Go back with him to Shandor?But he was from the Lawrence family!Candice’s nerves tightened instinctively. Her whole being resisted anything related to the Lawrence family. Before Charlie could speak, she hurriedly replied,“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Lawrence, but I don’t want to leave Vanclyn. I don’t want to disrupt my current life.”Her tone was firm, though it carried a trace of unease she tried hard to cover.She was afraid that if she left… her world would be turned upside down, pulling her deeper into the vortex.Charlie noticed the way her calm surface hid the kind of tension one feels before battle. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.“It’s just a suggestion. No one’s forcing you to go with him.”“Besides, he’s a living target himself. If you went with him, I’d worry even more.”The “living target” Edward:
“Of course,” Mr. Makenzie replied smoothly.He glanced at the salesgirl. “Well? Hurry up and try it on.”The salesgirl’s face went pale. “...Yes.”She returned to the rack, hung the green dress back up, and instead chose a white one.From behind her, Candice’s voice drifted lazily, “Didn’t you just insist I try that one? Why put it back? Try that first. I’d really like to see how it looks on you.”The salesgirl forced a stiff smile and switched back to the green dress.Clutching it tightly, she walked into the fitting room.Candice and Bianca sat down again.Mr. Makenzie stepped forward with a nervous laugh. “I’m so sorry, she’s new… doesn’t quite understand the rules yet—”Bianca’s lips curved with amusement. “And you bring someone who doesn’t understand the rules out to meet clients? Mr.
Candice shot a look at Rex. You tipped him off again, didn’t you?The moment she heard “a visitor,” the first name that flashed across her mind was Charlie.Rex instantly caught the meaning in her gaze.“…Is it the young master? The moment you sent a message, he showed up? That fast?”“Who is it?” Bianca asked lazily.The butler replied, “It’s Mr. Makenzie. He said you scheduled a fitting with him today for the new ready-to-wear collection.”“Oh, Mr. Makenzie,” Bianca nodded, then frowned as she quickly pulled out her phone. “Wait—no, I wrote the 29th. Today’s only the 28th.”“Should I send him away then?”Bianca hesitated, pouting a little. Honestly, she was curious about the new pieces. “Forget it. Since he’s already here, let his car in. Bring him to the side hall on the first floor.”&l
My breath hitched.My fists curled tight, though I forced my face to stay calm.Jim was watching me closely. I couldn’t let even a flicker of disgust or panic slip through, so instead I gave him the most natural expression of confusion I could manage.“Huh? Mr. Lawrence went into my room? That can’t be right. Did he maybe walk into the wrong one?”Jim frowned, thinking it over. “Walked into the wrong room? A man like him—a chairman of a whole group—how could he be that careless? Doesn’t sound likely.”I gave a soft laugh, as if brushing it off. “Maybe he was distracted. My room’s not far from his. If he was lost in thought, it’s possible he just… took a wrong turn. Don’t overthink it, Jim.”“Candice, I didn’t tell Mr. Clemens about this. I only told you so you’d stay alert. It never hurts to be cautious.”He wasn’t
Charlie didn’t answer her question right away.His lips curled into a faint smile.He slowed the car down, pulling over to the shade of a tree, before turning to face her, starting his “guidance”... or rather, his “persuasion.”He raised his hand and gently smoothed the furrow in her brows, speaking in a calm, deep voice. "Don't frown like that.""When you think about things, don't be too negative. Otherwise, you'll end up in a dead end and create unnecessary worries for yourself.""The concerns you have now are just obstacles that are bound to happen.""Facing obstacles, you can't shrink back. You need to strike hard and fast. You have to seize the initiative immediately. Give a firm statement: This child is mine, and I'll make the decisions.""As for the surname, I understand that my consent doesn't really matter. It’s about you agreeing first, then me. As parents, our voices hold the most power.
Edward only smiled without speaking.James sat at the edge of the bed, lowering his head to adjust his glasses as if to cover up his nervousness. “Your uncle won’t let anything happen to you. No matter what, I will protect you. I’ve hired the best bodyguard team from abroad to guard you 24/7.”“Don’t trouble yourself, Uncle,” Edward replied with a playful smile.“We’re family, no need for polite talk. I just want you to be safe. Your grandmother’s been asking about you these days. After you get back, go see her.”“Yeah, I’ll go.”“Your grandmother is getting old and can’t handle any shocks. She’ll turn 80 next month, so don’t tell her about this. We don’t want to upset her.”James’s tone was extremely gentle.Edward gave him a knowing look, as if saying, “I understand, but I won’t say anything.&rdqu