Charlotte answered with a steady, sincere look in her eyes.

A friend?

Sensing the jealousy flickering across Anthony’s face, Charlotte straightened up, gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, then leaned up on her toes to whisper softly, “She’s a girl.”

That seemed to ease Anthony’s mood. His expression softened.

Charlotte added, “She’s like a sister to me. Back in Lamplighter Village, we only had each other.”

Anthony knew a bit about Lamplighter Village. He’d heard the stories. Out of all the kids in that old sanatorium, only two had survived. One was Charlotte, and the other could only be the friend she just mentioned.

“Okay.” Anthony didn’t ask any more questions. He reached out and ran his hand through Charlotte’s hair, his tone gentle and full of care. “You look out for her. I’ll look out for you.”

Those simple words sent a wave of warmth through Charlotte’s heart.

She stared at him for a few long seconds, then, on impulse, caught his chin and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Thank you for taking care of me, darling.”

…

The birthday banquet was in full swing, the whole hall buzzing with laughter and conversation.

Nearby, a table was stacked high with gifts for Patricia, each one wrapped in bright, cheerful colors.

Patricia sat in her chair, glancing anxiously toward the entrance. Her brow was furrowed with worry. “Anne, when is Lottie getting here?”

“She’ll be here any minute,” Anne replied, her smile tinged with exasperation. Patricia had already asked five times. She was clearly getting restless.

“This is taking forever. Maybe I should go check…”

Patricia was about to get up when, suddenly, a pretty girl in a perfectly styled dress appeared in front of her, smiling brightly. “Patricia, it’s been ages. Wishing you good health.”

Patricia looked her up and down, frowning a little.

She recognized her right away. Melissa Carter.

Melissa used to come by all the time with her father. She was spoiled, always carried herself with an air of superiority.

After that, Melissa had even tried to get close to Anthony.

Knowing what she was like, Patricia had never liked Melissa. Not even a little. Even if Anthony didn’t have Lottie, it still wouldn’t be Melissa.

While talking, Melissa looked around, searching for that tall, striking figure she couldn’t get out of her mind.

She didn’t see him. Disappointment flickered across her face.

Rumor had it Anthony was bringing a girl to the party tonight. Melissa didn’t want to believe it. In her mind, no one else could possibly be good enough for him.

“Thank you. Please, have a seat,” Patricia responded coolly.

“Patricia, I went through a lot of trouble to find this gift for you.” Melissa handed over the box with a sweet, almost eager smile. “I just know you’ll love it.”

“What is it? Why so mysterious?”

Dorothy, sitting nearby, jumped in with a friendly smile. “Looks like a painting, doesn’t it? You really know Patricia’s tastes, Ms. Carter. That’s so thoughtful of you.”

Patricia shot Dorothy a sharp look, making her fall silent right away. At this point, not opening the gift would be rude.

“Let’s see what it is.”

Patricia nodded toward Anne.

Anne opened the box, took out a rolled-up painting, and slowly unrolled it for everyone to see.

The painting stretched out, revealing its full image to the crowd.

“Sunset?”

Patricia’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Sunset” was Halation’s masterpiece, the one work he never agreed to sell. How on earth did Melissa get her hands on it?