Ch. 1001..1010
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1001
Zachary said firmly, “No, it isn’t. Charlotte respects the feelings of her kids, and I’m sure they wouldn’t want to leave you either. Besides, you’ve already written your will, so I’m sure Charlotte understands your sincerity and will behave appropriately.”
“That doesn’t mean Danrique will do the same. I’ve changed my perception of Charlotte after everything that has happened. I’ll admit that I was wrong for stubbornly splitting you two up and all the horrible things I’ve done to her. I’m willing to take responsibility for my mistakes and do everything I can to make it up to her, so just tell her to state her demands. However, these kids mean everything to me, and I will not allow anyone to take them from me. The future of the Nacht family depends on them!” Henry was so agitated that even his hands were trembling as he spoke.
“I know, Grandpa. They’re my children, and I’m definitely more concerned about them than you are. I may love Charlotte and all, but I will not make compromises when it comes to the kids. As a man, there’s no way I’m letting my kids take up some other guy’s family name. Don’t worry, I’ll move in and stay with them while Ellie is being treated there. That way, Ellie would be able to see both her parents every day. I’m sure it’ll cheer her up and help her recover faster.” Zachary continued to coax Henry.
“You’re moving in too? If so, this shouldn’t be a problem at all!” Spencer agreed with him right away.
“Are you really going to move in?” Henry was still a little doubtful about it.
“Of course. Where else would I stay? The house at Southridge is still being cleaned up, and I don’t have anywhere else to stay,” Zachary said while waving at him.
“You’d better not be lying to me. Charlotte is no longer that soft and weak woman she used to be, and she was fuming with rage when she left! I doubt she’d let you stay over at her place!” Henry still found it hard to believe.
“I’m doing this for the sake of my child. Ellie’s condition is still highly unstable, so we’re both worried about her. Also, you know how hard it was for us to find Dr. Felch, so we have to make sure he treats Ellie as soon as possible. Right now, Charlotte has agreed to put our grudges aside and focus on this task together.” Zachary continued to persuade him.
“Ms. Lindberg may have a hot temper, but she does love her children deeply. It’s a mother’s nature to do so, after all!” Spencer added.
“That, I do believe…” After thinking long and hard about it, Henry nodded his head and said, “Fine. I won’t stop you any further, but make sure you bring all three of them back to me after Ellie’s treatment is complete!”
“You have my word!”
Just like that, Zachary had successfully gained the approval to bring the kids over. They were delighted when they heard they were going to see their mommy, and even Robbie’s gloomy expression was replaced with a bright smile.
Jamie leaped off the sofa and clapped his hands in joy when he heard the news.
Ellie clapped her hands too and shouted happily, “Yay! We’re going to see Mommy!”
“Say goodbye to your great-grandpa, kids! We’re leaving now!”
“Bye bye, Great-grandpa!”
“You kids behave over there, okay? Make sure to come back once the treatment is over!” Henry then held Robbie and Jamie by the hand and reminded them, “I want you two to call me every night and keep me updated on the situation, got it? Let me know if anything happens!”
“We will, Great-grandpa! Don’t worry!”
Henry’s eyes reddened as he sat on his wheelchair and watched the kids happily climb into the car.
“Don’t be sad, Grandpa. I’ll send them back here once Ellie completes her treatment!” Zachary comforted him before getting into the car. Fearing that Henry would suddenly change his mind, he then ordered Marino, “Come on, let’s go!”
“Yes, sir!” Marino then started the engine and drove off.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1002
Henry watched as the car disappeared into the courtyard and felt disturbed. “Why do I feel deceived by Zachary? Something feels wrong somehow. Oh no, I should get the children back!”
“Oh, Mr. Henry. Stop worrying.” Spencer quickly advised. “What Mr. Zachary said was right. Compared to you, he cared more about the children. He will never let the Lindberg family take the children away. Rest assured.”
“But he was driving at high speed as if he was rushing somewhere. Something feels off.” Henry was anxious. “That cheeky rascal has been badly influenced. Remember how he would put up a tough fight with me whenever anything happened then? Those words he said today would never come out of his mouth back then.”
“That is a good thing. It means he has matured.” Spencer tried to calm him down. “Mr. Zachary has grown. He’s dominating in the business world. You should trust him!”
“But-”
“Please don’t make things difficult again.” Spencer became impatient. “Think about it. Why did the Lindberg family take Dr. Felch? Isn’t it because we have wronged Ms. Lindberg? At that time, when you made people restrain Ms. Lindberg because of Cynthia, it was incredibly insulting to her. Now that Ms. Lindberg is not willing to come to the Nachts’ residence, this is the only way she could see her children. I think Mr. Zachary will be able to calm Ms. Lindberg as long as you don’t interfere. For all we know, she might even return to the Nacht residence; that way, the family will be reunited and everyone will be happy.”
