Ch. 1291..1300
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1291
Zachary Is Scolded
“Thanks,” Dr. Felch replied with a sigh, “By the way, about your family, I hope you don’t mind me giving my two cents on the matter.”
He looked at Charlotte searchingly before he continued, “I know I’m just an outsider and I might not know what is going on, but what your belated father said has always stuck to me. The reason why he worked so hard through the grind is none other than his family. He was not interested in power or wealth. All he ever wanted was for his wife and children to enjoy a carefree and peaceful life. Family is what counts at the end of the day.”
Charlotte’s complicated gaze met the old man’s eyes. “I know…”
“I’m sure you know what’s best for you,” Dr. Felch said, patting her hand as he turned toward Sam. “Bring Mr. Nacht in. I’d like to have a word with him.”
“Right away, Dr. Felch.” The apprentice went out immediately to fetch Zachary.
“Why not you go get your hand treated?” Dr. Felch asked Charlotte, turning back toward her. “Could you make me some vegetable beef soup too? I really miss your cooking.”
“Of course. I’ll get going first then.”
Hayley and Charlotte left the room soon after. Charlotte got her burn treated and started making some soup with Hayley.
Meanwhile, Zachary went into Dr. Felch’s room with Ben. When he saw the sickly old man reclining on his bed, a sense of resignation budded in his heart.
He used to be a great doctor, but now he’s reduced to his sickbed. I guess even the mightiest man is a nobody in face of death.
But well, who am I speak? I’m a dying man myself.
“There you are.” Dr. Felch sat up when he saw Zachary. Sam quickly went over to put a cushion behind Dr. Felch’s back.
“Hi, Dr. Felch,” Zachary greeted politely as he went closer.
“I’ve always wanted to see you,” the doctor said, looking at Zachary from the head to the toe. “Come closer.”
Zachary hesitated.
Ben looked at the door briefly and went over to shut it.
“Don’t worry. I’ve already asked her to go make me some soup. Hayley is there with her, so she won’t be back anytime soon.”
Dr. Felch knew what was on the young man’s mind.
Zachary was surprised the old man actually read him like an open book.
“Have a seat,” Dr. Felch beckoned, pointing at the empty space beside him.
Zachary sat down as requested while Sam turned on all the lights in the room so the doctor could have a good look at their guest.
After carefully surveying the young man, Dr. Felch shook his head, sighing, “I hope I’m wrong on this.”
“What do you mean, Dr. Felch? Is there still a chance of him getting better?” Ben asked in worry.
“I should’ve done a more thorough check last time and done a surgery. It’s been a while and now things are not looking good,” Dr. Felch said solemnly, “Have you been getting treatment recently? What did your doctor say?”
“They can only palliate the symptoms and delay the onset of the disease. There’s no cure per se,” Zachary replied calmly.
“There’s still hope although it’s already late,” Dr. Felch said, his expression becoming more serious. “I really want to help, but I don’t think I have much time left.”
“It’s okay. It’s entirely up to fate now. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Are you serious?” Dr. Felch reproved, “You’re still so young and you’re giving up? You can’t die. What will happen to the kids if you’re gone?”
Dr. Felch loved the three children like his own.
Zachary looked at him, his heart inexplicably warmed. No one had reprimanded him after his father passed on.
Dr. Felch shook his head looking at Zachary before turning toward Ben. “Go and get all the records about his treatment. I want to take a look. Who knows I might find the best treatment before I breathe my last.”
“Sure.”
Ben nodded emphatically and went out to make a call.
“Is that really necessary?” Zachary asked, “You’re already so sick. I don’t want to burden you with another task.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1292
Do Not Get Your Hopes High
“Enough,” Dr. Felch said harshly, “Who do you think you are? I’m not the least worried about you. I’m worried about the children.”
“I’m sorry.” Zachary did not dare to say another word. He was grateful that Dr. Felch was going out of his way to treat him.
“But don’t get your hopes high. I don’t have much time left. I might be gone before I even come up with a way to treat you.”
“Ha, you were just encouraging me a second ago, now you’re asking me to manage my expectation. What exactly do you want me to do?” Zachary teased.
“I didn’t ask you to talk.” Dr. Felch pushed his shoulder lightly and chuckled.
