Chapter 112
Hearing Landon's rich, wine-like voice, Charlotte's heart skipped a beat.
But when she looked up again, Landon had already turned away and was instructing the clerk to process the payment.
Charlotte was just about to stop him when Landon halted her with a look. “I’d like to invite you to be my date tomorrow. Consider this dress a token of my gratitude,” he said.
Charlotte hesitated, but Philip tugged at her hand, his tone imploring. “Charlotte, please say yes to my dad.
Charlotte couldn't resist children acting cute, so after only a second's hesitation: "Alright then."
As they left the store, Charlotte walked ahead with the chattering Philip, completely unaware that Landon watched her back in silence.
Since they rarely came out, and with Philip's constant requests, they enthusiastically explored the nearby park.
Whenever sunlight filtered through the trees, Charlotte instinctively shielded herself with her hand.
At these moments, Landon, who had been following behind, would always quietly quicken his pace and thoughtfully, almost imperceptibly, move to her side to block the still-scorching sun for her.
After they tired themselves out, the three of them went to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Charlotte chatted happily with Philip about their adventures in the park, leaving the menu entirely to Landon’s discretion.
Yet when the food arrived, Charlotte was momentarily stunned.
Because every dish on the table was something she loved to eat.
She glanced at Landon in confusion, but he remained casual. “I wasn’t sure if your preferences had changed, so I just ordered a few things at random.”
Charlotte lowered her gaze and replied softly, “Thank you. They’re all dishes I love.”
In the past, she used to follow Alexander around and would often drop by the Forbes family home for meals.
Back then, Alexander’s gaze was always full of her, and he never forgot to remind the cook to prepare her favorite foods.
But now, all he thought about was what Sabrina liked to eat. He had probably forgotten all about her favorite dishes.
Charlotte let out a quiet sigh.
Perhaps it was better this way, at least they would finally be even.
Where Charlotte couldn't see, Landon had been quietly observing her. Seeing her quickly regain her composure and start eating while chatting and laughing with Philip, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After dinner, Landon personally drove them back to the apartment.
Using the excuse that they had bought many things, he insisted on carrying everything upstairs for her.
Entering the apartment again, Landon suddenly understood why Philip didn't want to return to Prime Estate. Every corner here radiated warmth, in stark contrast to the cold, luxurious emptiness of Prime Estate.
Just as he was reluctantly preparing to say goodbye and leave, Charlotte suddenly called out to him.
“Landon, I made these little cakes today. Would you like to take one home and try it?”
Having received such a generous gift, Charlotte had been searching for a way to reciprocate., Realizing Landon was not lacking in wealth, she thought of the blueberry cupcakes she had made that day.
Looking at the blueberry cupcake before him, Landon froze for a moment, taking a while to find his voice: "You made this yourself?"
Before Charlotte could reply, Philip indignantly defended her. “Dad, Charlotte’s cooking is really good. How could you doubt her?”
Charlotte played along, pretending to look at Landon with reproachful eyes.
Landon, rarely at a loss, quickly accepted the cupcake. “No, I just didn’t expect you to be so skilled.”
That once spoiled and willful girl had learned to cook so well, she must have endured a great deal.
His hand unconsciously clenched into a fist at his side.
On the drive back to Prime Estate, Landon drove with unusual care, fearing any jolt might harm the delicate cupcake.
Because he was worried that if he drove too fast, he might accidentally damage that small blueberry cupcake.
Fifty minutes after returning to Prime Estate.
The maid Ellen sneaked over to find the butler Anthony: "Anthony, please go check on him. Mr. Forbes has been sitting there motionless for almost an hour now."
Anthony watched in concern, then finally mustered the courage to approach. “Mr. Forbes?”
Unexpectedly, Landon waved him away: "Everyone go rest, don't worry about me."
Once the others left, Landon gazed at the cupcake with reluctance before slowly picking up the tiny fork.
He ate slowly, savoring each bite until not a crumb remained.
Next month marked the Forbes Group’s thirty-fifth anniversary celebration. To emphasize the event’s importance, Alexander had paid one hundred million to secure Nova’s attendance.
Cynthia, who always cared about appearances, had started preparing her outfit early to make it exceptional.
Her dress, jewelry, and shoes were all limited editions.
Only the handbag for the party day was still missing.
In previous years at this time, the internationally renowned luxury brand would have already sent over their limited edition bags for her and Elara to choose from, but for some reason, there was no word this year.
What made her even more annoyed was that this afternoon at a gathering, she ran into Mrs. Howard, who was actually carrying this year's new limited edition from that very brand.
The irritating thing was that Mrs. Howard seemed completely unaware that she hadn't received her bag yet, and even asked her in person which one she had chosen this year.
She was furious at the time, but being someone who valued appearances, she still held it in and gave a vague response.
But back home, she could no longer suppress her anger and threw a tantrum, nearly alarming her mother-in-law.
It was only when Elara came home that Cynthia found someone to vent to.
“Tell me, what does our family lack compared to the Howards? Why would they pass us over? I’m livid.”
Hearing this, Elara immediately panicked too.
She knew that with this luxury brand, money alone could not buy status—especially when it came to limited editions.
Carrying one of their bags was a symbol of social standing.
She had been eagerly awaiting her chance to show off the new bag.
Elara frowned and thought for a long while, then her usually slow brain suddenly had a flash of insight: "Mom, I know what's going on!"