Chapter 29
In the Car.
Claire handed the gift box to Charlotte.
"Chloe doesn't deserve to wear these clothes at all. You should keep them."
Charlotte smiled slightly. "No need. I don't want anything she's had her eye on. Just prepare that limited edition dress I want."
Claire nodded and sighed. "I thought you'd been living well these past two years, not managing headquarters affairs. I never expected your own family to treat you this way."
Charlotte found it amusing to see her so indignant on her behalf.
"Why would you think someone like me would be from the Johnson family?"
Claire froze, then her eyes widened as if realizing something.
"You mean..."
Charlotte looked up. "Stop at Gold Valley Mansion up ahead. I'm home."
Claire quickly glanced at the driver, signaling him to stop.
After the car stopped, she hurried out and personally opened the door for Charlotte.
The driver watched in astonishment. He'd never seen their company president treat anyone with such respect—not even the other shareholders.
After getting out, Charlotte pulled an invitation from her bag and handed it to Claire.
"If you're free in a couple days, come join the fun."
Claire assumed it was some high-end event and accepted it with a smile.
"If you're inviting me, I'll definitely clear my schedule to attend."
Charlotte smiled and turned to leave.
Only after watching her disappear into the residential area entrance did Claire exhale and get back in the car.
As the driver pressed the gas pedal, he kept glancing at Claire in the rearview mirror.
After a while, he couldn't help asking: "Ms. Cavendish, why do you respect Ms. Johnson so much? Even if she's the second largest shareholder, you don't need to be so deferential. I've never seen you treat anyone else this way."
Claire looked at him seriously. "Don't say things like that again. Ms. Johnson is different from everyone else. Without her, there would be no me today, no MY. Calling her my second parent wouldn't be an exaggeration. Understand?"
The driver held his breath, finally understanding Charlotte's importance to Claire.
He nodded solemnly. "Okay, I understand. I'll never say anything like that again."
Only then did Claire look away. She casually opened the invitation, then immediately sat up straight, staring in disbelief.
"How can this be... So that's it!"
The invitation was handwritten by the returning young lady of the Langley family, inviting recipients to attend a family recognition banquet.
In an instant, Claire understood everything.
Their Ms. Johnson was actually the famous Ms. Langley—the guest of honor at the banquet in two days!
Claire held the invitation, her hands trembling slightly.
She murmured: "I knew it, I knew she wasn't ordinary..."
# Gold Valley Mansion
Charlotte arrived at the gate.
The butler was waiting at the entrance, looking around.
Seeing her return, he immediately approached.
"Mr. Edward Harris has been discharged and is back at his mansion. He just sent someone to ask if you were home. He'd like to invite you over for dinner."
Charlotte paused. She didn't want such close contact with Edward.
She wasn't much of a socializer. She was used to being independent and didn't enjoy the back-and-forth of neighborly visits.
Charlotte declined coolly: "Tell him I'm not available..."
"Charlotte!"
Before she could finish, she heard Edward's voice behind her.
Charlotte turned around.
Edward was being supported by two doctors in white coats, slowly walking toward her. He seemed to be recovering well, though still weak.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
The old man was tough—after major surgery, he could already walk around so easily.
Charlotte had no choice but to walk over.
"Mr. Harris, how are you feeling?"
Edward gripped her hand and smiled. "Much better, all thanks to you. I was able to leave the hospital so quickly and won't have to suffer from this illness anymore. I'm sorry about the purple pearl incident."
"It's fine."
Charlotte hadn't taken it to heart at all. "Since you're okay, go home and rest. You shouldn't be on your feet too long right after surgery."
Edward became even more enthusiastic. "Then come to my house for dinner. Alexander hired an excellent chef. The whole family will be eating with me—you should come too."
Charlotte frowned, somewhat resistant. "No thanks. Since it's your family dinner, it wouldn't be appropriate for me..."
"So what? You're my lifesaver. Everyone else can skip it, but you have to come! I'm hosting this dinner specifically for you."
Without waiting for an answer, Edward grabbed Charlotte's wrist and pulled her toward his house.
After several attempts to break free, worried about Edward's condition, Charlotte gave in.
Inside the spacious mansion, the other Harris family members hadn't arrived yet.
Servants, the butler, and the chef were busy preparing for the dinner, rushing back and forth.
Edward led Charlotte to sit in the living room.
Just as he was about to pour some tea, Charlotte said coolly: "You shouldn't be drinking tea yet. Put it down."
At these words, the family doctors responsible for Edward's care all changed expressions slightly.
In his condition, Edward indeed shouldn't drink tea.
But Edward was particularly fond of tea. Even when they reminded him, he'd still have a few sips.
Usually at times like this, they'd call Alexander, but Edward wouldn't necessarily listen even then.
Moreover, Charlotte had no family ties to Edward, and she was using such a blunt, commanding tone—he definitely wouldn't listen.
He might even get angry.
They all worried for Charlotte.
But the next second, something unexpected happened.
Not only did Edward not get angry or resist, but he also urgently put down the teacup that was already at his lips and pushed it far away.
He sat up straight like an elementary school student, looking at Charlotte with a somewhat pleasing expression, laughing sheepishly.
"Sorry, sorry, I forgot. I won't drink it. I'll listen to you."
The family doctors froze, looking as if they'd seen a ghost.
Charlotte looked away and, under Edward's envious gaze, picked up the freshly brewed tea and took a sip.
As if Edward obeying her was perfectly natural and nothing to be surprised about.
Sitting there, her calm and composed presence left everyone stunned.
Edward swallowed with longing and could only sit there drinking plain water.
Just then, the door to the second-floor study was suddenly pushed open.
The butler walked out quickly, looking serious. He first nodded respectfully to Charlotte in greeting.
Then he turned to the old man, his tone grave: "Mr. Harris, there's a problem with your computer."