Zachary looked at the wise and kind-hearted old man in silence. He felt bad for him, but he did not know how to comfort him.
“I’ll take a rest first. You go and help her out in the kitchen. You’d better pray hard that I wake up from my sleep, else you won’t get cured,” Dr. Felch joked.
“I thought you wanted to taste her cooking before you go?” Zachary replied.
“Good one,” Dr. Felch said with a laugh.
Sam helped the old man lie down and pulled a blanket over him.
After Zachary exited the room, he did not go over to the kitchen. Instead, he went to the courtyard for another cigarette.
“Bruce is sending the document over. He’ll be here by tonight,” Ben reported after he came back.
“It’s okay. I’m not in a rush.” Zachary was not expecting anything. “Dr. Felch is already so weak. He can’t really see well either. We should just let the old man rest.”
“But this is not the time to give up, Mr. Nacht!” Ben was getting anxious. “What Dr. Felch said was right. You have to think about the kids.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Zachary replied, looking over to the kitchen.
Ben said no more, but deep in his heart, he believed that Dr. Felch would provide a way out.
“Zachary!” Charlotte cried out as she walked out from the kitchen, wearing an apron with floral prints and holding a carrot in her hand. “Dr. Felch wanted to see the kids. Do you think you can ask Marino to bring them over?”
“What about tomorrow?” Zachary said, throwing away his cigarette. “They have had a long day traveling all the way from Yaleview today. It’ll be too tiring for them.”
“True. Alright then, tomorrow it is.” Charlotte nodded.
“You look good in the apron,” Zachary complimented her.
Charlotte rolled her eyes at him and went back in.
Zachary leaned against the car, looking at her through the window from the outside. He wondered if their relationship would have turned out differently if he were not born in the Nacht family and her, the Lindberg family.
Charlotte was wiping away the sweat on her forehead when she looked up and saw Zachary gazing at her. It unsettled her for a bit when she caught his gaze. For a moment, it felt as if they were just a regular couple leading a simple life. She was preparing food and he was admiring her.
Ring!
Zachary’s phone rang, shaking everyone back to reality.
He reached for his phone and walked away. “Yes?” he said, picking up the call.
“I’ll be there in a bit.”
Zachary hung up and called for Ben, “We’re leaving for the company. Ask Bruce to come over with his men and send Charlotte and Lupine back after they’re done here.”
“So we’re not waiting here?” Ben was worried that Zachary was not giving Dr. Felch enough time to treat his disease. “Work can wait. We should hear what the doctor has to say at least.”
“I said we’re going to the company,” Zachary reiterated, looking at the kitchen.
Luckily for him, Charlotte and Lupine were busy cooking and had not heard their conversation.
“Another word from you and you’re fired.”
Zachary was angry. He did not want anyone to mention a word to Charlotte about his condition.
Ben looked down in submission.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1293
Jealousy
Zachary glared at him coldly and got into the car.
Seeing it was no use persuading Zachary to stay, Ben had no choice but to inform Sam and Hayley of their departure. After that, he swung by the kitchen to let Charlotte know they were leaving. “Ms. Lindberg, something came up at work, so we’re making a move first. Bruce will be here in a bit to pick you guys up.”
“Alright. Don’t worry about us,” Charlotte said, taking a quick look at Zachary, who was already sitting in the car.
“Then we’ll make a move first. See y’all.”
Seeing Ben was about to leave, Lupine ran after him and tugged him. “Where are y’all going? To meet the woman?” she interrogated.
“I don’t think so. It’s probably about work,” Ben answered honestly. Truth be told, he had no idea what was going on.
“Probably?” Lupine asked, “I bet he’s going to see the woman!”
Ben blinked his eyes at her cluelessly.
“I must be dumb to think a leopard can change its spots,” Lupine replied in anger, “I even thought he sincerely wanted to mend fences with Ms. Lindberg, but it seems like a call from that woman is enough to make him change his mind.”
Ben was speechless. “Seriously. You don’t even know what’s happening. Why are you so pissed?”
He realized that although Lupine was rational and calm usually, her temper was just exactly like Morgan’s when she was angry with him.
“Whatever!” Lupine kicked him and left.
“Ouch!” Ben rubbed his knee, grunting.
