Chapter 179
The moment those words left his lips, Charlotte's ears burned hot, and her face flushed crimson.
"You… you're awake… then why didn't you open your eyes?"
"Because I wanted to hear a few more of your honest thoughts." Alexander's eyes held a hint of amusement. "Though I'm glad—I've finally found my way into your heart."
As he spoke, he clasped her hand firmly in his, his expression incredibly tender.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long."
"Charlie, could you say that again for me?"
Hearing the nickname, Charlotte's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she bashfully turned away.
"In your dreams. I… I'm not saying it again."
Watching her flustered state, he let out a low chuckle.
Just then, the doctor pushed open the door and walked in.
His gaze landed on their intertwined hands and Charlotte's embarrassed expression, and a smile tugged at his lips.
But the next moment, he approached the hospital bed, glanced at the monitoring equipment, and nodded.
"Not bad. You're waking up faster than I expected."
"Take it easy for a while, and you should be fine."
He suddenly glanced at Alexander, then at Charlotte, raising his eyebrows meaningfully.
"Though did I walk in at a bad time just now?"
Charlotte froze.
Alexander remained completely composed. "Glad you noticed."
"Alright, I'll knock next time." The doctor laughed.
At that moment, Charlotte realized something was off and looked confused. "You two know each other?"
The doctor closed the medical chart with a casual tone. "Known each other for years."
"Back when he was in school, he got into a fight, and I was the one who stitched him up."
Hearing this, Alexander's mouth twitched. "Could you not bring up ancient history?"
The doctor shrugged, not dwelling on it. "Fine, fine, I won't mention it."
"I know you care about your image."
With that, he turned to Charlotte and winked at her.
"I basically saved half his life this time, so don't forget to send me a wedding invitation."
Hearing this, Charlotte didn't know what to say and felt extremely awkward.
But after hearing those words, Alexander turned to look at Charlotte, his gaze soft as he gently caressed the small hand in his palm.
"I might forget anyone else's, but never yours."
At those words, Charlotte's face turned even redder. She shot him a glare and immediately pulled her hand away.
"Alright, I won't disturb you two anymore. I'm going to make my rounds."
With that, he turned and left.
As the door closed, the room fell quiet again.
Perhaps because they'd exchanged their true feelings, something felt different now.
Feeling Alexander's burning gaze constantly on her, Charlotte felt her face heating up unbearably and immediately stood.
"Even though you're awake, you still need to rest. I'm leaving now."
"Where are you going?" Alexander's brow furrowed as he instinctively reached out to stop her, but Charlotte dodged him.
"I'm going to check on my mom." Charlotte paused, then added, "I'll be back in a bit."
With that reassurance, Alexander finally nodded and relaxed.
"Okay. I'll wait for you."
Charlotte hummed in acknowledgment, tucked him in properly, then turned and left.
When she stepped out of the room, she leaned against the wall, feeling her heart racing, and couldn't help but press her hand against it gently before taking a deep breath.
No matter what happened, at least he'd survived.
That was enough.
After collecting herself, Charlotte headed toward the regular ward where Victoria was staying.
When she entered, Victoria was leaning against the bed. Though her face was still somewhat pale, her spirits seemed decent.
Seeing Charlotte come in, she sat up straighter.
"Charlie, how's Mr. Harris?"
"The surgery went smoothly. He's out of danger."
Hearing this answer, Victoria visibly relaxed.
"That's good, that's good…"
"If something had happened to either of you because of me, I would have…"
"Mom, this isn't your fault. They're the ones who are ruthless."
Charlotte couldn't bear to hear her talk like this and grasped her hand.
Victoria shook her head disapprovingly, her eyes reddening.
"If I'd been more careful, this wouldn't have…"
"You've already had such a hard life since you were little, and now instead of helping you, I've only dragged you down. I really…"
With that, Victoria sighed and couldn't help but wipe the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand.
Seeing her so heartbroken, Charlotte felt terrible too. She took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing her churning emotions, and spoke in a light tone.
"Mom, don't say that. You're my mother—of course I should save you."
"Besides, Alexander went willingly. That was his own decision."
"And anyway, we're both fine, aren't we?"
Listening to Charlotte's consolation, Victoria fell silent for a moment before nodding.
"Alright."
After speaking, Victoria lowered her eyes, paused, then seemed to remember something.
"Oh, Charlie, when I was kidnapped, someone came to look after me."
"Who?" Charlotte's expression changed, but then she realized something and spoke through gritted teeth. "I knew it was her!"
"Actually, I didn't recognize her at first. It wasn't until she spoke that I confirmed her identity…" Victoria paused, her expression darkening. "She even had the audacity to tell me that once I was dead, you'd have no one left to rely on. Absolutely outrageous!"
Charlotte's eyes grew colder by the inch. "If she wants to come after me, she'd better have what it takes."
"Mom, I'll arrange for someone to guard outside your room these next few days. Rest well and don't think about this. I'll handle it."
Victoria knew Charlotte's capabilities, but she was still worried. "Be careful. That woman is extremely vicious…"
"I know." Charlotte nodded. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
After comforting Victoria, Charlotte stepped out of the room, and her phone rang right on cue.
"Boss, we just got word—Henry and Susan are transferring several assets under their names. They've also contacted overseas accounts and intermediaries. Looks like they're planning to flee." Jason's voice was urgent.
After hearing his words, Charlotte let out a cold laugh.
"Chloe just got taken in and they're already running. Moving pretty fast—they must have had this planned for a while."
"But they're pretty ruthless too. Their daughter's in trouble and they just abandon her to save themselves."
"Should I take people to watch them?" Jason asked.
"No need. Compile all the information about the assets they're transferring, the accounts, and their exit records and send them to me." Charlotte turned and headed toward the elevator. "Also, contact the police. Tell them I have new leads on the case and information about the flow of implicated funds. Request coordinated control of the suspects."
"Got it."
After hanging up, Charlotte made a trip to Alexander's room.
He was still awake, leaning against the headboard.
Seeing her return so quickly, he looked somewhat surprised.
But the next moment, noticing her expression, he sensed something was wrong.
"What happened?"
"Something came up. Nothing major, but I need to go to the Johnson mansion." Charlotte kept it brief.
Alexander immediately understood.
"Henry and Susan are running?"
Charlotte nodded, her eyes narrowing. "They won't get far."
"Take people with you. Don't do anything yourself."
Alexander knew her temperament and didn't try to stop her, only reminded her.
"I understand." Seeing how concerned he was, Charlotte frowned and glanced at the bandages on his chest. "You should worry about yourself first."
Alexander's lips curved slightly, his gaze turning somewhat suggestive. "When you get back, finish what you were saying earlier."
Charlotte's ears burned hot, but she kept her face stern. "We'll talk about it when you're discharged."
"Fine. I'll be waiting."
Charlotte said nothing more and turned to leave, her retreating figure carrying a hint of escape.