“You’re being too optimistic,” Henry said in an irritable tone. “Even if the two of them are willing, do you think Danrique will let that happen? The grievances between the Nachts and Lindbergs won’t be resolved that easily.”
“Right…”
“I’m still having a bad feeling about this. Send someone to check it out,” Henry ordered. “Have him tail Zachary and see if he leaves right after sending the children to Northridge or if he is staying the night, but do not interfere.”
“Right away.”
…
The black Rolls-Royce drove toward Northridge.
The children happily looked forward to the life of living together as a family of seven. Zachary watched them tenderly, feeling touched.
He planned to first coax Henry by blurting out some convincing reasons. Now that he thought about it, living there might not be a bad idea…
Not only could he watch the children, but he could also get closer to Charlotte.
Zachary smiled at that thought.
“Mr. Zachary, there’s a car following us,” Bruce reported. “It looks like one of Mr. Henry’s.”
“Should we shake them off?” Marino asked.
“No,” Zachary replied calmly. “Pretend we didn’t know. Just keep driving.”
“Yes.” Marino continued to drive.
“Drive faster.”
Zachary looked at his watch as time was running out.
“Yes.” Marino picked up the speed.
As Zachary was about to talk to the children, his phone rang. He made a gesture to the children and answered the phone. “Hello.”
“Have you picked them up?”
Charlotte was waiting anxiously at home, but she pretended to sound cold and arrogant on the phone.
“What’s the hurry? We still have time, right?” Zachary teased her deliberately.
“It’s five minutes to seven o’clock. My men are ready with their weapons. If you don’t send them here, I will take them from Mr. Nacht by force.”
As she spoke, Charlotte fired a shot at a branch not far away.
Bang! The branch fell to the ground, and the sound of the gunshot scared away a flock of birds.
Oh no…
Zachary was speechless. This woman is crazy!
“You have four more minutes!” Charlotte lost her patience and ordered, “Prep the car! We’re leaving!”
“Yes!”
“We’re arriving!” Zachary quickly said, “We’re halfway up the mountain!”
“Don’t lie to me!” Charlotte hung up the phone immediately and ordered, “Check the cameras and see if they have arrived!”
“Yes!”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1003.
Marino didn’t dare to speed up because Ellie was ill. So they were late by three minutes.
Lupine waited at the entrance to the courtyard with dozens of female bodyguards, all armed with guns and looking vicious.
“What a fierce bunch of women.” Bruce couldn’t help but feel impressed.
“Don’t mess with them. They’re quite touchy,” Marino silently warned.
As soon as he spoke, an eagle’s cry was heard, and Fifi jumped out of the car window and landed on the back of Charlotte’s hands.
“Mommy!” Jamie stuck his head out of the car window, waving excitedly at Charlotte.
“Jamie!” Charlotte immediately welcomed him.
Bruce helped Robbie and Jamie out of the car as soon as the car stopped, and Jamie leaped into Charlotte’s arms, tightly hugging her by the neck all choked up, and said, “Mommy, I thought it would take forever for me to see you again. I didn’t expect it to be so soon.”
“Are you happy to see Mommy?” Charlotte asked while holding his tiny face.
“Yes!” Jamie nodded repeatedly.
“That’s great.” Charlotte kissed his chubby cheek.
“Mommy!” Robbie ran over and wanted to hug his mom and let his mom kiss him, but his cold personality stopped him from doing so. Thus, he only watched from a distance.
“Robbie.” Charlotte hugged him and kissed him on the forehead. “Mommy told you, we will meet again very soon, right?”
“Yeah.” Robbie blushed and nodded, then hugged Charlotte’s neck and said, “Mommy, I hope we will always be together.”
“We will. Mommy will never leave you again.” Charlotte patted Robbie’s back. “Good boy!”
“Mommy…” Ellie whispered in a hoarse voice and extended her thin arms toward Charlotte.
Charlotte quickly rushed over to Ellie and hugged her. After suffering from the poison, Ellie had lost a lot of weight and still couldn’t walk. She had to either lay in bed or sit in a wheelchair every single day, and she had no energy to speak.
Looking at her, Charlotte was devastated.
“Ellie, I will get Dr. Felch. He will definitely fix you up.” Charlotte gently stroked Ellie’s hair. “Once you recover, Mommy will take you to Disneyland.”
“Okay. Thanks, Mommy.” Ellie buried her face in Charlotte’s arms like a baby.