Honk! Ben went back to the car, limping. He looked back at Lupine from the rearview mirror as he drove off. “This woman is no joke.”
“Does it hurt?” Zachary asked sarcastically.
“I literally got scolded for nothing. She even kicked me! She’s so unreasonable.”
“You should be happy she’s still bantering with you. It means you have a special place in her heart,” Zachary said quietly, “She won’t bother putting up a fight with you when she doesn’t care about you anymore.”
“Really?” Ben asked with a smile, “Does this mean I’m someone special to her?”
“Uh huh. She was looking at you all the time.”
“Ha…” Ben smiled like a child at the revelation.
“How I envy you guys,” Zachary sighed, “This is the best phase in a relationship.”
“But it’s been half a year already. We’ve not taken a step further,” Ben complained in disappointment, “She’s not like Morgan. Morgan’s very expressive when it comes to relationships.”
Ben was excited talking about other people’s relationships. “Speaking of, do you know Marino didn’t even come back yesterday?”
“Are you jealous?” Zachary teased, “You can take a day off too.”
“Well…” Ben’s face turned red all of a sudden. “That won’t work. Lupine is not an easy woman.”
“Useless.”
Zachary decided to drop the subject and took out his phone. A frown settled over his brows as he looked at the document Lucy just sent him.
Back at Dr. Felch’s place, Charlotte decided to have some tea in the courtyard after leaving the ingredients to brew in the pot.
She was enjoying the warm sunshine when she saw the tire tracks in the courtyard. Her heart sunk thinking about Zachary and Nancy.
Is he that excited to meet her?
He can’t even wait for a night.
“Ms. Lindberg, why not we go over to the city tonight?” Lupine suggested, “I’m sure Dr. Felch wants to rest after dinner, so we can leave for the city after that. We won’t make it back in time to see the children too. They’ll be asleep by then.”
“Just say if you want to see Ben,” Charlotte called her out.
“That’s not what I mean,” Lupine explained anxiously, “We’re running out of baby formula for Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. We will need to do some grocery shopping anyway. We might as well just go to the city.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1294
A Worthy Rival
Charlotte looked at the distressed woman and pursed her lips. People in love are all the same. They can’t hide their feelings for one another.
She thought about how Zachary and she used to be madly in love too, but so much had changed.
Charlotte had given in to life.
She did not want to fight for their relationship anymore. Even if Zachary were to take a step toward her, she would retreat.
Although she still loved him, she would not let her feelings govern her decisions.
She would bury her feelings for him forever.
“Is that okay, Ms. Lindberg?” Lupine asked again.
“You go buy what you need then. I’ll stay back to keep Dr. Felch company. You can have some time to yourself tonight. Just be here tomorrow morning.” Charlotte finally relented.
“Ms. Lindberg… You know this is not what I mean. I want you to take time off together with me. I’m not going anywhere if you’re not coming.”
“Just do as I say,” Charlotte insisted, glaring at her. Just as she was about to continue, her phone rang. She hesitated when she saw an unknown number on her screen. “Yes…?”
“Hi, Ms. Lindberg, Nancy here. Are you free for a meet-up?”
Nancy’s voice sounded amiable.
Charlotte did not know why she just could not bring herself to hate this woman. Unlike Synder, Helena, and Diana, Charlotte felt Nancy was different from them all. Her experience had taught her to be shrewd when it came to trusting people around her, yet despite her getting her guard up around people, she did not feel Nancy was a threatening person.
“How did you get my number?” Charlotte asked after some thought.
“I have my ways,” Nancy said with a slight smile, “You made quite an impression at Pillere. I hope you still remember me?”
Charlotte squinted her eyes listening to the woman. She’s no small fry. She knows who she’s dealing with and she even came to me herself.
“Of course,” Charlotte replied cordially, collecting herself. “Thanks for lending me your swimsuit last time.”
“No worries. Are you free tonight? What about we meet up at Platinum Café at eight?”
“Sure.”
Since Nancy reached out to her and invited her for dinner, Charlotte’s curiosity was piqued. She wondered what Nancy wanted to do.
“See you tonight then,” Nancy said before ending the call.
Charlotte looked at her phone as her brows slowly furrowed. She was confused.
