Ch. 1701..1710

Chapter 1701: Move InIt was obvious that Zachary had been nice to the children. Kids are simple and innocent beings. The girls could see who was genuinely nice to them. Some people could fake being nice for a while, but it wasn't easy to fake being nice for three months. That was especially the case for Zachary. He was a proud man, so he wouldn't spend time pretending to be nice.

That was why they knew their uncle was truly nice to them, and they were happy to hang out with Zachary.

“Mommy, Mommy, you have to help Uncle Zachary.” Alpha held Francesca’s hand, and she pleaded, “Uncle Zachary's ill. Aunt Charlotte and their kids are really worried about him. We're worried about him too.”

“Yeah, Mommy. You have to help Uncle Zachary.” Beta tilted her head, and she sounded like she was in a hurry.

“Once Uncle Zachary is all better, he can take us to the vineyard again, and he can teach us all about horseback riding. Oh, and he can play a lot of fun games with us too.”

"Yeah, yeah!” Gamma nodded too. She added, “Uncle Zachary is super nice to us.”

Francesca was surprised that her kids would be so adamant in asking her to help Zachary out. She only stepped in back then because Zachary was nice to the kids, and now she knew she didn't make the wrong choice. But now's not the time to be grateful to him. Now it's the time to bust myself out of this place.

Francesca pretended to look all sad, and she tried her best to tear up.

“I want to help your Uncle Zachary too, but...” She looked up at Danrique fearfully. “But your daddy won't let me!” she said, her voice trembling with terror.

Danrique frowned, but before he could do anything about it, the girls charged at him. They held his leg and punched him as hard as they could.

“You're a villain, Daddy! You're a big meanie!”

"Why did you do that, Daddy? Uncle Zachary's so nice to us! Why'd you stop Mommy from saving him?”

“Can you stop this, Daddy? If you won't stop this, we'll be going back with Uncle Zachary and stop talking to you for good! And Mommy's coming as welll” Gamma put her hands on her hips angrily. Francesca's eyes lit up. Nice one, Gamma! She stood up and feigned anger.

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“That's right! Gratitude is a virtue! Uncle Zachary's been so nice to you, and now that he's in trouble, we can't just stand by and watch!” She took the kids and went up to Zachary.

"We're leaving with your Uncle Zachary right now, kids!"

“Yeah, yeah!” The kids nodded. They shot their father a nasty glare and took Zachary's side immediately.

Danrique’s face was red with anger, and the flames of fury flared within his eyes. He glared at Francesca, then he gave Zachary a look that said, You know what to do.

Zachary was amused. He shrugged helplessly, as if he was saying, I didn't do anything, Danrique. She came up with this stratagem and dragged me into this. You can't blame me for it.

Danrique arched an eyebrow coldly. He wouldn't give up, and he shot Zachary another look that said, I do not care. You are already involved in this matter. The ball is in your court now, so come up with something, or else.

Zachary wanted to scream, but he knew it would not work, so he decided to play along with Danrique in the end. He said gently, “You got it all wrong kids. This is a misunderstanding between your Mom and Dad. Your father didn’t stop your mother from helping me. He just misses her too much, so he wants her to stay with him.”

“Zachary Nacht! You little...” Francesca felt like banging her head against a wall. If the kids weren't there, she would have snapped Zachary's neck because of his betrayal.

“But what about your condition, Uncle Zachary?" Alpha held Zachary's hand innocently.

"Why don’t you stay with us too? This way, Mommy can stay with Daddy and do something about your condition.”

Beta nodded quickly. “Yeah, yeah! Auntie Charlotte can take her kids over and stay with us too! We'll welcome them gladly.”

 

Chapter 1702: Charisma“Sure. I'll bring this up with her and come back tomorrow.” Zachary patted their heads and looked at Francesca.

“Dr. Felch, I'll come back tomorrow for another session of treatment.”

“Tomorrow?” Francesca wanted to protest, but when she noticed the look Zachary was giving her, she swallowed her words reluctantly.

“Uncle Zachary, will you take Aunt Charlotte, Robbie, and Ellie here tomorrow?” Alpha asked seriously.

"You won't leave after tomorrow, right?”