“Good girl! Mommy will carry you into the house.”
Charlotte picked up Ellie and walked into the house. She spoke to the kids without looking at Zachary. “Robbie, Jamie, Ellie. Mommy will take you to Dr. Felch. He’s a good friend of Grandpa and also an outstanding doctor. Remember to behave yourselves, understood?”
“Understood!”
Zachary looked at Charlotte from the back, feeling lost. He used to be high and mighty in front of her, and now it’s the other way around…
This must be retribution!
“Mr. Zachary, we’re being ignored. Should we go in?” Bruce asked silently.
“Nonsense.” Zachary glared at him and walked into the house.
Lupine’s group didn’t stop them but didn’t greet them either.
Zachary shamelessly sat on the sofa and poured himself a cup of tea.
Bruce and Marino stood behind him, awkwardly rubbing their noses, feeling uncomfortable.
“Marino!” Suddenly, a familiar voice was heard.
Marino turned around and responded. “Why are you here? Aren’t you at the hospital?”
“Ms. Lindberg said that I will recover faster if Dr. Felch treats me. So she sent someone to pick me up,” said Morgan with a smile.
“Ms. Lindberg is so kind to you.”
“Of course she is. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so loyal to her.” When Morgan mentioned Charlotte’s name, her face was brimming with admiration. She glanced at Zachary and asked softly, “You sent the children back, right? Why is nobody attending to you?”
“Oh, don’t mention it.” Marino didn’t want to say more.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1004
“Serves you right!” Morgan squirmed her lips. “How did you all treat Ms. Lindberg when she was in the Nacht residence?”
“We respected her.” Marino hurriedly added, “Everyone from the Nacht family revered her as the lady of the house.”
“Is that so?” Arching her brow, Morgan interrogated, “Who was the one who believed Cynthia’s false accusation and requested the bodyguard to capture Ms. Lindberg? Subsequently, tied her hands and feet up with chains?”
“Err…” Marino faltered. He was not present at that time. However, he did hear people talking about the nasty things Henry did. It’s no wonder the Lindberg family is always antagonistic.
“Hmph! You’re one of them. Get lost!” Morgan knocked Marino down with her wheelchair. Then, she went back to her room.
“Morgan, Morgan…” Marino called out to her and attempted to explain himself, “I wasn’t home at that time. I’ve just returned today…”
Morgan ignored him.
Feeling aggrieved and dejected, Marino went to Zachary.
“Hit a snag?” Zachary was curious.
“I feel so wronged…” Marino shared sadly, “I didn’t do anything, but still get scolded.”
Bruce reminded him, “Just go and coax her.”
“There’s no need for that,” Zachary warned softly. “We’re in the Lindberg residence, and Danrique’s spies are everywhere. If he knows about the two of you, Morgan is doomed.”
“How could I forget something so important?” A look of terror crossed Marino’s face. “Oh no, what should I do?”
“She’s smarter than you.” Zachary glared at him. “You are such a fool.”
Marino was stunned for a moment. Then, it suddenly dawned on him that Morgan was just putting up a show in front of others. She knew it all along that Charlotte was held in high esteem by Marino, and that he had nothing to do with the incident. Most essentially, Morgan was not angry at him.
“You should head back now in order to avoid unnecessary issues,” Zachary ordered.
“Noted.” Immediately, Marino left. He did not want to bring any trouble upon Morgan.
In the room on the third floor, Morgan was standing by the French windows. Her heart was heavy as she watched Marino leave in his car.
“Don’t worry. Even though that dude isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, Mr. Nacht will surely advise him what to do,” Lupine muttered. “As for you, don’t think too much and get some rest.”
“I will.” Morgan sighed. “Mr. Lindberg is known to be ruthless. I’m really worried.”
“Don’t keep in touch with him from now on.” Lupine frowned before adding, “There’s no problem if he was someone else, but he works for the Nachts. If Mr. Lindberg ever finds out about you guys, that will be the end of both of you.”
Lupine meant it as a reminder for herself as well as Morgan.
Anyhow, Lupine and Ben appeared to be more stable compared to Morgan and Marino. After all, the latter pair was much younger…
“I know,” Morgan replied in a quavering voice. “I just… miss him so much.”
“I can understand how you feel.” Similarly, Lupine missed Ben too.
“What do you think are the chances of Ms. Lindberg patching things up with Mr. Nacht?” Morgan speculated, “If the two families are able to reconcile with each other, we don’t need to give up on our relationships, right?”