Lupine looked equally bewildered. “How did she know who we are? We saw to it that no one knew our real identities back at Pillere. Only Sir Louis, Mr. Nacht, and Mr. Murphy knew about us.”
“As she said, she would find out if she wanted to,” Charlotte explained, unfazed, “The Gold family has been establishing their presence in the business world all these years. I won’t be surprised that she bought Mr. Murphy into telling her the truth.”
“But I don’t understand why she wants to see you,” Lupine thought aloud, “Is she openly challenging you?”
“Ha!” Charlotte burst out laughing. “What is there to challenge? We’re not even in the same game.”
“You are! You’re her love rival,” Lupine pointed out, “But wait, isn’t Mr. Nacht with her? Why is she asking you out?”
“It means Zachary did not go to see her,” Charlotte elucidated, pouring another cup of tea. “It will be tricky if I make an enemy out of her. She is a difficult one.”
“Why?” Lupine genuinely did not see her as a threat. “Is it because of her family background?”
“Not just that,” Charlotte said with her gaze lowered, “Although I don’t know her well, I have a gut feeling that she’s different from those I’ve crossed paths with.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1295
Facing Off
“So you’re really going?” Lupine asked softly, “Do you think we should ask more people to come along? What if she pulls some tricks?”
Charlotte smirked. “It’s no big deal if she does that.”
“What are we doing then?”
“Go and check if the soup is ready.” Charlotte changed the topic. “Peel a few potatoes too. I’m making some spicy and sour shredded potatoes. Dr. Felch loves it.”
“Okay.” Lupine went right into the kitchen and got to work.
Meanwhile, Charlotte continued boiling her tea until Hayley got back from the market. She had bought some pears for Dr. Felch.
Charlotte asked her to leave the pears with her and started making some pear stew.
Dr. Felch slept through the whole afternoon and did not wake up until the sun set at six in the evening. Sam was baking him some sweet potatoes when Lupine brought him some soup.
Charlotte had made a few dishes and everyone gathered in the courtyard for dinner.
Not long after everyone started eating, Bruce arrived with his men. Charlotte asked them to join them for dinner, but he said they had already eaten. He went over to Lupine and passed her a pair of car keys. “Mr. Nacht asked me to bring an extra car for you guys. Do you need anything else?”
“Nope, we’re good. Thanks.”
Lupine poured them some drinks and the men thanked her.
“Charlotte, you should go home earlier. The children are still waiting for you at home,” Dr. Felch said as he ate, “Remember to bring them over tomorrow.”
“I’m not even done eating yet. Why are you in a hurry to send me off?” Charlotte said begrudgingly, “You didn’t even thank me for making all this food. How could you do this to me?”
Dr. Felch laughed out loud. “Come on, I’m just worried about you and the kids.”
“I know. I’ll get going then.”
Charlotte put down her cutlery and went to wash her hands before coming back to bid everyone goodbye.
“See you, Ms. Lindberg,” Bruce said.
After making sure that Charlotte and Lupine had left, Bruce went back to the courtyard and passed Zachary’s health report and treatment plans to Dr. Felch.
Sam lighted a candle so Dr. Felch could see clearly, but still, the old man’s eyesight was failing him.
Bruce explained everything to him patiently as the old man nodded weakly. “I’ll take a look into it.”
Over in the city, Lupine drove to Platinum Café and let Charlotte off.
Charlotte used to come here a lot when she was together with Hector.
She still visited this restaurant after they broke up since it was right opposite Zachary’s company. She would always come here with Zachary back when she was still working at Nacht Group.
Charlotte realized Nancy had booked the whole place the moment she went in. All the waiters and waitresses were different.
There were even four bodyguards at the door and there were more inside the restaurant.
Nancy was on the phone with someone when Charlotte arrived. When her subordinate went over to her seat beside the window to inform her of Charlotte’s arrival, she quickly hung up and stood up to greet her guest. “It’s been a long time, Ms. Lindberg.”
She was polite and humble.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you again,” Charlotte said with a smile.
“The pleasure’s mine,” Nancy replied with a nod. “Have a seat.”
When Nancy saw that Charlotte had only brought a bodyguard with her, she asked her men to step away, leaving behind just two of them.
She even apologized to Charlotte after that. “I’m sorry. My dad’s a little paranoid.”