“Uncle Zachary, take Fifi here with you as well. It's been a while since I saw it. I wonder if it's feeling all better now,” Beta quickly added.

"Oh, and bring Mrs. Rawlston with you too. I miss her hot cross bunnies.”

"Oh, if that is the case, then can you stay here for the night, Robbie?” Gamma asked.

“Um...”

“I'm going back to Erihal on the day after tomorrow,” Danrique quashed the kids’ hopes and dreams.

“All of you and your mother are coming with me.”

“No! I never said I'm going with you!” Francesca wouldn't stand for it.

“I am not leaving, and so are the kids!"

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“Francesca Felch!” Danrique frowned at her, his patience finally running out.

"Don't glare at me like that! I said I am not leaving and that is—"

"Alright, alright.” Zachary stepped in as the mediator once more.

"We'll talk about this together. I'll bring Charlotte and the kids with me tomorrow.”

It was a simple suggestion, but it relieved the tension and brought everyone closer. The argument was about to turn into a full-blown crisis, but Zachary turned it into a small argument.

“Very well then,” Danrique agreed for once.

“We shall meet tomorrow.”

"See you tomorrow.” Zachary smiled at him, and he shot Francesca a look that said, Do not worry. I will not leave you alone.

“Don't forget to bring Aunt Charlotte and your kids here tomorrow, Uncle Zachary.”

“When are you going to be here tomorrow, Uncle Zachary? We'll wait for you.”

“You don't have to worry about anything, Uncle Zachary. We'll keep you safe from Daddy's evil jaws.”

The kids huddled around Zachary and would not stop talking to him. Zachary smiled and patted their heads gently before he said goodbye.

Francesca was starting to worry, seeing as he was about to leave.

 

Intel

“Hey, you'd better be here tomorrow.”

Danrique held her wrist and pulled her into his embrace. He shot her a warning glare filled with anger. Hey, I am right here, and you're asking another man to come over? Are you asking for trouble, woman?

Francesca did not even look at him, so she didn't notice the look he was giving her.

After Zachary let go of the girls, he went to see his son.

Robbie had been standing at the side, watching everything in silence. He might be young, but he was mature and wise beyond his age.

Robbie looked slightly gaunt, and Zachary had mixed feelings about the matter. However, he said nothing about it. All he did was extend a hand to his son.

Robbie came up to him.

“Daddy,” he greeted Zachary, his voice cracked and shaking, his eyes filled with tears.

“Let's go home.” Zachary gave him a tight hug and said nothing else. He was worried he might lose the tenuous grip on his emotions if he did. Even so, that simple sentence was enough to show his love for his son.

Robbie leaned on his father's shoulder, and he shed a tear. He could finally drop the tough boy act and become a child in front of his father. Everyone was touched by the scene, including Danrique. As he saw Zachary off, he thought to himself, Why does everyone tend to trust Zachary and rely on him to solve their problems? Charlotte puts her faith in him, and so do his kids. Even Francesca and these d*mn girls trust him more than they trust me. What does he have that I don't?

 

Chapter 1703: RelianceDanrique thought, Why am I always alone? My sister is scared of me, and my wife and kids don't like me at all. Nobody would place their faith in me, nor would they rely on me. Did I do something wrong? The more he thought about it, the more crestfallen Danrique became.

“Come with me, kids.”

Francesca's voice snapped him out of it. He looked at her, and she was already taking the kids into the house. There wasn't a hint of awkwardness around her, and she acted like she owned the place. Danrique rolled his eyes and followed them back.

"Open the gates. Send Mr. Nacht and his family off.”

Sean went to send Zachary off as per his employer's orders. When Zachary was about to get into his car, Sean bent over and told him gratefully, “Thank you for your help tonight, Mr. Nacht. Please come tomorrow!”

It sounded like a simple sendoff, but Zachary knew it was more than that. Sean knew his employer very well. The situation in Erihal was precarious, so to speak.

However, Danrique still dropped everything and came to H City just to see Francesca.

Danrique and Francesca were both stubborn characters. If there were no mediators to ease the tension between them, Danrique would obstinately keep on fighting Francesca. However, even if Danrique were to come out on top and take Francesca back to Erihal by force, she wouldn't stay there for long.