“The chance is very slim.” Lupine sighed. “Then again, it’s not totally impossible. I can tell that Ms. Lindberg still has feelings for Mr. Nacht. On the other hand, Mr. Nacht doesn’t seem to want to let go of her either. So, who knows?”
“That’s comforting to hear.” Morgan was hopeful.
Lupine was also holding on to the signs of hope that the two rival families would one day bury the hatchet and reconcile with each other.
“Lupine!” a bodyguard yelled from outside, “Ms. Lindberg is looking for you.”
“I’m coming.” She gave Morgan a pat on her shoulder before leaving.
Upon arriving on the first floor, she noticed that nobody was attending to Zachary. Though it did not matter to her, she still reminded the maid to do something about it, “Do serve Mr. Nacht some tea. Otherwise, the children will be upset.”
“Sure.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1005
“That’s nice of you.” Zachary was grateful. “Thank you.”
Ignoring him, Lupine strode toward Charlotte.
“I thought rumor has it that the legendary Mr. Nacht has an icy personality?” a female bodyguard asked under her breath. “It doesn’t seem so to me.”
“Ms. Lindberg has tamed him.” A smug settled upon Lupine’s face. “No matter how high and mighty he is toward others, he behaves himself in front of Ms. Lindberg.”
“Hahaha, that’s a wonderful payback; fair enough as the Nachts aren’t nice to Ms. Lindberg.”
“Precisely!”
When Lupine got to the clinic, Dr. Felch had already examined Ellie and prescribed her medication. After instructing Hayley to prepare the medicine daily, he turned to Charlotte. “Let me check on you now.”
“No rush.” Charlotte thought about Morgan. “I have a subordinate who was shot when she tried to protect me. Can you see her first?”
“Absolutely.” Dr. Felch explained, “Gunshot is one of the easiest things to treat. As long as it didn’t hurt her vitals, she will be fine upon following my prescription.”
“Thank you so much.” Charlotte commanded, “Bring Dr. Felch to see Morgan immediately.”
“Duly noted. Dr. Felch, this way please.”
With that, Dr. Felchleft with Sam, leaving Hayley in the clinic to take care of Ellie.
Charlotte told Lupine, “The maids and the bodyguards at home don’t have any medical knowledge. Go and arrange for some reliable medical staff to relieve the burdens of Hayley and Sam.”
“Okay, I’ll do that right away.” Lupine nodded. Right before she left, Charlotte asked, “Is that person still around?”
“Yes.” Lupine glanced at Ellie who was dozing off on the bed. She continued, “He’s been waiting in the living room for over an hour.”
“I’ll take a look.”
When Charlotte arrived at the living room, she saw Zachary there, sipping tea. She questioned coldly, “Why are you still here?”
“Has Dr. Felch seen Ellie? What did he say?” Zachary got up and walked toward Charlotte.
“The check-up is done. He has also prescribed medicines to be taken daily,” Charlotte replied indifferently.
“How long does it take for her to be completely cured?” Zachary was anxious.
“This is just the beginning. Dr. Felch won’t indicate a specific time frame.” Charlotte said solemnly, “It may take a while for the medicines to take effect. We shall see.”
“True.” Zachary nodded. “I have full trust in Dr. Felch’s skills. We need to believe in him.”
“Yup,” Charlotte consoled herself the same way too.
“I see that you might need a hand at the clinic. Should I send more people over?” Zachary tried to find a new topic to talk to her.
“No, thanks. You can leave now.” Charlotte showed no intention to engage in further conversation with him. She turned to walk upstairs.
“Ellie will cry if she doesn’t see me when she wakes up.” Zachary stopped her. “And Jamie will be disappointed too. Robbie may look calm, but he’s just pretending.”
“So, your point is?” Charlotte shot him an unfriendly stare.
“I think…” He observed her facial expression before continuing. “I should stay here during the course of the treatment. I won’t trouble you. In addition, I’ll pay for rent and food…”
“Go away!” Charlotte bellowed.
“Is that how you treat your guest?” Zachary was determined to get what he wanted. “The kids will be so sad to see you treat me like this.”
“How audacious of you to even suggest that, Zachary Nacht!” Charlotte was livid. “When I was in your house, how did your family treat me? I can let it slide for the sake of the children, but you’re being too much now. Stop being a thick-skin and leave at once, or I’ll have my bodyguard shoo you away.”
“I’m prioritizing the kids. Don’t you want Ellie to get well sooner?” Zachary added, “She feels better when she looks at me. In turn, this will aid her recovery. Ask Dr. Felch if you don’t believe me.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1006
“Aren’t you leaving?” Charlotte lost her patience and summoned her subordinate, “Is someone here?”
“Yes!” Two bodyguards approached her in a flash.