“It’s fine. I can understand.” Charlotte took up a napkin and wiped her hands. “When did you reach H City?”
“I came in the morning,” Nancy replied accordingly without taking her eyes off Charlotte, “You look way more stunning in person.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1296
Facing Off 2
“I hope my photo didn’t disappoint you.”
Charlotte knew Nancy must have done a detailed background check on her before meeting her.
“I’m sorry for being intrusive,” Nancy said with her head low, “I was really curious about you after meeting you at Pillere. I could not get my mind off the woman in the veil, so I asked my men to run a check. That’s how I found out about you.”
“There are only that few who know about my real identity,” Charlotte pointed out as she took a sip from her cup. “You must be really influential to get information about me that easily.”
“Well…” Nancy looked uneasy. “They know I don’t mean harm. I hope you don’t blame them.”
Charlotte smiled and looked at her. “Why do you want to meet me?”
Nancy took up her cup and drank. “I just want to make a new friend.”
“You can be honest with me.” Charlotte looked at her watch.
“I’ll just cut to the chase since you’re in a hurry.”
Nancy put down her cup and gestured at her subordinate, who instantly came forward with a silver box.
It was a document.
“This is a document about F Nation’s Gymnasium Project. Someone invited me to join this project to replace you,” Nancy said solemnly with a slight smile.
She took a look at Charlotte before she continued, “My family is looking into international ventures and I’m interested in this project, but I’m not interested in fighting with you over something like this, so I would like to know what you think about this.”
Charlotte evaded Nancy’s gaze and clenched her jaw. She knew Nancy was not just referring to the project. She was referring to Zachary as well.
“Ms. Lindberg, I’ll gladly decline this offer if you’re still interested in this project, but if you’re opting out, which is what they told me, then I’ll consider joining.”
Nancy poured Charlotte another cup of tea as she waited for her reply. “I will respect your decision, Ms. Lindberg.”
Charlotte fixed her eyes on the cup without answering. She knew full well what Nancy meant.
Charlotte was able to read in between the lines and saw through Nancy. The project was not the real reason why she wanted to talk to Charlotte.
This woman is indeed different from those I’ve met before. She’s clever and calm.
“What do you think, Ms. Lindberg?”
“I don’t think it matters to you whether I continue on with the project or not.” Charlotte finally took up the cup. “What annoys me is that these people seem overenthusiastic in finding me a replacement.”
Nancy stared at her for a second. She could not decipher what Charlotte was getting at.
“You shouldn’t be talking to me, Ms. Gold. You should be talking to the people who made you this offer. Besides, it’s all about competing on a level field when it comes to business. There’s no right or wrong.”
“Competing on a level field?” Nancy was surprised. “Is this what you really think?”
“Yes. I’m unapologetic about fighting for the things that I deem as important. I like competing head-on in a fair and square manner instead of using underhanded ways, but if my opponents want to play dirty, I’ll play by their rules.”
Charlotte went straight to the point. Although she sounded calm as a cucumber, her words sounded deterrent.
“Understood, Ms. Lindberg.” Nancy smiled with a confident nod. “You really impress me. You have my word. I like a fair competition too. No cheating and no hard feelings.”
“Great.” Charlotte’s brows arched in a pleasant surprise. “All the best, Ms. Gold.”
With that said, she put down her cup and motioned to leave. “Thanks for your treat. We should meet up over some beer the next time. It’s on me.”
“I’m looking forward to that. Let me see you out.” Nancy stood up.
“Don’t bother. I’ll see you next time.” Charlotte turned and left.
Nancy sat back down in her window seat as she watched Charlotte leave. She felt things were going to take an interesting and unexpected turn.
Behind her, her subordinate came up and reported, “Ms. Gold, that’s Mr. Nacht’s car.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1297
I Do Not Want To Repeat The Same Mistake
The subordinate looked at Nancy and spoke, “I don’t understand, Ms. Gold. Lindberg Corporation has fallen from grace and Danrique is still nowhere to be found. Ms. Lindberg is just a nobody now. Why do you have to treat her so respectfully?”