Sean could see Francesca messing up the whole family in just two days after she was taken back, and he shivered in fear. The Lindberg family won't have peace anymore if this keeps up.

However, Zachary's appearance showed Sean a guiding light. A ray of hope. He thought Zachary was arrogant and filled with hubris just like Danrique, but after what happened, he knew that his initial impression of Zachary was wrong. He was a smart, patient, and flexible man. He could calm a tense situation down without much effort.

"Of course, Sean.” Zachary nodded at him with a smile. “See you tomorrow, Mr. Nacht.” Sean waved his hand gratefully and saw the convoy off. After they left the Lindberg residence, Robbie asked, “Do we really have to come here tomorrow,

Daddy? Uncle Dan and Aunt Francey are both really stubborn people. It'll be tough for you to convince them.”

“That is true.” Zachary nodded.

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“So why are you coming then?” Robbie looked at him, confused.

"Just paying my debt to them.” Zachary smiled

“Personalities are hard to change, but everything is possible with love.”

“Okay, I don't understand what you just said.” Love and relationships were beyond what Robbie could understand.

"You don’t have to understand any of this. Just be a happy kid like you should be.” Zachary patted his son's arm. The sight of a syringe embedded in it saddened him.

“I just want you to grow up happily.”

“I am fine though.” Robbie looked up at Zachary.

“How's your treatment going, Daddy? Will it..." He didn't even finish the sentence. Every time this conversation was brought up, even Robbie—who was always stoic—would start to panic. He was worried his father might leave him again.

“I had a brush with death, and that was a really close call.” Zachary knew what he was worried about, so he assured, “I'll live on to see you kids grow up and have your own families.”

“Daddy!” Robbie choked, and he started shedding tears as he hugged his father once more.

All his stoic attitude and mature behavior melted away into the air at that moment.He was nothing but a simple child around his father.

Zachary looked at him lovingly and patted the boy's back. I have to keep him and the family safe. Suddenly, the car skidded to a halt. Zachary thought they had a problem at hand, and he went on high alert.

"What's going on?”

 

Intel

“I-It's Ms. Lindberg.” Marino quickly stopped the car.

Bruce was about to go out and see what was going on, but Charlotte had already gotten out of the car and came right up with the kids. “Daddy! Robbie!”

 

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort

Chapter 1704: Reunion

Chapter 1704: Reunion

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“Mommy!” Robbie quickly got out of the car and pounced at his mother.

“Be careful, boy! Your mother is injured!” Zachary called out after him, but he couldn't stop Robbie from hugging his mother.

Charlotte pulled on her wound a little, but she didn’t care about that. She hugged Robbie and cried her heart out.

“I've missed you, sweetheart. Are you hurt?”

"Yeah, but not much, really.”

The injuries were serious for children, but Robbie thought he couldn't let his mother worry about him, for he was a man.

“You should get that looked at. Dr. Langhan will patch you right up.” Charlotte held his face and sobbed.

“This is all my fault. I should have been more careful.”

“No, it's not, Mommy. It's not your fault at all,” Robbie quickly reassured his mother, and he tried to wipe her tears off.

“Robbie!” Jamie whipped out a small package and unwrapped it, eventually revealing a hot cross bunny in it. It was still steaming hot too.

“I brought this for you. Here, take it.”

“Thanks, Jamie!” Robbie took the hot cross bunnies and smiled happily.

“It's been days since I had this. I miss it so much. We managed to survive in that dungeon because we thought about food all the time. We promised we'd have a hundred hot cross bunnies when we get home!”

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Jamie looked at Robbie tearfully.

“Thanks for saving me, Robbie. You could have escaped first, but you gave that chance to me.” “You dummy!” Robbie knocked his forehead. “I'm your big bro.” He huffed. “It's my duty to keep you safe.” “But...”

Ellie couldn't hold it in anymore, so she hugged Robbie and started crying.

“I was so worried. I thought I won't see you ever again.” “You're a dummy too. I'm here, aren't I?” Robbie patted her back gently. “I still have to keep you dummies safe, so I will be fine.” "Yeah, and me too!" Jamie quickly quipped. “I'm a guy. Robbie and I are gonna keep you safe, Ellie!” “You kids are so sweet!” Charlotte was touched that the kids were finally reunited.

