Chapter 249
Early that morning, Charlotte had already received a call from her younger brother, Christopher.
His school had abruptly refused to finalize his enrollment. The reason was vague—policies, background checks, “procedural issues”—but Charlotte understood what it really meant.
Someone had intervened.
She had already paid a considerable sum and secured Christopher a place in one of Goldmont City’s most competitive high schools. If this fell through now, it would not just be a setback—it could ruin his academic path entirely.
While she was still trying to figure out her next step, a message from Ethan arrived.
He asked, casually, whether she was facing any difficulties.
The timing was too precise to be a coincidence.
Charlotte stared at the screen for a long moment before the realization settled in: Christopher’s situation wasn’t random. It was pressure—directed at her.
Without hesitation, she went to find Khloe.
But she never made it.
Ethan was already waiting in the elevator.
“Charlotte,” he said lightly, though his eyes were anything but warm, “do you really think Khloe can solve everything for you?”
Charlotte stiffened.
Ethan stepped closer, his voice lowering. “You don’t have a backing of your own. Khloe can protect you once, maybe twice—but not forever. Are you planning to rely on her your entire life?”
His gaze sharpened slightly.
“And what about your family? Your brother’s education… your mother’s health. Can Khloe take responsibility for all of that too?”
Charlotte’s hands curled tightly at her sides.
It was not a question. It was leverage.
She forced herself to speak evenly. “I would never betray Khloe. If it comes to that, I’ll resign.”
A faint smile touched Ethan’s lips, as if he found her answer predictable.
“Do as you wish,” he said calmly. “I’m not here to threaten you.”
A pause.
Then, softer—almost reasonable. “I only need a small favor. After that, I won’t interfere in your life again.”
Charlotte didn’t believe a single word.
Ethan continued, explaining what he wanted: a copy of a routine project file from Khloe’s recent workload. Nothing classified, nothing restricted—just data that Charlotte could access because she often assisted Khloe with administrative work.
On the surface, it sounded harmless.
But Charlotte understood the danger wasn’t in the file itself. It was a fact that Ethan was the one asking.
She left without agreeing.
Half an hour later, Charlotte stepped out of Khloe’s office.
And immediately froze.
Khloe was standing right there.
“Charlotte?” Khloe blinked in mild surprise. “Were you looking for me?”
Charlotte’s mind went blank for half a second before she forced herself to nod.
“Yes… Khloe. I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Alright.” Khloe’s expression softened. “Is it about what you were going to tell me the other night?”
Charlotte hesitated, then nodded again. “…Yes.”
“Then let’s go inside.”
Just as Khloe reached for the door—
“Khloe.”
A voice came from down the corridor.
Ethan.
Charlotte’s body stiffened instantly. She lowered her gaze, avoiding him entirely.
Ethan approached with an easy composure, as if nothing were amiss.
“Good morning,” he greeted Khloe.
“Good morning, Ethan,” Khloe replied politely.
Ethan’s eyes flicked briefly toward Charlotte before returning to Khloe.
“There’s a short meeting I’d like you to attend,” he said. “Some decisions need your approval. It won’t take long. Everyone’s waiting.”
Khloe nodded. “Alright. I’ll head over now.”
She turned back to Charlotte. “Wait for me. I’ll be right back.”
“Khloe—” Charlotte suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.
Khloe paused.
Charlotte’s voice dropped, urgent but restrained. “Be careful around Ethan… and Michelle. And don’t push yourself so hard. Your health matters more than anything.”
Khloe studied her for a moment.
Something about the tone felt… off.
“Charlotte,” Khloe said gently, “are you okay? That sounded like you were saying goodbye.”
Charlotte’s expression flickered—too fast to read.
“I’m fine,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. “I’m just worried about you.”
Before Khloe could press further, she pulled her hand back and stepped away.
“I should get back to work.”
And she left in a hurry.
Khloe watched her go, faint unease settling in—but the approaching meeting left no time to dwell on it.
Ethan’s assistant arrived shortly after to escort her away.