Nancy smiled subtly. “You guys are too short-sighted. Lindberg Corporation’s downturn is temporary. They will make a comeback one day and that will be the heyday of the company, so we shouldn’t just kick the Lindbergs aside and treat them too casually. Besides, she’s Mr. Nacht’s ex-wife. They have three children together. This made her a unique player. I can’t just disregard her. Even if we were to fight over the same man, it should be done in a gentlemanly fashion so no one takes it personally.”
“I see,” the subordinate answered with a convincing nod, “Ms. Gold, you’re really wise.”
Nancy walked over to look at Charlotte’s car as they got in, her expression complex.
“Ms. Gold, that’s Mr. Nacht’s car.”
“It seems like they’re still close.”
This made Nancy felt more conflicted.
Over in the car, Lupine had already started the engine. “Are we heading back to Yaleview, Ms. Lindberg?”
“Yes.” Charlotte looked at the high-rise building opposite and memories came flooding back. Level 68’s lights were still on and she wondered if Zachary was still working.
“That’s Mr. Nacht’s car!” Lupine exclaimed.
Charlotte looked up and saw Zachary’s Rolls-Royce coming out from the car park and pulling up beside Platinum Café.
Nancy and her bodyguards were already outside the restaurant to welcome him. Zachary got off and went in with her.
The two seemed intimate from the looks of it.
“Did she did it on purpose?” Lupine snarled.
“Drive.”
Charlotte’s tone sounded cold, but she actually felt agitated. She would not have cared if Nancy were to do something behind her back, but now that Nancy made an open statement, she felt a sense of crisis.
As Nancy herself said, she had what it took to play on an open field with her. She did not have to resort to underhanded ways.
That was the kind of woman Zachary liked.
“Ms. Lindberg, Ms. Gold had another meaning behind what she said earlier on, right? The Gymnasium Project is just an excuse for her to talk to you about Mr. Nacht.”
“You could tell?” Charlotte asked, feigning nonchalance, “You’re a smart one. Morgan won’t be able to sniff a thing.”
“Do you really not care at all? There’s nothing between you and Mr. Nacht now. You have already revoked your engagement with Sir Louis. Mr. Nacht and you have three children together. Have you never thought about getting back together? I can tell Mr. Nacht still loves you.”
“What’s wrong with you, Lupine? I’d understand if Morgan were the one saying this, but you? You know me best. How could you say something like this?”
“It’s exactly because I know you well that I’m saying this,” Lupine replied unreservedly, mustering her courage. “I know neither of you has actually stopped loving each other. Both of you could have had a happy life. Both of you are finally having another chance to your relationship. All the hindrances and grievances from the past are gone now. I just don’t understand why both of you don’t want to mend this relationship. Is your ego really this important?”
“It’s not about my ego,” Charlotte answered instinctively.
What is stopping us then? Charlotte could not tell herself.
What Lupine said was true. There were grievances between their families, but not anymore. The path to their happily ever after was clear now, but Charlotte was scared. She did not want to repeat the same mistake. She did not want to get hurt again.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1298
An Impressive Character
“Will you be sad if Mr. Nacht gets together with Ms. Gold? I think you shouldn’t underestimate her.”
“I didn’t. She’s much better than the Blackwoods. Besides, she’s Zachary’s type.”
“Does this mean you’re worried? Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie will be getting a stepmom if they’re together. Who knows if she’ll be another Cynthia? What if she’s actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing? What if she hurt the children?”
“I don’t think she’s that kind of person,” Charlotte said confidently, “She doesn’t seem like it.”
“Well, none of us thought Cynthia would turn out to be so vicious…”
“Zachary should be able to tell what kind of a person she is after all he’s been through. He didn’t like Cynthia actually, it was all his father’s idea. He’s free to make his own choice now. There’s nothing I can do if he really likes Nancy.”
Lupine did not feel comfortable with the idea of Zachary getting together with Nancy, but she dropped the issue.
Charlotte looked out of the window at the city view. The familiar streets reminded her of Zachary and everything they did together.
Snippets of memory flashed before her so lucidly as if everything happened yesterday.
Those were unforgettable moments they shared together, but she had chosen to bury them in her heart forever.
“I saw Ms. Lindberg’s car just now,” Ben whispered in Zachary’s ear, but Zachary ignored him and sat down, looking at Nancy with a smile.
“Welcome to H City.”
“Thanks, Mr. Nacht.”
