Chapter 123
As evening fell, Charlotte rode in Alexander's car to the Harris Estate.
On the way, Alexander kept one hand on the wheel and briefly mentioned the results of last night's interrogation.
"They all claim Nora hired them through a middleman." Alexander glanced at the rearview mirror from time to time, maneuvering the vehicle with practiced ease. "But they can't provide any proof. All the transactions were cash, and the middleman's already skipped town."
Hearing this, Charlotte's eyes darkened slightly, but she said nothing.
"Charles moved fast. He had Nora out of the country first thing this morning."
A mocking smile curved Charlotte's lips, her tone unreadable. "Cutting off the tail to save himself."
Alexander pressed his lips together, his gaze unreadable. "Don't worry, though. I'll have people keep a close eye on her abroad."
"As for Charles, he won't get away either."
Charlotte's brow furrowed. She wanted to say something, but after a moment closed her mouth and turned to look out the window.
Soon, the car arrived smoothly at the Harris Estate.
As soon as they got out, the butler hurried over with a beaming smile.
"Mr. Alexander Harris, Ms. Charlotte Johnson, Mr. Edward Harris has been waiting for you in the living room. He was just saying how much he missed you, and here you are."
Charlotte smiled faintly and walked in shoulder to shoulder with Alexander.
The moment they reached the main hall, Edward's face lit up with joy. He quickly stood and waved Charlotte over.
"Oh, Charlie, you're finally here!"
Charlotte felt a bit uncomfortable with his enthusiasm, but still walked forward politely and gave a slight bow.
"It's been a while. How are you feeling? Nothing bothering you, I hope?"
"Good, good! Just seeing you makes everything better!" Edward took her hand and had her sit beside him, looking her up and down.
But when his eyes landed on the bandage wrapped around Charlotte's arm, his expression immediately darkened. He turned to Alexander with reproach. "What's this? She's injured? Alexander! Is this how you take care of Charlie?"
Before Alexander could explain, Charlotte quickly spoke up.
"I just bumped it accidentally. It's nothing, Grandpa."
"How can it be nothing? Look at this." Edward's heart ached, his brow furrowed tightly. He couldn't help but glare at Alexander. "Look at you, you don't know how to take care of anyone!"
"If anything serious happens to Charlie in the future, you'll be the first person I come after!"
Hearing Edward's warning, Alexander showed little emotional reaction, his gaze remaining fixed on Charlotte.
Just then, a servant rushed in.
"Mr. Edward Harris, Mr. Benjamin Harris and Ms. Chloe Johnson are here."
Before anyone could react, Benjamin walked in with Chloe.
Clearly, Chloe had put thought into her appearance today. She wore a pale pink Chanel-style suit, her face wearing a poised smile. From a distance, she truly looked the part of a wealthy family's daughter-in-law.
As soon as she entered, she immediately approached Edward warmly.
"Grandpa, we came to see you!"
"This is premium red tea Benjamin prepared for you. He said you love tea, so he specially sought this out."
As she spoke, she eagerly began preparing tea for Edward, as if competing to show off.
However, Edward's expression remained indifferent. He simply nodded and paid her no further attention.
Instead, he continued holding Charlotte's hand, asking with great interest.
"Charlie, I heard from Alexander that you're working at the Langley Group now. How is it? Going well?"
Charlotte nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "It's going well. I'd say I'm fairly familiar with things, but I'm nowhere near as accomplished as you veterans."
Edward beamed at her words. "Oh, nonsense. I think you're doing wonderfully—you could be considered outstanding among your peers."
"By the way, has anyone been giving you trouble? If so, tell me. I'll back you up."
At those words, Chloe's hand froze while pouring tea, her expression souring.
But she maintained her smile and forced herself to finish pouring a cup, then held it out.
"Grandpa, please have some tea."
Edward didn't even glance at it, as if he hadn't heard a word.
The atmosphere in the main hall instantly became awkward.
Benjamin noticed Edward's displeasure and couldn't help pressing his lips together.
He knew Edward's temperament well. The old man was clearly very dissatisfied with that previous incident and was using this attitude to express his feelings.
But Chloe and he were completely bound together now. Ignoring Chloe was the same as ignoring him.
Thinking about all the servants coming and going around the main hall, Benjamin felt his face burning. He could only force a humble smile.
"Grandpa, Chloe is offering you tea."
Though he didn't like Chloe, Edward's refusal to acknowledge her was a slap in his own face.
After hearing his words, Edward seemed to notice for the first time. He raised his eyelids slightly and gave a flat "Mm."
Then he turned his head and, as if his whole demeanor had changed, smiled at Charlotte.
"Dinner should be ready. Let's go to the dining room."
With that, he directly took Charlotte's hand and left.
Watching the three figures gradually disappear, Chloe could no longer maintain her composure. The carefully maintained, gentle expression twisted slightly.
Why? What did she lack compared to Charlotte?!
In terms of family background, she was a legitimate heiress of the Johnson family!
In terms of ability, she considered herself second to none!
Thinking about how Charlotte, that girl from the countryside, could receive all of Edward's attention and affection, Chloe was consumed with jealousy!
Her gaze darkened as she stared at their retreating backs. She took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the jealousy and humiliation churning in her heart, then reached out to gently take Benjamin's arm, her voice carrying a hint of grievance.
"Benjamin, does Grandpa have some kind of misunderstanding about me?"
"This is the fine tea you specially prepared, but he wouldn't even look at it."
"Is it... is it that Charlotte said something bad about me to Grandpa, so he won't drink my tea?"
Benjamin was already full of anger from Edward's dismissal. Now hearing Chloe's whining complaints made him even more irritated. His face darkened as he yanked his arm away.
"Said bad things about you? Charlotte's so busy at the Langley Group that her feet barely touch the ground. Where would she find the time to mention you to Grandpa?"
"And if you hadn't insisted on coming with me today, would I have embarrassed myself like this?"
Hearing his rebuke, Chloe's face paled several shades.
"Benjamin, how can you say that? I did this all for you!"
"I wanted to show more respect to Grandpa, thinking it would help your career in the future. Who knew..."