Bruce pushed Zachary over to see his family. It had been a day since Zachary came back, but it was his first time seeing Jamie and Ellie again.

“Daddy!” The kids pounced at him, and they were talking gibberish out of excitement.

Then, they started crying.

“It's good to see you too, kids.” Zachary held his children lovingly. It's good to be alive for I get to see them again.

"Alright, you're still not well. Get in the car.” Charlotte ushered the kids into the car and followed Zachary back to his car.

They had a lot to say after getting reunited. The kids wouldn't stop talking, and they were being noisy, but Zachary and Charlotte didn't find it annoying. They thought it was sweet.

A short while later, the kids drifted to sleep. It had been a long day for them as well. Robbie and Jamie were injured and unwell, so they got exhausted easily. Ellie had always been weak, and the long night had taken a toll on her. They leaned back against the seat and slept soundly.

Charlotte covered them with a blanket, kissed them lovingly, and leaned her head against Zachary's chest. They held hands, fingers interlocked.

"What brought you here at this hour, Wifey?” Zachary smiled at her.

 

Intel

“Are you worried that I might fail to convince your brother?”

“I was worried you guys might get into a fight.” The thought of that possibility still made her shiver. “That's why I brought the kids with me. I thought they could serve as a cushion, but I ran into your car before I could even get there.”

"If your brother really wanted to make things hard for me, he won't stop even if you were there.” Zachary smiled. “Besides, you should have more faith in me.”

Chapter 1705: Poor Brothers

Chapter 1705: Poor Brothers

“I do. I just do not trust Danrique.” Charlotte frowned.

"He has a short fuse. A really short one. And his temper is explosive to boot. He doesn't care about anyone or anything if he gets mad. I heard Francesca ran away after she injured him, so I was worried he might push all that anger onto you.”

“You do not know your brother at all, and you're his sister.” Zachary shook his head and smiled drily.

“Danrique didn't spend all that time trying to catch Francesca just to treat his condition.”

"Why did he capture her then?” Charlotte asked.

"Wait, is it really...”

"Yes, love of course. Love.” Zachary pinched her cheek.

“You're really slow, aren't you?”

“Fine. I did suspect that love might be a possibility. Danrique probably feels something for Francesca, but I have no idea how deep that feeling goes.” Charlotte postulated.

“I just think he doesnt care about anyone or anything. Not even his kids. He doesn’t seem to love his kids, unlike you.”

“No. He does love his kids.” Zachary saw through Danrique easily.

“But he just doesn’t know how to show his love. Take it slow. This is going to be a slow burn.” “You have a point, Hubby.” Charlotte nodded.

“Oh, and how'd you convince Danrique to let Robbie go anyway?”

“I did not. Francesca gave herself in, so I took the chance to take our boy back.”

“I am sorry?”

"Alright, so here's how it went...” Zachary told Charlotte everything about the event that happened a while ago.

But when he was done, Charlotte seemed restless.

“You want to take us to him tomorrow? Did I hear that right?”

“Yes. I have one goal for the negotiation tomorrow: to settle the score between Francesca and Danrique.”

“You want them to reach an understanding?” Charlotte was even more confused at that point. “You'll understand eventually.”

They kept talking about the events that happened and the meeting they would have to attend the next day. Eventually, they got back to Northridge.

Lupine and Morgan came out with the other bodyguards to take the children in, then Raina checked Robbie's injury and fed him some medicine for his condition.

After they settled the children down, Zachary and Charlotte went back to their bedroom. Zachary was feeling better after going through a healing session and getting reunited with his family. He could move his arms now, and turning around became a lot easier.

Alright. I can hug Charlotte again while I sleep.

Charlotte lay in his embrace and held his cheek as she gazed at him gently.

“Have I gotten ugly or something?” Zachary huddled closer and gave her a gentle kiss. It was their first kiss in a while, and it lit the flames of desire that were buried deep within them.

Things were starting to get hot and heavy, and Zachary tried to pin Charlotte down, but the moment he made a move, he tore his wound open, and the pain seared.

“Are you alright?” Charlotte quickly held him.

“I am fine.” Zachary stopped moving and he lay back down helplessly.

"Great. Now I know how Danrique felt.”

