Chapter 46
“I’ve already called an Uber,” Charlotte said.
“Easy enough to cancel,” Liam replied with a warm smile.
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He stepped out of the Maybach and smoothly took her luggage, placing it in the trunk before she could object.
If not for the luxury vehicle, passersby might have assumed they were witnessing a kidnapping.
Liam opened the rear passenger door with practiced ease. “Please, join us. We’re heading the same way.”
Charlotte felt slightly awkward having someone of his position serving as her doorman, but the invitation was too gracious to refuse. With a quick thank you, she slid into the plush leather seat.
The moment she entered, she found herself sharing the space with Zarek.
Today, he looked more casual–a crisp light blue shirt, black tailored pants, no tie but elegant cufflinks catching the light. Bathed in the soft glow filtering through the tinted windows, he radiated an effortless refinement that reminded her of something rare and pristine–like some exotic bloom that only exists at impossible altitudes… beautiful but untouchable.
“Morning,” she greeted, adjusting her coat.
Though the space between them made contact impossible, she felt an inexplicable need to maintain the boundary.
Zarek acknowledged her with a slight nod, his expression neutral yet somehow attentive.
Charlotte pressed her lips together.
So this was it.
That warm, humble demeanor had been circumstantial. This cool reserve was his natural state. But for someone born into unimaginable privilege, a touch of detachment was hardly surprising. His character remained… intriguing.
The car pulled smoothly into traffic.
She glanced at her phone, quickly canceling her rideshare and noting that the driver wasn’t the source of those mysterious calls.
As if summoned by her thoughts, that unknown number appeared on her screen again. This time she declined. without hesitation.
“Getting away somewhere?”
The rich voice beside her broke the silence.
Charlotte turned instinctively, answering before she could overthink it. “Yes.”
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The Moment I Let Go My Uncle: Escaping the Forbidden Past.
Chapter 46
“Where to?”
“Iceland.”
Such specific questions–either genuine curiosity or polite boredom.
She had assumed this was mandatory small talk that would end there, but Zarek added, “That’s quite a distance.”
“Yes, it is,” Charlotte agreed, meeting his gaze briefly.
Internally, she thought: You’ve probably had private jets since kindergarten, and suddenly Iceland seems noteworthy?
“Was this trip planned long ago or a recent decision?” Zarek asked, his tone casual but his attention focused.
Charlotte responded naturally, “Oh, it was definitely planned-”
She stopped mid–sentence, suddenly remembering her recent job application. A woman with pre–arranged international travel plans applying for an executive position…
Her expression shifted to mortified realization as she silently hoped he wouldn’t connect the dots.
But the subtle change in his expression told her everything–he had not only remembered but had deliberately led her into this trap.
In this excruciating moment, Rex turned from the front passenger seat: “So Miss Whitmore, should we assume you’re no longer interested in the position?”
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!!”
Charlotte wanted to disappear. Embarrassed but honest, she explained, “If the position had been offered, I would have canceled my plans. But since Mr. Weasley declined…”
That had been her genuine intention. While escape was essential for her sanity, she would have adjusted everything for the right opportunity.
“What if I’ve changed my mind?” Zarek asked, his posture relaxed but his expression serious.
Charlotte felt a jolt of surprise. “You mean… I’m hired?”
Now? Just as she was fleeing the country?
Zarek didn’t answer directly. Instead, his lips curved slightly. “But weren’t you just about to see Iceland?”
But I haven’t even left yet!!
“The trip can be canceled,” she said firmly. “I can start immediately.” Only a fool would miss this opportunity, especially when running from her past.
“Immediately?” he questioned, watching her closely.
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“Absolutely,” she confirmed without hesitation.
“I was merely observing that Iceland is quite far.”
The hint of amusement in Zarek’s voice was unmistakable.
He exchanged a glance with Rex, who immediately picked up the cue: “Miss Whitmore, if you’re available today, that would be perfect. Once we’re airborne, I’ll brief you on the details of this business trip.”
Charlotte felt slightly disoriented by this sudden shift.
How had a simple ride transformed into a job offer?
Though unexpected, she adapted quickly. “Of course. We have time before reaching the airport–perhaps you could send me the itinerary?”
Rex smiled. “No need to rush. We have plenty of time.”
Charlotte nodded, processing this dramatic turn of events. From devastated wife to executive secretary in less than twelve hours–her life had become unrecognizable.
During their conversation, her silenced phone had been lighting up repeatedly. Checking it, she noticed Summer had called.
She turned slightly away and called back. “Summer?”
“Issac found your flight information,” Summer warned urgently. “He’s racing to the airport as we speak.”
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“He’s completely lost it. Charlotte, maybe you should turn around and hide somewhere for a while.”
“I’ll figure something out,” Charlotte replied, pressing her fingers to her temple.
After hanging up, she stared out the window, her momentary optimism crashing back into that familiar darkness–like autumn rain seeping into her bones.
The car fell silent. Everyone had overheard her conversation.
Zarek said nothing, but his posture had subtly shifted.
Liam, unable to contain his concern, offered reassurance: “Don’t worry. Mr. Weasley’s private jet awaits. The car will drive directly to the aircraft. That man won’t be able to track or find you.”
Charlotte’s face brightened immediately. “That’s perfect.”
Why hadn’t she considered that? She wasn’t just escaping–she was escaping with the Weasley heir.
Zarek glanced at her. “Charlotte Whitmore, you’re quite the opportunist.”
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Chapter 46
Charlotte: “…”
Issac searched the airport frantically, finding no trace of Charlotte or her boarding records. He concluded she must have changed her plans and left. Little did he know she was already settling into a leather seat aboard Zarek’s private jet, completely beyond his reach.
The cabin was spacious and elegantly appointed.
The temperature was perfect, with a subtle fragrance in the air.
During takeoff, the momentary weightlessness felt like invisible hands clutching Charlotte’s heart.
She gazed out at the terminal building below, imagining Issac’s current state–wild–eyed, furious, veins bulging as he searched for her. A small, vindictive smile played on her lips before fading into something more complex…
Once they reached cruising altitude, attendants served a breakfast that would put five–star hotels to shame.
Charlotte found herself with little appetite and barely touched the food.
Afterward, she lost herself in the hypnotic sea of clouds outside her window, caught between triumph and melancholy.
“Charlotte Whitmore,” Zarek’s voice cut through her thoughts. “If you’re going to maintain that conflicted expression, perhaps we shouldn’t bother with your employment paperwork at all.”