Nancy was not the rigid and polite woman she was when she met Charlotte just now anymore. She put on her gentle and attractive self when she met Zachary.
“Have you been waiting for long?”
Zachary took a sweeping look at the place and saw the empty cups on the other table. He figured Charlotte must have visited.
“Not really. I actually met up with one of your friends—Ms. Lindberg—the second major shareholder of Lindberg Corporation.”
Zachary was not expecting Nancy to be this candid. “Why did you meet up with her?”
“It’s about this project,” Nancy replied, taking out the document. “Sir Robert got in touch with me through Mr. Murphy. He wanted me to replace Ms. Lindberg as the shareholder. I don’t want to create any misunderstanding, so I asked her out to talk over it.”
“What did she say?” Zachary was curious.
“She said she was annoyed that those people were so eager to get her replaced. She also said that people should just deal honestly instead of using dishonorable means to compete.”
“This is very Charlotte.”
Zachary let down his defense and became friendlier.
“Yeah. I think Ms. Lindberg is a forthright person. I really like her. Did you see her when you’re on the way here?”
“I didn’t.” Did she see me when she left?
I wonder what’s her reaction if she knows I’m here with Nancy?
“It’s boring just having wine here,” Nancy said, sensing that Zachary’s mind was somewhere else. “Why not we go somewhere fun?”
“I’ve been to all the fun places in H City.”
“I swear you’ve never been to this one,” Nancy said mysteriously, “I bet you’ll fall in love with this place.”
“Well, since you said so, I’m all for it,” Zachary said, shrugging.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1299
Bad Habits Have Relapsed
Nancy dismissed her bodyguards and got into Zachary’s car directly.
Zachary was stunned, for no other women except for Charlotte and her subordinates had sat in his car before.
Although he frowned, he did not make any further remarks.
After closing the car door, Nancy finally realized something and apologized, “I’m sorry for entering your car without seeking your permission first. I just didn’t want to bring too many people along with me and make a huge scene.”
“It’s fine.” Zachary smiled. “Tell him the address.”
“Okay. It’s at the coast of Baykeep…” Nancy quickly told the address to the driver.
The car headed toward the destination slowly.
Zachary glanced at the rearview mirror. After ensuring that the Gold family’s bodyguards were not following them, he asked, “I heard that your father is a very careful man. The Gold family’s bodyguards are also well-trained. Won’t they be worried that you entered my car alone?”
“Staying by your side is safer than anywhere else.”
Whenever Nancy spoke, she always gazed at Zachary affectionately, her eyes brimming with admiration. Her voice was very gentle and melodious too.
Zachary was reminded of Charlotte. She has never looked at me like that, nor spoken to me so gently. Either she’s fierce, angry, or silent…
Sometimes, I wonder if she has truly loved me.
“That must be Sultry Night. I’ve never been there before.” Nancy pointed at a neon signboard nearby and said excitedly, “Sultry Night’s outlets all over the world are doing extremely well! There’s even one at Koandria.”
Looking at Sultry Night’s signboard, Zachary recalled a lot of past events—the first time he met Charlotte, how he got scammed by her, and how he was forced to sign that debt contract…
Although she was extremely fierce, she was adorable too.
Yet, she was now starting to conceal her emotions and adopting a cold attitude. No matter what he did, he could never touch her heart…
“It’s Ms. Lindberg’s car!” Ben suddenly exclaimed.
Stunned, Zachary narrowed his eyes. Indeed, he saw Phantom, which he had instructed Bruce to give to Charlotte, parked at the entrance of Sultry Night.
Her bad habits have relapsed!
“Go there and take a look,” instructed Zachary.
“Understood.” The subordinate immediately drove toward Sultry Night.
“Aren’t we going to Baykeep?”
Nancy was surprised, not expecting her meticulous plans to be disrupted so easily.
“Next time,” replied Zachary calmly.
“Alright.” Although Nancy was disappointed, she still forced a smile and said considerately, “Just let me alight by the road. I’ll ask my bodyguards to pick me up.”
“Let’s go together,” said Zachary. “You haven’t been there before, right? I’ll show you around.”
“Sure!”
Nancy was delighted. Initially, she thought that Zachary would look for Charlotte and abandon her. Surprisingly, he wanted to bring her along.
