She didn't need to prove the nature of her relationship with Charlie to anyone. As long as she appeared by his side, Charlie's sheer prestige in J City would be enough to make her brother think twice before trying to cross her.
Charlie's gaze was sharp but indifferent. "Fine, but I probably won't have time to entertain you."
"I don't need any special attention, Mr. James. I just need my brother to see us walk in together!"
Charlie gave a faint nod and continued walking. Waters quickly fell into step beside him.
*
Emily stepped out of her cab. She had planned to call Charlie, but she immediately spotted his tall, striking figure standing under the radiant lights.
And she quickly noticed the woman next to him.
She recognized Waters Earwood; she had seen her plenty of times.
The sunset was completely swallowed by the night, making the hotel's lighting seem even more dazzling. The golden glow cast an aura of elegance over everyone coming and going.
Emily stood there, hesitating for a moment before deciding to follow them inside.
She checked the directory in the lobby, went up to the eleventh floor, and entered the banquet hall.
The hall was massive, luxurious, and grand. The light from the crystal chandeliers caught the pristine wine glasses, reflecting a diamond-like brilliance.
Tonight's banquet was a lavish affair, packed with men in formal wear and glamorous women. Stepping inside, Emily couldn't immediately spot Charlie.
Emily's fresh, pure aura and understated outfit actually made her stand out in the opulent hall. The moment she walked in, two men approached her to strike up a conversation.
Emily politely declined their advances and kept walking.
Suddenly, a crisp, delighted voice rang out from behind her. "Charlie!"
Emily froze and turned toward the voice. Out of the crowd stepped a girl in a sweeping black evening gown, her luminous skin practically glowing under the lights.
The girl moved quickly. Emily only caught her profile, but even that was enough to stir the imagination.
Across the room, Charlie was chatting with a few men. From a distance, Emily saw the shock register in his eyes the moment he saw the woman.
Melina Marsh stepped right up to Charlie, offering a soft smile. "Charlie, it's been a long, long time!"
Standing behind Charlie, Waters Earwood felt a rare pang of insecurity as she took in the woman's flawless features and commanding presence.
Sensing Charlie had run into an old friend, the men he was talking to tactfully excused themselves.
Charlie's gaze darkened as a polite smile touched his lips. "When did you get back?"
"About a week ago!" Melina looked at him, smiling. "I kept wondering how I'd greet you when we finally saw each other again. But I figured I'd just ask like an old friend. How have you been?"
Charlie chuckled softly and nodded. "Then I'll give you the same answer: Same as always!"
Melina had an artsy vibe, but it was contrasted by her incredibly alluring eyes. The two traits blended together to give her a captivating yet comforting presence.
*
From a distance, Emily watched the intense way Charlie was looking at the girl, and suddenly, she lost all courage to walk over and greet him.
Was this an ex-girlfriend? His first love?
Charlie had so much history she knew nothing about.
Her phone buzzed unexpectedly. It was an unknown number. She took a few steps back to answer it.
"Emily!" a woman's voice chimed.
Emily was slightly taken aback. It was Noreen, whom she hadn't heard from in a long time.
Noreen laughed. "I'm still abroad, haven't come back yet. I'm calling you to share a little scoop about Chade as a thank you for helping me get those millions of dollars.
Emily had a sinking feeling. "What is it?" she asked flatly.
"Charlie's relationships usually end at the three-month mark," Noreen explained, "but there was one exception. The heiress of the Cooper Family She and Charlie were
together for almost six months. She was
he one who initiated them,
breakup before heading overseas to study. From what I hear, she just moved back."