Chapter 95
"Nothing much."
Nora elegantly picked up her coffee cup, took a sip, and spoke with a hint of emotion. "I just think it's a shame. After all, if it weren't for Charlotte, you wouldn't be in such a mess right now."
"To be honest, I don't like her either. Some country girl comes back and suddenly steals all the love from my grandfather and aunt. I have no idea what kind of spell she cast on them."
Chloe caught the hidden meaning in her words, and her eyes flickered.
"Sounds like you really can't stand Charlotte either, Ms. Langley?"
"Can't stand her?"
Nora let out a cold laugh. "That's putting it mildly. I want her gone from my life completely."
At that moment, Chloe fully understood what she meant and spoke without hesitation.
"I'll help you."
"You? Your reputation is in ruins, and your fiancé is about to call off the engagement. What exactly do you have to offer?"
Nora glanced at her with what seemed like contempt.
"The fact that I know Charlotte better than you do!"
Chloe's eyes turned cold and sharp as she said slowly, word by word, "I know her weak spots. If we work together, I promise she'll be completely ruined and gone from your sight for good."
Seeing the hatred in her eyes, Nora narrowed hers.
Truth was, she had already had her eye on Chloe.
Why else would she have gone out of her way to find her just now?
This woman didn't disappoint her at all.
"Alright then. Let's work together."
"But you'll need to show me some good faith first."
"Of course."
Without hesitation, Chloe put on a fake smile and leaned close, whispering her plan in Nora's ear.
After hearing it, Nora frowned slightly, her eyes sharp.
"That's your idea of good faith?"
Chloe took a deep breath, pushed down the panic rising in her chest, and spoke with a cold edge to her voice.
"Yes."
"Charlotte grew up in the countryside and mixed with all kinds of people."
"As long as we can track them down and pay them enough, they'll come forward and say she has a messy personal life."
"Even if she clears her name later, her reputation will already be half destroyed. The Langley family cares deeply about their image, so they'd never let someone like her stick around."
After hearing this, a flash of admiration crossed Nora's eyes.
She had to admit, rumors were the easiest way to destroy a person, especially someone like Charlotte, who had only just returned to a wealthy family and hadn't yet found her footing.
"That's actually a good idea."
"But..."
Nora paused, her eyes darkening slightly. "We need a big enough stage for this, somewhere everyone can see it happen."
"What do you mean?" Chloe looked a little confused.
"This weekend, there's a charity auction gala on the east side of the city."
Nora slowly ran her fingers along the handle of her cup. "From what I know, Victoria is planning to bring Charlotte along to make an appearance."
"So what if Charlotte's dirty past suddenly comes out right there at the gala?"
Chloe's eyes lit up instantly.
Just picturing Charlotte standing among the city's elite, buried under all that shameful history, completely humiliated — the thought thrilled her.
"Yes, yes, yes! That's perfect!"
"We'll make our move at the gala!"
Nora let out a soft snort and leaned back in her chair.
"I'll handle the people and the venue."
"All you need to do is make sure your witnesses show up at the right moment and tell the most convincing story."
"Do it well, and the Johnson family situation will be taken care of. But if you fail..."
"I understand." Chloe met her threatening gaze and agreed without hesitation. "I won't let you down, Ms. Langley."
……
At that moment, inside the Langley Group, Charlotte had no idea any of this was going on.
Frederick had successfully joined the company. Jason had placed him in the first R&D department to start getting familiar with the projects and workflows.
That afternoon, she had just finished a video conference when Alexander called.
"All done for now?"
Hearing his low, pleasant voice, Charlotte gave a soft hum and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window.
"There's a charity auction this Saturday evening. Would you be my date?"
"I..."
"I know you're not big on these kinds of social events where everyone's just putting on a show."
He cut her off, and there was a barely noticeable trace of disappointment in his voice. "Honestly, my main reason is that I'd like to use this chance to properly introduce you to my friends."
"But if you don't want to go, that's fine."
Alexander's tone was humble, almost a little pitiful.
There was no way Charlotte could say no after that.
After all, Alexander had done so much for her lately, stepping in to help her time and time again...
She let out a quiet sigh to herself.
"Alright. What time?"
On the other end of the phone, Alexander let out a soft laugh, clearly pleased.
"Saturday evening at seven. I'll come pick you up."
"And don't worry about jewelry or a dress. I'll take care of it and have everything sent to your apartment."
"...You don't need to go through all that trouble. I have my own."
But Alexander was unusually firm, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Just listen to me. Wear what I pick out for you. You're my date, so it's only right that I handle the dress."
Charlotte didn't push back and let it go.
After hanging up, Victoria called not long after, also about the charity auction.
"Charlie, I was originally planning to have you go and show your face, but I heard Alexander already invited you?"
"Yes, he just called."
"Oh, that's wonderful!"
Victoria sounded very happy. "I feel so much better knowing Alexander will be there with you."
"This gala is one we're sponsoring, so getting to know more people will be good for you down the road."
"If you see anything you like at the auction, just bid on it. Put it on my account."
"Got it."
Listening to her mother's warm chatter, Charlotte felt a wave of warmth wash over her.
She had to admit, being thought of and cared for like this felt really good.
Before she knew it, Saturday arrived.
At six in the evening, the dress was delivered to the villa right on time.
The moment the staff opened the box, Charlotte's eyes went wide.
It was a midnight blue strapless gown, simple in design but effortlessly elegant, with tiny diamonds scattered across the skirt that shimmered like a brilliant galaxy from a distance.
Paired with it was a set of sapphire jewelry, deep blue like the ocean, or like a lover's eyes — pure, striking, impossible to look away from.
At exactly seven, the doorbell rang and Alexander walked in.
He was wearing a well-tailored suit with a tie that matched the exact shade of Charlotte's dress, refined and elegant, with a quiet, gentle energy in every move he made.
The moment he saw Charlotte standing in the living room in her gown, his pupils shrank slightly, his eyes full of undisguised admiration.
The two slowly walked toward each other. Alexander took the necklace and fastened it around her neck, then said with quiet appreciation,
"You look stunning. Even more perfect than I imagined."