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Chapter 112
Zane’s mockery deepened its coNT
Yennis duok de kwet with a red at det ofthey say dito, fed note and her two dildren would be unified in mering how away
Zarek: “Why even well for ka? Why xay ku
Yannis”
You’re still cold as ice, my friend.
As they discussed the Granthem and Lowell familles, Churine cougar fregues of their conversation
The Lowell family.
She wasn’t familiar with Los Angeles society or the Lowell family, knowing only that they wore the day sto powerful dynasty,
It was surprising that Katherine had such connection
And from what she gathered, this uncle’s wife was essentially the evil stepmother from Snow Whire
But if the cousin relationship was so strong, why hadn’t Katherine sought help earlier?
Charlotte hadn’t forgotten how Jayden had practically groveled at the restaurant just last week
Zarek’s voice carried from the table again.
“You might want to wait and see. If Katherine truly made this trip to address Ansonic’s current troubles, simply bringing problems won’t buy her any favors.”
“What could the Granthams possibly offer her? Yannis asked dismissively.
“That depends on what she wants. If she can’t deliver what this woman desires, her visit was wasted. But if E wasn’t…” Zarek traced patterns on the table with his finger. “Then you should be concerned.”
Yannis’s expression grew serious.
Zarek continued, “Something the Granthams alone can’t provide might be perfectly attainable with the Woods‘ help.”
“Aren’t those two families at each other’s throats?”
“Desperate times, desperate measures.”
Yannis frowned.
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After a moment, a frustrated smile returned to his face. He leaned back. “Being born into the Lowell family is exhausting. Talk about bad karma. Every day is like a survival game! Anyone who wants this inheritance can have it–I couldn’t care less!”
Zarek nodded understandingly: “Yes, I remember your dream to become a wild man in the Amazon.”
“…” Yannis kicked at Zarek’s chair, laughing despite himself. “Seriously? I said that when I was six and you’re still bringing it up! You must really love me!”
Hearing them slip into friendly banter, Charlotte tuned out.
The Woods and Granthams joining forces?
She pressed her lips together, popping a piece of melon into her mouth.
After finishing the fruit platter, she needed the restroom. She stood up and quietly slipped toward the bathroom in the private room.
Zarek noticed her movement immediately.
He watched her tiptoeing to the bathroom, finding it amusing.
“Your eyes are practically glued to her,” Yannis remarked, unable to stand it any longer. She was just going to the bathroom, yet he kept staring.
Zarek looked away.
Yannis asked: “You actually like her?”
Zarek: “Yes.”
Knowing what would come next, he automatically added, “I’ve tried. She’s not interested.”
Yannis’s expression shifted from shock to disbelief as he suppressed a laugh. “So… you confessed and got rejected? This Ms. Whitmore must need glasses. You’re so much better than Issac Wood. Don’t be heartbroken–I’ll pay for her LASIK. Once she can see clearly, she’ll recognize our innocent little Zarek’s charms.”
“I can’t believe this happened to you. I need to commemorate this historic day–June 10th, the day Zarek Weasley got turned down. Tell me the details–how did she reject you? Was it brutal? You didn’t cry, did you?”
“If you need to cry now, my shoulder’s available.”
He teased mercilessly.
A truly once–in–a–lifetime opportunity.
Zarek narrowed his eyes. “Want me to cut out your tongue?”
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When Charlotte emerged from the bathroom, the men had moved from the dining table to the sofa.
Since Zarek had steered her away when they first entered, she now properly greeted Yannis up close. “Hello, Mr. Lowell.”
“Hello, Ms. Whitmore.”
Yannis responded with a brilliant smile, patting the space beside him. “Come sit with me.”
Zarek looked at him with enough frost in his eyes to trigger an ice age.
Charlotte smiled and declined politely. “I’m fine standing.”
“Standing is tiring. Sit down,” Yannis insisted, gesturing again.
“…If you insist.”
Charlotte had no choice but to comply.
Of course, she didn’t actually sit next to Yannis, choosing instead a spot near Zarek.
Yannis sat with his legs crossed, leaning back in his chair, his posture overly relaxed, giving an impression of casual irreverence.
He smiled at Charlotte, seemingly intrigued. “Somehow, Ms. Whitmore, the more I look at you, the more you feel like family. Let me adopt you as my little sister.”
Charlotte: “…”
How about I adopt YOU as my grandson?
She thought sarcastically, but figured building a good relationship with him could only benefit her, especially since he was Zarek’s friend. Refusing would be disrespectful.
“You’re too kind, Mr. Lowell,” she replied with a proper smile.
“Why so formal? Call me big brother.”
Before Zarek could intervene, Charlotte complied: “…Big brother.”
She bit her lip, smiling like she wanted to bite someone.
Zarek: “…”
You’re certainly adaptable.
“That sounds perfect, little sister. Promise me, when you find a boyfriend, bring him to meet big brother. I’ll give him a generous red envelope,” Yannis said, grinning from ear to ear.
Charlotte: …This man needs therapy….
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Chapter 112
Zarek: “……….
It was already 9 PM when they left the club.
Yannis insisted that Zarek visit his winery for a while longer.
Zarek: “I need to get back to New York.”
“Who’s waiting for you in New York? Why rush? Listen to me–stay one more night,” Yannis said, throwing an arm around Zarek’s shoulders and leaning in close. “The night is young, future brother in law. I’ll arrange a sweet romantic surprise for you two, to help your relationship heat up.”
“Not necessary.”
“…Just confessing isn’t enough! You need to take action to make her fall for you!“
Zarek smiled without responding.
Charlotte watched them with their arms around each other: …I hope I won’t be forced to call Zarek “sister–in–law
No, no, she couldn’t accept this scenario!
How was it possible that these two alpha personalities could be so compatible?
And most ridiculous of all–why did these two tall men look so good together?
Zarek pushed Yannis’s arm away. “Not staying. Next time.”
Seeing Zarek’s determination to leave, Yannis didn’t press further. “Alright, I’ll visit you in New York next time.” He turned to Charlotte with a mischievous wink. “Little sister, next time come with your husband, okay?”
Charlotte: “…”
”
Why does that sound so weird?
“Sure,” she replied with a polite smile.
Zarek and Charlotte got into the car.
By the time they reached the airport and boarded the plane, it would be the middle of the night.
Charlotte felt she’d been sleeping less than a chicken and working harder than a dog these past two days, both physically and mentally exhausted.
Once on the plane, seeing no other duties to attend to, she sat in a back seat and closed her tired eyes for a nap.
“Ms. Whitmore, would you like something to eat?” Zarek asked.
When he received no answer for a while, he turned to look and found her already asleep against the chair.
He stood up, took a blanket, and walked over to gently cover her.
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Chapter
112
As he was about to straighten up, his gaze fell on her pink lips…