When the car arrived at the entrance of Sultry Night, the manager immediately rushed out and greeted, “It’s been a long time, Mr. Nacht.”
Not recognizing him, Ben asked, “Where’s Peter?”
“He’s taking another shift. He works from midnight to morning now because it’s more convenient for him to take care of his wife during the day,” explained the manager with a smile. “Do you still remember me, Ben? I used to work for Peter.”
“Yeah,” grunted Ben before paving a way through the crowd with the other subordinates.
Zachary entered with Nancy. It was still as crowded and lively as before, with neon lights flashing around.
He glanced around, but did not see Charlotte anywhere.
Having read his mind, Ben immediately asked the manager, “Did you see Ms. Lindberg?”
“Who’s Ms. Lindberg?” The new manager did not know who Charlotte was.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1300
Who Should Be Angry
“She drives the Phantom,” replied Ben.
“Oh, two gorgeous ladies have just alighted the Phantom and came in. They went to the private room. I’ll bring you there,” said the manager. “This way please, Mr. Nacht.”
Zachary and the rest followed the manager to the VIP private room.
It was much quieter than the lobby. The room still looked the same as before. Perhaps because he had not come in ages, Zachary could not help but feel nostalgic.
“We renovated the common areas two months ago, but we didn’t touch the private rooms at all. We still kept your private room, Mr. Nacht. The cleaners even clean it daily…” explained the manager as he led the way.
As Zachary glanced at his surroundings, the memories he shared with Charlotte rushed back to his mind. Unknowingly, he did not even realize that Nancy was not following him anymore…
Zachary only turned around when he heard a piercing scream. Nancy had been stopped by two drunkards, who were harassing her and dragging her into their private room.
“Save me, Mr. Nacht!” Nancy screamed in fear.
Zachary’s expression changed drastically. He strode forward and sent those men flying away with a kick.
Trembling in fear, Nancy hid behind him and grabbed his shirt.
“It’s fine now,” consoled Zachary gently as he hugged her shoulders.
He had been so eager to meet Charlotte that his footsteps quickened unconsciously. As it was Nancy’s first time there, she lost sight of Zachary in the crowd. Yet, he was oblivious to it…
He felt guilty for that.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, who had just walked out of the private room, witnessed this scene.
She had never seen him act so gently toward any other woman.
When Sharon and Cynthia were with him, she was angry. Yet, she had never felt jealous because she knew that he did not love them.
However, things were different now…
Zachary was not faking his concern for Nancy.
His tall figure was so familiar that it remained engraved in her mind. Even in the dim lighting, she could still recognize him immediately. Yet, he was hugging another woman now…
“Ben!” Lupine suddenly bellowed angrily.
Ben was so shocked that he felt a chill run down his spine. When he turned around and met Lupine’s sharp gaze, he paled and patted Zachary’s arm frantically. “Mr. Nacht! Mr. Nacht!”
Ben was reacting so dramatically that it was like he had just been caught in an affair. Guilt and fear engulfed him.
Yet, he was the innocent one.
On the other hand, the actual culprit, Zachary, seemed extremely calm. Still hugging Nancy, he turned around slowly and shot Charlotte a nonchalant look. “What a coincidence!”
When Nancy heard that, she was surprised. It sounded like he had just met Charlotte there coincidentally, instead of going there specially for her.
“Yeah, what a coincidence!”
Charlotte’s expression became indifferent again. Smiling courteously, she turned her gaze from Zachary to Nancy. “We meet again, Ms. Gold.”
“Yeah.” Nancy reacted quickly. With a gentle smile, she shot Charlotte a friendly look. “We just had a cup of tea at the Platinum Café. I didn’t expect us to meet here again.”
“I wanted to treat you to some drinks one day, but it seems like there’s no need for me to do so anymore.” Charlotte glanced at Zachary knowingly and said, “Have fun! I’ll leave now.”
With that, she turned around and left.
Lupine glared at Ben angrily before following her.
“You’re leaving right after coming here?” Zachary called out behind her. “Why don’t we have a drink together?”
Although Charlotte was fuming with rage, she smiled and turned her head around. “I won’t disturb the both of you. It’s a precious night, after all.”
Then, she left unhesitatingly.