bChapter /bb388 /b

bBut /bScoft bhad /be,

As ba /bpartner at the firm and one of the bosses, he didn’t need to follow a fixed work schedule.

This time, he came alone, without Tiana.

In bhis /bhands was a beautiful bouquet of pale blue flowers, artfully ranged with a mix of rare blooms.

“To celebrate your discharge from the hospital,” he said, offering the bouquet to Charlotte,

She took the flowers with a soft smile. “Thank you.”

Desmond looked at her with fatherly concern. “You’ve lost some weight these past few weeks.”

“Tonight, I’ll cook for you myself,” said Xena warmly. “Come home for dinner?”

Charlotte nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Xena. That sounds lovely.”

“She even prepared a gift,” Desmond added with a grin.

Xena shot him a yful re. “Why’d you t

tell her? You ruined the surprise.”

He chuckled. “She doesn’t know what the gift bis/bb, /bso

it’s

still a surprise.”

Charlotte smiled and said to Xena, “It’s okay, Aunt Xena. He’s right–as long as I don’t know what it isb, /bit’s still a surprise.”

“Lottie, I got you something too,” Lena said, handing over a small gift bag. “Picked it up in Switzendst week. Go on, open it.”

Charlotte recognized the logo on the bag right away. It was from a well–known luxury Swiss watch brand.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile.

Inside the bag was a whitedies‘ watch. She opened the box and smiled brighter. “It’s beautiful, Lena. Thank you.”

“Don’t be silly,” Lena said. “Here, let me help you put it on.”

“Okay.”

After helping her fasten the watch, Lena nodded with satisfaction. It suits you perfectly.”

“Lottie, I didn’t prepare a gift,” Mia chimed in with a grin. “I’ve been recovering at home. But when you’re feeling up to it, I’ll take you shopping. Whatever you like, it’s on me. Fair enough?”

Charlotte’s eyes curved with a smile. “Deal. I won’t hold back.”

As the group stepped out of the hospital into the open–air parking lot, Charlotte said her goodbyes.

“Thank you all foring to see me out.”

‘Come on, we’re family. Don’t be so formal,” Miaughed.

Lena agreed, “Exactly. Don’t make it sound like we’re strangers.”

Scott smiled gently. “You don’t need to thank me either.”

They chatted for a few more minutes before parting ways.

Charlotte turned and headed toward her family’s car–when something caught her eye.

A familiar ck Cullinan.

She bstopped /bin her tracks.

Curiousb, /bshe circled a few steps and walked over to the car. The license te confirmed her hunch. It was Sean’s car.

She stepped closer and gently knocked on the window.

It rolled down slowly, revealing Sean’s handsome face.

“What are you doing here?” she asked softly.

Sean met her gaze, his eyes unreadable. “You’re being discharged today. I wanted to see you.”

Her heart fluttered like a feather brushing against it.

“Is your wound fully healed?” he asked. “Are you feeling okay?”

Charlotte nodded. “I’m fine.”

His eyes flicked to the bouquet in her arms.

“The flowers–Scott gave them to you?” he asked, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

X