“Get him out of my sight now,” Charlotte commanded.
“Noted.” As much as the bodyguards wanted to discharge their duty, they were intimidated by Zachary’s horrifying gaze. Like a mouse, they turned to Charlotte for help.
“Quit staring and get to work!” Charlotte insisted.
“Err…” The bodyguards were well aware of Zachary’s identity and his relationship with Charlotte. They dared not disrespect him, yet they did not want to disobey Charlotte either.
“Rubbish.” Charlotte pointed a gun at Zachary. “Get out!”
“You’ve got a very short fuse. Watch your tongue or you might scare the kids to wits…”
“Whoa!” Coincidentally, Ellie’s cry was heard loud and clear.
Hayley had just brought Ellie back from the clinic, and they both witnessed the moment…
Hayley gasped in disbelief while the horrified Ellie started wailing on the spot.
“Ellie!” Charlotte swiftly kept the gun and rushed over to hug her daughter. “Don’t be scared, Ellie. I was just fooling around with Daddy.”
“Mommy, don’t hurt Daddy, please…” Her whole body was shaking uncontrollably. Crying out of breath, she added, “Daddy loves us. Don’t kill him.”
“No, no, I won’t do that.” Charlotte panicked. “I was really just role-playing with him.”
She turned and gave Zachary a look. “Right?”
“Yes. Don’t be afraid, Ellie. Mommy was just playing with me,” Zachary came forward and consoled the little girl.
“Daddy…” Ellie stretched out her arms and embraced Zachary.
He picked her up and caressed her back, comforting her gently, “Have no fear, Daddy’s here.”
“Don’t go, Daddy…” Ellie wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Sobbing, she shared, “I’m very scared.”
“Okay, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll stay here with you. Now, let me take you back to your room,” Zachary tried his best to coax her.
Then, he requested Charlotte to lead the way.
Reluctantly, Charlotte glared at him before walking them upstairs.
Bruce saw what happened and had an aha moment. I can see that being thick-skinned is quite effective in getting what you want.
“What happened to Ellie?” Robbie and Jamie ran out of their rooms upon hearing Ellie’s cry.
Seeing their sister bawling her eyes out, they went ahead to pat her. “Don’t worry, Ellie, we’re here for you.”
“Hmm… Your mommy wants me to leave, but Ellie misses me so much. Hence…” Zachary put on a downcast face.
“You…” Suppressing her urge to curse, Charlotte gritted her teeth.
He’s such a shameless fellow.
“Mommy!” Jamie held her hands and pleaded, “Don’t ask Daddy to leave, okay? I beg you.”
“How about we let Daddy stay here for a couple of days until Ellie gets better?” the thoughtful Robbie suggested.
“No way, Robbie…” Before Charlotte could refute further, Ellie burst into tears again.
Immediately, Charlotte had no choice but to change her mind. “All right, all right, he can stay. Please stop crying, Ellie. You’re not feeling well, so please don’t cry, or else it will affect your health.”
“Mommy!” Ellie threw herself into Charlotte’s arms and acted coquettishly while wiping her nose on her blouse. “You won’t make Daddy go away anymore, right? You won’t beat him either?”
“Yes.” Charlotte spat out an affirmative answer as she stared daggers at Zachary.
“Thank you!” Subsequently, Zachary rose to his feet and yelled at the door, “Bruce, bring my suitcase in!”
“Sure!” Bruce was impressed at how that shrewd man achieved his hidden agenda.
“Yeah! This is awesome!” Jamie exclaimed. “Finally, our entire family can live peacefully together. Without Ms. Cynthia and Great-grandpa, there will be no more arguments.”
“That’s right!” Robbie was beaming.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1007
After settling the children down, Charlotte pulled Zachary into her room and gave him an earful.
“Zachary, what’s the matter with you? Don’t you know that this place is full of my brother’s spies? As much as I can try my best to tolerate you for the sake of the kids, Danrique won’t! I can’t even imagine the consequences if he finds out that you’re here.”
“Danrique will be too occupied to be bothered about me, so don’t you worry,” Zachary said confidently.
“What do you mean? What did you do?” Charlotte was dubious about his statement.
“Oh, you haven’t heard? His illegitimate child is exposed,” he gloated with a raised eyebrow. “Someone’s getting busy.”
“An illegitimate child?” The news came like a bolt from the blue. “Are you kidding? My brother has never had a girlfriend, let alone a child?”
“Come on, how can a normal man have no girlfriend? Unless he’s gay.” Zachary continued placidly, “He’s just very good at hiding his dirty little secrets from you.”
“How did you find out?” she asked suspiciously.