“I beg your pardon?” Charlotte, for at least the second time in a night, was confused.

"Why did you bring Danrique up again?”

"Do you know what happened to him exactly?” Thinking about that alone was amusing to Zachary. “Francesca can be ruthless when she wants to. She probably did something to Danrique Jr. and made Danrique impotent.”

"Oh my god.” Charlotte almost spat her water out.

"Are you for real?”

“If you've noticed, Sean never did talk about Danrique’s condition in detail. And when Francesca was caught yesterday, she kept bringing Danrique’s wiener up. I noticed Danrique getting red in the face, and it wasn't really a hot night.”

Zachary felt gleeful about it.

"He's sorely humiliated. That's one reason he wanted to catch Francesca.”

"Wow. I can't believe you're gossiping about them.” Charlotte was delightfully amused.

"And I nearly believed you when you said Danrique wanted to catch her because he loved her.” “There's a fine line between love and hate, you know.” Charlotte giggled.

"Speaking about that, I pity Zachary Jr. It's been some time since he got any action, but he can't do anything even when you're right here.”

“Don't worry. You'll be fine in no time.”

 

Chapter 1706: Difficult

Chapter 1706: Difficult

They slept in each other's embrace that night. Even though Zachary couldn't do anything because of his injury, they were content that they could sleep in each other's arms.

The kids woke up early next morning, and like the kids they were, they switched the chaos mode on. Hanna kept telling them, “Be quiet, children. You don't want to wake your parents up this early.” Jamie and Ellie quickly covered their mouth and tiptoed downstairs.

“I think we should see Robbie. He didn't come back last night. Did he sleep in the clinic?”

"He did, yes.”

Jamie and Robbie went down to see Robbie. When they came to his ward, he was already awake and washing himself up.

The kids went and had their breakfast, then they talked about having a walk in the park. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the days were once again peaceful.

Hanna looked at them lovingly and wiped a tear off the corner of her eye.

“It's so nice to see all of you safe and sound.”

"Yes. We've made it through the ordeal, and now everyone's reunited.”

Morgan was happy about it as well, and she woke up early to help take care of the kids. It was quieter after the girls were gone, but since Robbie and Jamie were back, the family had united again.

“Morning, Hubby.” Charlotte stretched her arms and hugged Zachary tightly, taking in his scent. “Morning.” Zachary held Charlotte's hand, and he kissed her gently.

She moved around in his arms, and it lit a fire within him. He whispered silently, “I want to get some action. What should I do?”

Charlotte giggled. “Then, you'll have to wait. You can't move, as you're hurt.”

“I can't move, but you can.” Zachary put Charlotte on him.

“Now be a dear and give me some, will you?”

“I don't know how to do this.” Charlotte was red with embarrassment.

“I'll teach you then.”

The fire was lit, and it spread through the sheets quickly. The bed started rocking back and forth like a boat on the sea.

Morgan chased away all the maids, making sure nobody was around.

“You don't have to do anything here. Leave this place. Do not disturb Mr. Nacht and Ms. Lindberg. Let them sleep in.”

“Yes, madam.”

Everyone went downstairs as per Morgan's orders. Morgan and Lupine looked at each other, then the former went downstairs to play with the kids, while Lupine stayed back. Alright. We're getting a happy ending now. She was happy about how things were turning out.

She was worried that Zachary's treatment would be affected if Francesca were to return to Erihal, but Gordon told her that the talk went well, and they had already arranged another session later in the night.

Lupine heaved a sigh of relief. If the Nachts and Lindbergs can settle their matters, then Morgan and I can settle our stuff too.

She was immersed in her thoughts, but then her underling came over and broke her train of thoughts.

"A man called Peter wishes to see Ms. Lindberg.”

“Peter?” Lupine paused for a moment.

“I'll take a look.”

Lupine went out to see if it was Peter, and there he was. Since he couldn't get through to Charlotte, he came straight to her house, as there was an emergency needing her attention

Lupine invited him into the house and treated him as a guest. She served him breakfast and told him to wait for a minute.

Zachary and Charlotte came down at around nine, and they were surprised to see Peter. Peter too was dumbfounded when he saw Zachary.

"What is this?”

