nearby private room. As he opened the door, a familiar voice drifted out: “Why should I let you dictate my life?”

    Charlotte froze, peering through the half–open door.

    Noreen Lennox!

    As the waiter exited, he noticed Charlotte standing nearby and started to ask something, but she quickly gestured for silence.

    Inside, Mrs. Lennox pressed her daughter, her brow furrowed with concern. “Noreen, honey, I know you don’t want an arranged marriage. But your sister is gone, and you’re the Lennox family’s only daughter now. This is just how it has to be.”

    “So what?” Noreen shot back, voice trembling. “I’m supposed to give up my entire future just to please you?”

    Chairman Lennox’s voice was thunderous. “You carry our name. Making sacrifices for this family is your duty!”

    Charlotte’s eyes widened.

    The Lennox family?

    Could it really be that Lennox family?

    Lost in thought, she didn’t notice someone approaching behind her until a warm breath tickled her ear and a low voice asked, “What are you looking at?”

    Startled, Charlotte spun around to find Evander so close their faces nearly touched.

    She snapped back to her senses, quickly stepping away from him.

    But before she could react further, he pushed open the door to the private room.

    b16:48 /b

    Charlotte barely had time to protest.

    Everyone inside fell silent in shock.

    Noreen hurriedly wiped away her tears.

    Chairman Lennox, seeing who stood at the door, set down his teacup and rose to his feet. “Mr. Howard?”