“We are rivals. Needless to say, I must know him very well.” He smiled smugly. “He’s been giving me a lot of headaches. I’m just returning the favor.”
Charlotte paused. “What is that supposed to mean? Did you hire an impostor?”
“Of course not. I just leverage on a little situation…” He shrugged. “Anyhow, there’s nothing for you to fret about. Even if he knows I’m here, let him come to me. All you have to do is to put the blame on me.”
As he spoke, he scanned around Charlotte’s room and slumped on the bed. “What a great place! I’ll take this room…”
“Get up!” Charlotte tried to pull him up, but he managed to turn her over and pin her on the bed instead.
“What are you doing? Let go of me right now,” Charlotte roared while pushing him away.
“Stay still.” He clasped her hands and looked her in the eyes. “I just want to hug you.”
His gaze was gentle and affectionate.
Within a split second, Charlotte almost fell for his charm. She soon recollected herself and kneed him in the groin.
“Ahh!” Zachary shouted in agony. He curled into a fetal position and muttered, “Darn it. Why did you do that?”
It was not Charlotte’s first time to hit him on the same spot. The last time, it was in Seacrest Restaurant.
Unfortunately, he never learned his lesson.
“This is my house.” Charlotte pushed him away angrily. “I’m Charlotte Lindberg, not Charlotte Windt who lived at the mercy of others.”
“It’s your loss if you handicapped me.” Zachary just had to emphasize that, though he was in excruciating pain.
“There are plenty of men around. Do you think that you’re my only option?” Charlotte taunted. “I just need to snap my fingers and there will be a long queue of excellent men fighting to marry me.”
“I shall see who is brazen enough to do that.” Suddenly, Zachary turned solemn. “I’ll announce to the whole world tomorrow that you are the mother of my children.”
“I doubt that there’s no courageous man around who’s up for the challenge.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Do you think that everyone else is a coward?”
“Try me.” Zachary arched his brow.
“I’ve had enough of your nonsense,” she uttered. “Leave now while the kids are sleeping soundly.”
“No way! Are you going back on your words? You promised the triplets that you’d let me stay here.” Zachary sulked. “They will all cry if I’m not around by the time they get up…”
“I’ll just comfort them.” Charlotte cut him off. “That’s how children grow and learn.”
“Why are you so cruel? Why can’t you just let me stay for a few days? What’s the big deal?” He could not understand her decision.
“Are you leaving?” She started to get impatient. “Otherwise, I’ll drag you out.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1008
“You…”
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The knocking on the door stopped Zachary from saying further.
Charlotte gestured him to fix his clothes while she went ahead to answer the door. “What’s up?”
“There’s a car parking nearby, seemingly spying on us,” Lupine reported softly. “I’ve looked into it. It’s probably one of Mr. Nacht’s men.”
“This is preposterous!” Livid, Charlotte cursed, “What does that damned man want?”
“Hey, watch your words.” Zachary quickly explained, “I told him that I’m here to accompany the kids for a period of time. That’s why he let me bring them over. I’m pretty sure that those men are sent to monitor me, to check if I lied to him. So, I’m the target, not you.”
“You should leave at once and take his men along with you.” Charlotte went ballistic. “Or else, I’ll take action against you lot.”
Zachary didn’t refute her but signal Lupine to shut the door and leave, to which the latter obliged.
“Has Danrique never taught you to maintain your composure when dealing with issues?” He became serious all of a sudden. “How are you expected to handle bigger matters if you’re always acting this rashly?”
“How dare you give me a lecture?” Frowning, Charlotte shot him a death stare. “I get all upset whenever I see you.”
“It goes to show that I matter to you…” He smirked.
“You…”
“Don’t hit the ceiling.” He made a truce gesture. “Come, let’s analyze the situation. You can think of it this way, if I leave now, the kids will definitely feel sad when they wake up. As a consequence, their impression of you as their mommy is going to turn bad.”
He added, “Moreover, Ellie’s condition is quite serious now. You do know when she cries, she goes hysterical, and it’s bad for her health, don’t you? Are you willing to see that happen? Just take a look at how much weight she’s lost. I’m afraid something like this will be detrimental to her health.”
Charlotte fell silent upon hearing that. Deep down, she could not bear any of it. She actually felt distressed whenever Ellie cried. If possible, she really hoped to take the place of Ellie’s suffering.
She acknowledged that it was a bad move to drive Zachary away because the children would feel miserable without him.
It’s not so bad with Robbie and Jamie as they are easily persuaded. But it’s not the case with Ellie. In addition, her condition worsens when she cries…
Yet, Charlotte did not want to get entangled with Zachary. She feared the outcomes if Danrique found out about it.
