Chapter 239

Chapter 239

Cleo's expression visibly changed, and I knew she was plotting something again.

"Cleo, the apartment is over two hundred square meters. Those dozen or so boxes are yours, and there's plenty of room for them. Charlotte doesn't need that much stuff — two large boxes should be enough for her. You're welcome to use the rest," Penelope said, busy with what she was doing.

Cleo forced a smile, but couldn't hide the displeasure sinking into her eyes. She didn't know whether to say something or stay quiet, and looked utterly frustrated.

I couldn't be bothered with her. Instead, I said, "Mom, I'm heading upstairs. You don't need to pack too much for me — I'll take care of the rest myself."

"Okay, sweetheart."

Back in my room, Eli called me.

"Charlotte, why haven't you replied to my WhatsApp?"

"I just got home and haven't had a chance to check my phone. Let me look now." I opened WhatsApp and found several photos Eli had sent — pictures of a luxurious dorm room that could barely even be called a dorm. It looked more like a high-end apartment.

I picked up the call again. "Eli, what is this?"

"This is the dorm I specially prepared for you. Do you like it? I know you prefer a minimalist style, so I had it decorated in warm tones with a clean, simple look — just the way you like it." Eli sounded very pleased with himself.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Eli, I'm going there to study, not to live in luxury. If you do this, what about the other students?"

"Do you really think Eli wouldn't have thought of that? The dorms are assigned based on SAT scores. To welcome you, I specifically built a new dorm building. Most of the residents are top students from cities all around the country. Your room has slightly better amenities than theirs, but the difference isn't obvious at first glance. And don't worry — it still follows the standard four-person room format."

I rubbed my forehead. "Eli, I don't even know what to say to you."

"You chose my school, and that's an honor for me. I want to make sure you enjoy your four years of college life. And don't feel any pressure — think of it as a reward for the top students."

There was nothing I could do. Not wanting to let Eli's good intentions go to waste, I let it go.

"Well, thank you then. My mom packed a ton of stuff for me, so at least now there's somewhere to put it all."

"Of course. I still haven't met your birth parents — let's all have dinner together sometime. I'd love to be introduced."

"Sure."

After hanging up, I sat on the couch. The grief from Chase's passing had eased quite a bit. With school starting soon, I'd been busy getting things in order at the company — gradually training others and handing things off to them.

It had been a hectic stretch. Maybe that was a good thing. Staying busy helped dull the pain.

Before I knew it, more than two weeks had passed. School was starting the next day.

Since both Cleo and I were attending universities in Emerald City, we could drive there on the day itself without needing to leave early.

Emerald City was a big place. Hamilton University School of Law, where I'd be going, was over three hours away by car. Cleo's school, Ashford University, was about two hours away.

That's roughly the distance between two small towns — not exactly close, but not that far either.

The thing was, last week Cleo suddenly announced she no longer wanted to stay in the apartment and would be living in the student dorms instead. Her reason? She wanted to learn from me and stop using the family's resources to set herself apart from other students.

That made Penelope and William genuinely proud of her.

Only I knew what she was really up to.

But I couldn't be bothered. She could do whatever she wanted — it had nothing to do with me.

The night before we left, Penelope came to my room and talked for a long time. It was mostly about how we'd barely had time together and now were already going to be apart again.

So I reassured her, "The school isn't that far from home. As long as nothing comes up, I'll come back every weekend."

"It's a deal then. I'm so happy." Penelope smiled, beaming like a little kid.

After walking Penelope out, I decided to head up to the second-floor terrace for some fresh air. As I passed Cleo's room, I happened to catch her conversation with the housekeeper, Andy.

"Miss Cleo, Veda recommended me for this job specifically to help you. Don't worry — after you leave, I'll make sure to say plenty of good things about you to Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair. I won't let Charlotte steal your spotlight."

I stopped in my tracks, quietly amused. This was the extent of Cleo's scheming — winning over the housekeepers. And beyond helping her pull a few dirty tricks, they weren't much use to her anyway.

Cleo's voice carried a clear note of irritation. "I always planned to live in an off-campus apartment once I started college. That would've been stylish and impressive — I could've invited friends over for parties. Charlotte ruined all of that."

"Exactly. She's just putting on a show, turning down a perfectly good apartment to live in a student dorm," Andy chimed in, taking Cleo's side.

"And I heard from a friend that she has a close relationship with the dean of Hamilton University School of Law. He apparently built an entire new luxury dorm building just for her — practically on par with a private apartment. Now Hamilton University School of Law has the most upscale student housing in all of Emerald City." Cleo's voice trembled with barely contained rage.

I could practically hear her grinding her teeth through the door.

What came next from Andy was a masterclass in rumor-mongering.

"Oh my god — you don't think she and the dean have some kind of... other relationship, do you?"

"Obviously. I'd heard rumors before about her going in and out of places with older men. Where there's smoke, there's fire. If people are talking, it's probably true." Cleo stated her ridiculous theory with complete confidence.

I let out a quiet laugh through my nose.

"Oh wow, I never would've thought Charlotte was like that. She always seems so refined and well-behaved at home. I can't believe it's all an act," Andy said dramatically.

Cleo doubled down. "It's all an act. That's how she has Mom and Dad completely wrapped around her finger."

"Don't worry, Miss Cleo. School starts tomorrow — she won't be around Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair anymore."

"That's true."

Just then, Andy opened the door to leave. When she saw me standing outside, she visibly startled, nearly letting out a yelp.

"Miss Charlotte — what are you... Why are you here?"

My tone was flat. "This is my home. Is it strange for me to be here?"

"No... that's not what I meant." Andy kept shooting nervous glances back at Cleo.

When Cleo stepped out and saw me, a flash of shock and unease crossed her face as well.

"Charlotte... how long have you been standing there?"

"A while," I said. "I didn't realize you and Andy were so close — practically best friends."