Chapter 157
Edward came to a stop, his gaze first sweeping over Mandy with unmistakable severity—displeasure and warning evident in his eyes.
But the moment his eyes landed on Charlotte, that stern authority melted away into warm affection and delight.
"Charlie, you're finally here."
The wrinkles on Edward's face smoothed out as he hurried over to Charlotte, looking her up and down with eyes full of tenderness.
"You finally found the time!"
"Let me get a good look at you. You've lost weight. Have you been skipping meals?"
Edward's concern warmed Charlotte's heart. Facing this elder who genuinely cared for her, the ice on her face gradually thawed, replaced by a faint smile.
"No, I haven't."
"You look even better than before. I'd have guessed you were only sixty."
At those words, Edward burst out laughing, immediately grasping her hand and giving it an affectionate pat.
"You always know how to make me happy. I wish I really were that young."
"Come, let's go over there and catch up properly. No need to bother with these irrelevant people."
Completely ignored by the two, Mandy's expression turned absolutely hideous.
Feeling the mocking stares from the surrounding guests, her fingers clenched tight, and the smile on her face looked worse than tears.
Gritting her teeth, she hurried after them, forcing a placating smile onto her lips.
"Please don't be angry, I was just—"
"Who said you could speak?" Edward's brow furrowed as he cut her off without mercy. "I'm talking to Charlie. Who told you to follow us? You have no manners at all. Get back!"
After Edward's reprimand, Mandy's face turned the color of liver.
The surrounding guests seemed to understand what was happening now, casting various looks her way—some sympathetic, some mocking, but most were simply enjoying the spectacle with schadenfreude.
Seeing herself become the laughingstock, Mandy could no longer maintain her composure.
Unable to stay any longer, she bit her lip hard, shot Charlotte a venomous glare, then quickly turned and left.
Her retreating figure looked nothing short of a hasty escape.
Soon, Edward led Charlotte to the most prestigious seating area in the ballroom.
This spot was typically reserved by the host for their closest or most distinguished guests. A row of carefully arranged greenery separated it from the main floor.
It ensured privacy while maintaining the overall elegance of the event.
Edward pulled Charlotte down onto the main sofa, and a server immediately stepped forward to refresh their tea service.
"Try this—it's this year's black tea."
Charlotte lifted the cup and took a gentle sniff. The tea's aroma filled her nostrils, making her raise an eyebrow appreciatively.
"It really is excellent tea."
After taking a sip, she smiled at Edward.
"Thank you."
"No need to be so formal with me." Edward looked at her with satisfaction, then seemed to remember something. He sighed, his tone tinged with nostalgia.
"Time really does fly. In the blink of an eye, Benjamin's getting married."
"I made today's event a bit grander—it's a way of honoring the Johnson family."
Then his eyes shifted slightly, landing on Charlotte with a hint of mischief and anticipation.
"Speaking of which, now that Benjamin and Chloe are settled, when are you and Alexander planning to tie the knot?"
"If you two would just set a date, I could finally rest easy."
Edward's words were direct. Charlotte, mid-sip, was completely caught off guard and choked, coughing several times.
Edward didn't know what had happened between them—he simply looked at her expectantly, as if waiting for an answer.
Seeing his expression, Charlotte's eyes flickered. She couldn't bear to tell him the truth; it would only hurt him.
With that in mind, Charlotte decided to redirect the conversation to Chloe and Benjamin instead.
"Speaking of which, Grandpa, this is such an important occasion—how come I haven't seen Benjamin and Chloe yet? Are they—"
Before she could finish, she saw a bright smile spread across Edward's face as his gaze shifted past her.
"Speak of the devil!"
"Alexander, perfect timing. I was just talking to Charlie about you two."
At those words, Charlotte's body went rigid.
In that moment, she felt that familiar, intensely commanding gaze fall upon her.
The surrounding chatter and music seemed to fade in that second, becoming distant and unclear. All she could hear was the sound of his steady footsteps approaching.
Tap, tap, tap...
She slowly turned her head to see Alexander striding toward them with measured steps.
His tall frame was impeccable, the black suit making him look particularly distinguished.
Walking beside him was the woman Charlotte had seen earlier—Elaine Kingsley.
The two walked side by side, strikingly eye-catching under the brilliant lights.
"Dad."
Alexander approached and gave Edward a slight nod, his voice low and emotionless.
"Grandpa Edward." Elaine also greeted him softly, her manner poised and graceful.
Edward nodded. "Hi, Elaine. Please, have a seat."
"Charlie, let me introduce you."
"This is Elaine from the Kingsley Group."
"Elaine is not only highly educated but also a wonderful person. She's currently helping her father manage the company—quite accomplished for someone so young."
"Since you'll both be in Imperial City, you should spend more time together and support each other."
Hearing Edward's words, Charlotte understood he was paving the way for her.
Charlotte had only recently taken over the Langley Group, and her foundation wasn't entirely stable yet. Having a friend to lean on would naturally be beneficial.
After all, as the saying goes, it's better to have one more friend than one more enemy.
The Kingsley family behind Elaine was also prominent in Imperial City, and Elaine herself was highly capable. If the two of them became friends, it would only benefit Charlotte—no downside.
Realizing this, Charlotte's eyes flickered with a touch of warmth.
After hearing Edward's words, Elaine immediately turned to Charlotte with a friendly smile and extended her hand proactively.
"Ms. Johnson, I've heard so much about you. I've always admired your boldness. I've been hoping for a chance to learn from you about business management."