“Besides, Grandpa’s men are still lurking around, monitoring us. If I were to leave at this moment, I would be caught red-handed. Then, he will surely send more people to come and snatch the kids away..”
“How dare he?” Charlotte was up in arms.
“Okay… Okay…” Zachary attempted to cool her down. “I know you’re a strong woman, and I know you’re not afraid of him. However, just think it over from a different angle. Who’s at a disadvantage if this tussle prolongs? Who gets hurt? It’s the kids, don’t you think?”
As if that was not enough, he illustrated further. “Do you remember Timothy, Hector’s son? He witnessed how his father and stepmother hurt his mom. Did you know how traumatized he was? A three-year-old toddle ended up slashing someone with a knife. Have you forgotten?”
As the past memories flooded her mind, Charlotte began to recall some scenes vividly…
At the wedding, she saw how Timothy dashed to the stage and stabbed Helena with a knife. That incident really impacted her tremendously. At that time, she even vowed not to let her child turn out the same way…
“Both our families have been rivals for ages; as a result, the children are the real victims here. Each time we fight, it creates an adverse psychological effect on the children. Last time, Robbie and Jamie saw you aiming a gun at me. Today, Ellie saw the same with her own eyes. It’s going to stick with them like childhood trauma.”
Zachary was resolute. “Just do it for the sake of the kids. Even if you’re putting up a show, do it for a month. Let’s create a welcoming and loving environment for them, shall we? Take it as a trial period for them to adapt and adjust themselves. We’ll talk about everything else once Ellie gets better. All right?”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1009
Charlotte’s stance was a little shaken. Anyhow, she brought up another critical point, “You’re in big trouble if Danrique knows about this…”
“What can he do to me? End my life?” Zachary disagreed, “He barely has any free time to worry about me, given the current mess he’s in. Even if he knows I’m here, he’ll only lash out on you at most, and then request that you kick me out of the house.”
After mulling over, Charlotte thought that what he said made sense. The Lindbergs and the Nachts have always been at war with each other. If anything bad happens to either of the head of the house, the police will surely investigate the other family. When that happens, the other party will probably be the biggest suspect, and none of these can be resolved easily…
After all, this group of rich and famous are so used to standing at the top of the food chain. They disregard any form of secret attacks but prefer to beat their rivals in business. Therefore, their battleground is in the trading realm. No one will really strike the other with a weapon openly.
“That’s it. This matter is finalized.” Seeing that Charlotte had been convinced, Zachary strode toward the bathroom. “I’m going to take a shower. Bruce will help to bring my suitcase up in a bit.”
“Hey!” She grabbed his collar and yanked him back. “This is my room. Yours is the guest room.”
“Your room is huge. It’s such a waste to sleep here alone. Let me keep you company,” Zachary proposed shamelessly. “It’s the rainy season now. You’ll be scared to your wits when the thunder roars…”
Before he could finish, she kicked him out of the room and shut the door with a loud thud.
Her action left Zachary speechless.
“Mr. Nacht, your suitcase is here,” Bruce announced.
Instantly, Zachary turned and spoke in an icy tone, “Place it in the guest room.”
“Noted.” Bruce noticed his mood was off, but he did not dare to ask his boss any question.
“This way, please.” Upon learning that Charlotte did not drive Zachary away, Lupine knew that she had acquiesced to his decision of staying. Hence, she led him to the guest room above Charlotte’s floor. “Mr. Nacht, you and your subordinates can occupy these rooms.”
“Why am I not placed on the second floor?” displeased, Zachary questioned.
Lupine explained, “Second floor is reserved for Mr. Lindberg, Ms. Lindberg, and the three children. The study room and other facilities are also located on the second floor. Morgan and I are on the third floor, the same floor as the guest rooms. Ms. Lindberg’s room is just right below yours.”
“Fine, let it be then.”
Zachary headed toward the French windows to check on the situation outside. Staying right above Charlotte could be a good thing too. It helps to create opportunities for me to get near her.
“The rest of you can stay next door.” Lupine informed Bruce politely, “Ms. Lindberg advised against bringing too many people over.”
“I’ll stay back with two other subordinates and arrange for the rest to leave.” Bruce was very cooperative.
“Great.” Lupine nodded. “Feel free to let me know if you need anything.”
“Sure, thanks.”
After Lupine left, Bruce helped Zachary to hang his clothes up.
