010

Astor sat in his study, a glass of whiskey in hand, his eyes staring out at the darkened sky beyond the tall windows. The room was unusually quiet.

Charlotte stood by the doorway, unsure whether to step in.

“You don’t have to stand there,” Astor said suddenly, his voice low. He didn’t turn to look at her, his gaze still fixed on the window.

Charlotte hesitated for a moment before walking in. She sat on one of the leather chairs opposite him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “You look like you have a lot on your mind,” she said cautiously.

Astor finally turned, his eyes meeting hers. For once, his gaze softened. “A lot doesn’t even cover it,” he muttered, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

Charlotte waited, sensing there was more he wanted to say.

“My family…” he began, trailing off as if searching for the right words. “It’s never been normal. Not even close. Everything has always been about power, control, and appearances.”

Charlotte’s brow furrowed. She had expected Astor to brush her off, but this was different. He seemed... vulnerable.

“My father doesn’t see us as his children,” Astor continued, leaning back in his chair. “We’re pawns in his game. Tools to expand the Harrington name and legacy.”

Charlotte remained silent, her heart aching, she had her own issues with family, but hearing Astor’s raw admission struck a chord.

“And your siblings?” she asked softly.

Astor laughed, “they’re no better.”

Charlotte almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

“I can’t imagine growing up like that,” she said honestly.

Astor glanced at her, his expression softening just slightly. “It shapes you,” he said. “You learn quickly that emotions are weaknesses to be exploited. Trust is a luxury you can’t afford.”

Before Charlotte could respond, Astor’s phone buzzed on the desk. He frowned, picking it up. The name on the screen made his jaw tighten.

“My father,” he muttered, his tone filled with disdain.

He answered the call, his voice switching to a formal, measured tone. “Yes, Father.”

Charlotte watched as his demeanor shifted, the vulnerability from moments earlier replaced by something unpredictable.

“Yes, the arrangement is going as planned,” Astor said, his words clipped.

He paused, his father’s voice faint but stern on the other end of the line.

“Of course, nothing can go wrong,” Astor said, his tone sharper now.

Charlotte’s stomach churned as she listened.

The call ended abruptly, and Astor set the phone down with a bit more force than necessary.

“Everything okay?” Charlotte asked carefully.

Astor didn’t answer immediately. He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “It’s fine,” he said finally, though his expression said something else.

Charlotte didn’t press further, but her unease lingered. There was more going on than he was saying.

---

The next morning, Charlotte was in the kitchen helping Jasmine with breakfast when the little girl spoke up.

“Mommy,” Jasmine said, her voice bright and curious, “I saw a man in the locked room yesterday.”

Charlotte froze, her heart skipping a beat. “What man?” she asked, her voice steady despite the panic creeping in.

Jasmine shrugged, taking another bite of her toast. “I don’t know. He was tall, and he had a funny hat. He didn’t see me, though. I was hiding.”

Charlotte’s mind raced. Who could Jasmine have seen? And why would someone be in a room Astor had so fiercely guarded?

“Sweetie,” Charlotte said gently, crouching to Jasmine’s level. “If you ever see someone like that again, you need to tell me right away, okay?”

Jasmine nodded, her focus already shifting back to her breakfast.

Charlotte couldn’t shake the unease that settled in her chest. She needed answers, but not Astor, he won't even say a thing.

---

The calm of the morning didn’t last.

Charlotte was in the hallway, heading toward the study, when the sound of the front door slamming open made her jump. She turned to see William striding in, his presence commanding and disruptive.

“William,” Astor said, appearing from the parlor. His tone was cold, his displeasure evident. “What are you doing here?”

“I was in the area, so I decided to come see my brother after all..” William said casually, though the smirk on his face suggested something else.

“Wait! Williams is an Harrington?” Charlotte couldn't believe her eyes. It was true.

Williams is Astor's step brother.

His gaze swept the room until it landed on Charlotte. His eyes lit up with intrigue, and his smirk widened.

“Well, well,” William said, his voice dripping with amusement. “Who’s this?”

Charlotte felt her cheeks flush under his scrutiny. She stood her ground, meeting his gaze with defiance.

“She’s none of your concern,” Astor said firmly, stepping between them.

William raised a brow, clearly entertained by his brother’s protectiveness. “I didn't know you were this territorial, Astor,” he said, his tone mocking.

Astor’s jaw tightened. “If you have something to say, William, say it. Otherwise, leave.”

William chuckled, ignoring his brother as he turned back to Charlotte. “I’ll see you around,” he said with a wink before walking off.

Charlotte exhaled shakily, her pulse racing.

---

Later that day, Charlotte found herself alone in the hallway, organizing some papers Astor had left behind. The sound of footsteps behind her made her tense, and when she turned, she found William standing there, his expression unreadable.

“What are you doing in the Harrington house?” he asked, his voice low but intimidating.

Charlotte straightened, her heart pounding. “That’s none of your business,” she replied, forcing her voice to remain steady.

William stepped closer, his gaze piercing. “Oh, I think it is,” he said. “What is your aim Charlotte? Why are you really here?”

“Let me go,” Charlotte said, stepping back as he moved towards her.

“Not until you tell me the truth,” William said, his tone dangerous.

Charlotte struggled to free herself as his grip tightened slightly. “You’re making a mistake,” she said, raising her voice.

The sound of footsteps approaching made William pause. He released her quickly, straightening his suit as if nothing had happened.

“Consider this a warning,” he said, his voice quiet but threatening.

Before Charlotte could respond, he strode off.