bThe /bofficer spoke in a formal, procedural tone. “We’ve received your report. We’ll be opening ba /bcase and investigating this as an attempted sexual assault. Howeverb, /ba case will also be filed for your alleged assault. Since this is a criminal matter, whether or not It qualifies as self- defense will ultimately be determined by the court.”

Charlotte nodded. “Understoodb./bb” /b

After posting ball, she walked out of the police station and got

“I’ll make a call and have the case droppedb,/b” Sean offered.

into bSean’s /bcar.

Charlotte shook her head. “No need. I’m confident I cane out of this clean.”

Night had fallen. The world outside was hushed and still.

Sean’s bface /bwas cloaked in shadow.

His voice was low. “Lottie, you always carry everything alone. You know you can lean on me too.

She fell silent.

Then let bout /ba quiet sigh.

“After Mom died, I was a mess for a long time,” she said softly. “Then bDad /bd remarried. bSince /bthen, it felt like I didn’t really have anyone left in this world.”

still in the quiet night.

The car remained still in the

Charlotte’s face bwas /bpartially hidden in the dark, the sorrow in her eyes masked by shadows. She forced a bcasual /btone. “I guess I just got used to bhandling /beverything on my own.

“Because I don’t really know who I can count on anymore.

bSean /bfelt something twist in his chest.

He looked at her, heart baching /b“You can count on me.‘

But Charlotte didn’t answer.

bt in Ch

Charlotte’s heart.

Earlier that day, Lena’s words had nted a seed of doubt

Vivian Xander–Sean’s adoptive sister–might have feelings for him that crossed a line

And as far as Charlotte knew, Sean had always treated Vivian with care, even affection

Sure, Vivian bhad /bbeen rude to her the day before, and Sean bhad /bscolded her. But Charlotte could tell that his anger wasn’t about defending her. He was upset because Vivian had embarrassed the Jasper family with herck of manners.

It wasn’t about standing up for Charlotte.

She understood then–when it came to Sean’s priorities, she could neverpete with a girl who had grown up by his side.

And if she and Vivian were ever at odds in the future, Sean would likely take Vivian’s side.

To save herself from future heartbreak, Charlotte quietly decided not to expect too much from him.

Next to her, Sean noticed her silence and felt a wave of frustration wash over him.

He sighed and gently ruffled her hair. “Just remember this, Lottle. No matter what happens, I’m always on byour /bside.

Charlotte lowered her head and gave a solt “mm.

Later that night, after dropping Charlotte off at home, bSean /bmade a call.

He spoke calmly but firmly.

“Cancel the assault case with the station.”

Then he called his assistant. “Find out which hospital these two bastards are in. Take care of it.”

At the hospital, the tattooed man had juste out of surgery and was lying in bbed/bb, /bstill in pain. The skinny blond guy was in the next bed

A man wearing a face mask walked into the room.

They both recognized him.

He was the one who had wired them fifty grand each at the bar. Their job had been to harass bthat /bwoman.

If it weren’t for him, none of this would have happened.

bNow/b? One of them had a shattered arm.

And the other? His testicles were destroyed. Permanently.

He would never have kids again.

All for fifty grand?

The tattooed guy clenched his bjaw/b, shaking with rage. for life!!!

“You s

son of a bitch! You could’ve told us she was trained! One kick and she wrecked me

say it was your idea. Don’t

“Shut up,” the man snapped. “I’ll transfer thirty grand more to each of you. But if the bcops /be asking, you say mention me. Got it?”

The blond guy nodded quickly. “Deal.”

His arm would heal in a few weeks. Thirty grand on top of the original filty? Easy money.

But the tattooed guy wasn’t having it. “Thirty? You think I’m a beggarb? /bbI’ve /bbeen freaking castrated–how the hell is bthat /bworth it?! I want a million!”