"Why? Cat got your tongue?” Zachary arched his eyebrow.

“This is the real Mr. Nacht.” Charlotte smiled at Peter.

“The one with me last time was Chris. I told you about it.”

“That you did.” Peter nodded.

“They just look too alike, so I got confused.”

“Do you need anything from me?” Charlotte asked quickly.

"Well..." Peter looked like he had something to say, but it was private.

Chapter 1707: Help

Chapter 1707: Help

“I'll head to the company first.” Zachary kissed the back of Charlotte's hand and told Bruce to push him away. He hugged his kids outside and said goodbye, then he got into the car.

Charlotte knew Zachary was trying to give her some space, and she was wondering why Peter was being so secretive. What kind of matter will it be?

She took Peter to the study room and made some tea for him.

"What happened? Did something happen to Olivia?” she asked.

“No, no," Peter answered hastily.

“Um, well, do you still remember Queenie?”

“No, I don't. Who is she?” Charlotte shook her head.

“Well, she was the girl you wanted me to hire. You know, to stand in for you during sex with Chris,” Peter explained clearly, as he was starting to get nervous.

"Oh, I remember her now.” Charlotte nodded.

"So what about her?”

“She, well...” Peter frowned. He hesitated for a while, then he said the truth, “She's diagnosed with AIDS.”

"What did you just say?” Charlotte's eyes widened. She was in shock for a long while, then she asked, “When did this happen?”

"She's only diagnosed with it yesterday. Poor girl.” Peter heaved a long, sad sigh.

“She's probably infected when she was acting as an escort for an overseas client.”

"Hold it for a minute,” Charlotte stopped him.

"You're saying that she’s already a carrier when she was standing in for me back when she dated Chris?"

“Yes.” Peter nodded solemnly.

“I got the news at around five this morning. I tried to call you, but I couldn“t get through, so here I am."

He was frustrated but also feeling guilty.

“I am really sorry, Ms. Lindberg. I have no idea about this at all. I wouldn't have hired Queenie if I had known she has AIDS. We were in a hurry that night, so I had no time to screen the candidates.” “You are not to blame for this.” A frown furrowed Charlotte's brows.

“The point is, Chris stayed at the residence for quite a while after that one nightstand. It'll be a disaster if the disease was transmitted. And besides...”

Charlotte was reminded of Nancy. Chris must have had sex with Nancy. She might be infected as well.

“That is exactly what I was thinking too.” Peter was finally panicking.

“This can turn into a full-blown disaster, and I couldn't bring this up around Mr. Nacht. Ms. Lindberg, I suggest that you and your family get checked. Just to be sure. And please talk about this to Mr. Nacht. Talk about it long and deep. Tell him what happened.”

Peter had known Zachary for many years, and he knew the kind of person Zachary was. He didn’t want to cause a misunderstanding and raise another conflict between Zachary and Charlotte.

“I'll tell him about this. Don't worry about it.” Charlotte wasn't worried. In fact, she assured Peter, “He's a lot different than he used to be. His temper isn't as short as it was, so don't be scared.”

“I see. That is good to hear.” Peter nodded furiously.

“Tell me if you need my help.”

“I will.” Charlotte nodded and gave him a check.

“You should quit your job at Sultry Night and find a respectable field of work to support yourself. Maybe you can open up a business. Oh, give Queenie some money, but use your account for that transaction. Help her and her family out.”

“You don't have to give me any money, Ms. Lindberg. You've given me enough.”

“Just take it.” Charlotte stuffed the check in his hand.

“It's not a lot of money anyway. Half of it belongs to Queenie. The other half is your reward.” “Very well then.” Peter took the money from her.

“Olivia is doing fine lately. She's starting to regain her consciousness. Dr. Wright said she might wake up soon. It's all thanks to you, Ms. Lindberg.”

“That is great news."

 

Chapter 1708: Switcheroo

After Peter took his leave, Charlotte sent someone to look into Queenie’'s case. It was confirmed that she contracted AIDS, and she was undergoing treatment in a hospital.

She had an elderly mother and a young daughter at home, and the situation wasn't looking good for them.

After Charlotte knew about Queenie’s condition, she regretted not giving Peter more money. She was about to call him back so she can issue another check, but then she got news that Peter gave all the money to Queenie.