Meanwhile, Zachary opened the glass door to access the balcony. He took a peek downstairs and noticed that Charlotte’s room was still brightly lit. Her curtains were fluttering, indicating that her sliding doors were open…
She still holds the same habits, sleeping with the windows open. She prefers the natural breeze to air-conditioning. I guess she won’t notice if I slink out and sneak into hers…
No, I should stop!
Zachary dismissed his random thoughts and reminded himself not to upset Charlotte anymore. Now that she has allowed me to stay, I’d better walk on eggshells.
Bearing these thoughts in mind, he shut the windows and went to the bathroom.
Charlotte was sipping wine on her sofa. She had been staring at the balcony for half an hour. Upon realizing that it was all peaceful and quiet, she knew that Zachary was being prudent with his actions.
Very good, he’s being sensible.
“Ms. Lindberg, the car has left,” Lupine reported.
“Okay,” Charlotte replied nonchalantly. “Looks like Mr. Nacht is convinced now.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort chapter 1010
“I thought Mr. Nacht has repented his mistakes after what happened to Cynthia. However, he still sent some men to keep an eye on us,” Lupine said disgruntledly.
“He won’t repent easily…” Charlotte snickered and said, “I understand that he wants the give the best to the children. However, if he stops me from going after Zara, I’ll not hold back anymore!”
“We’re still searching for Zara. Humph! She’s really good at hiding. On the other hand, Sharon is being kept at Southridge ever since she was captured. Do you think we should get her, given that the Nacht family is in trouble now?” said Lupine.
“It’s fine,” Charlotte replied without hesitation, “Sharon is just a nobody, and we don’t have to waste our time on her. For now, let’s focus on searching for Zara!”
There was another reason Charlotte let Sharon off the hook for now—she didn’t want to have a row with Zachary because Ellie was undergoing treatment. As such, she would settle a score with Zachary after Ellie recovered.
“Understood. I’ll send more man to search for Zara,” Lupine said politely, “I’ve assigned enough men at the hospital. Anyway, it’s time for me to take over the shift.”
“Okay.” Then, Charlotte nodded in response and stood up to go with Lupine. “I want to visit Morgan.”
“It’s rather late now. Why don’t you get some rest?” Lupine said, “Dr. Felch has checked up on Morgan and prescribed some medicine for her too. I believe she’ll recover soon.”
“I’ll feel relieved only after visiting her.” Charlotte felt guilty whenever she recalled that Morgan was shot because she wanted to save Charlotte. “After Mrs. Berry died because of me, I don’t want anyone to get hurt for me anymore!”
Many people from the upper class didn’t value their subordinates and maids at all. Hence, Lupine felt touched because Charlotte treated them as her family.
Later, Charlotte went to Morgan’s room. When Charlotte wanted to open the door, she heard Morgan speaking in a soft voice over the phone.
Since Charlotte knew that Morgan was calling Marino, she withdrew her hand from the doorknob and murmured to herself, “Well, I shouldn’t disturb her.”
“She must be drenched in love now,” Lupine added teasingly.
“It’s not a bad thing, isn’t it?” Charlotte smiled and continued, “You guys should live your own life instead of sticking around me.”
After returning to her room, Charlotte took a shower and blow-dried her hair.
When Charlotte lay on the bed to get some rest, she realized that it was silent upstairs. Deep down, she felt surprised that Zachary didn’t make any noise.
Charlotte was probably exhausted, for she fell asleep soon with a pillow in her arms.
Meanwhile, Zachary, who was upstairs, couldn’t fall asleep. Although I’m closer to her now, I can’t be right next to her. I wonder what she’s doing now?
Zachary walked to the balcony and secretly looked downstairs.
He was surprised to find out that the lights were off. At that time, only some faint light passed through the curtains.
How could the heartless woman fall asleep?
Zachary cursed in his heart and returned to his room to get some sleep.
……
At the Garden Villa, Henry didn’t go to bed, for he had to wait for the news from Northridge.
Although his subordinate, Cain, had reported the situation to him over the phone, Henry couldn’t put his mind at ease and wanted to hear it from him in person.
Cain rushed back to the Garden Villa and reported, “Mr. Zachary stays in Northridge, along with Bruce and a subordinate. They’ve parked a car in the courtyard while the rest have left.”
“Are you sure they stay there and not putting up an act?” Henry seemed a bit unconvinced.
“I’m sure,” Cain said with certainty, “Bruce also carried two large suitcases for Mr. Zachary.”
“In that case, it’s confirmed.” Spencer was delighted.
“But it’s weird,” Henry said worriedly, “even if Charlotte let the cheeky rascal stay for the sake of their children, Danrique wouldn’t agree to it. Since Danrique is so overbearing, I can hardly believe he will allow Charlotte to do so.”