Charlotte didn't talk about it, but she thought it was a considerate move from Peter. Olivia found a good boyfriend. Peter might be working in a shady line of work, but he’s kind and compassionate. Charlotte told Raina to contact the hospital Queenie was receiving treatment. Raina’s hospital would cover all of Queenie’s treatment costs. She even donated some money to Queenie’s mother and child anonymously.

After she was done, she told Raina to check everyone's blood, including Spencer and his men. The chances of them getting infected were slim, but it was never zero.

Zachary was working while all of this was happening. Bruce suddenly hurried over and hesitated for a moment, then he said, “Mr. Nacht, I have news for you, but...”

"What is it?” Zachary asked without even looking at him.

Bruce hesitated for a moment, then he said, “Um, Raina called me earlier. She told me to get Andy and the guys checked. A blood test, to be specific.”

"What?" Zachary finally looked up at him.

"Did she say why?"

“It's Ms. Lindberg's orders.” Bruce had mixed feelings about it. Back then, he stumbled upon Charlotte coming out of Chris’ room, her clothes messy. And he even overheard their conversation. That matter had been frustrating him for a long time now, and he blamed himself for keeping it a secret from Zachary. He blamed himself for failing to protect Charlotte.

He was about to bring the secret with him to the grave, but now that Raina was telling him to get a blood test done, he knew it must be about AIDS. If Chris is diagnosed with AIDS, then Ms. Lindberg might be a carrier as well.

The more he thought about it, the more restless he became. He wondered if he should tell Zachary about it. If he kept it a secret, he would be betraying Zachary, but if he told him the truth, he would be betraying Charlotte.

They had just gotten reunited after going through so many challenges. If they were to break up again because of this, it would be bad.

“What are you hiding from me?” Zachary saw through Bruce easily.

“Mr. Nacht...” Bruce was in a dilemma. He was struggling with himself, wondering if he should tell Zachary the truth.

“Tell me!” Zachary suddenly roared.

Bruce quickly knelt before him.

“Mr. Nacht, please cease your anger. I... I...” he stammered. When Bruce looked up again, he saw the flame of anger flaring within Zachary's eyes.

He looked down nervously and told him about what he saw, though he felt guilty about it. He only had limited information about the whole matter.

All he knew was that Chris booted Charlotte out of the company after he impersonated Zachary, and Nancy kidnapped Robbie and Jamie to blackmail Charlotte.

Charlotte was in a disadvantageous position, and she had to play by their rules. Chris eventually used the kids to lure Charlotte to Sultry Night, and then Bruce bumped into Charlotte coming out of Chris’ room.

Bruce was wracked with guilt after he was done talking about the events he saw. “I failed you, Mr. Nacht. I have failed to protect Ms. Lindberg.”

Zachary didn't fly into a rage after he heard what happened. He stared down, and he was immersed in his thoughts. I know Charlotte. If she did have sex with Chris, she would have been embarrassed and nervous when she was facing him alone, but she didn't. Instead, she was calm.

Also, this blood test stuff only happened after Peter came. He must have something to do with this. Maybe he struck a deal with Charlotte or something, and they did a switcheroo.

 

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort

Chapter 1709: Not Stupid

But this is just a guess. Charlotte was in a dire situation back then, and Nancy held the children hostage. It's possible that she was forced to do something she didn't want to. However...

“Mr. Nacht.” Bruce observed Zachary carefully, but he was also terrified at the same time. “Please do not blame Ms. Lindberg for this. She didn’t want it either.”

"What do you mean “she didn't want it'?” Zachary barked.

Bruce looked down quickly and remained motionless.

Charlotte came in right at that moment. She saw Bruce kneeling before Zachary, and she heard what Zachary said. She knew what was going right away, and the smile on her face was replaced by a solemn look.

“Leave us,” Zachary told Bruce.

“Yes.” Bruce got up from the ground. When he saw Charlotte, he blamed himself all over again for telling Zachary about it. He wanted to apologize to her, but he couldn't bring himself to do that. “Get your men tested,” Zachary said.

“Yes.” Bruce left quietly, leaving Zachary and Charlotte alone in the office.

They looked at each other, and Charlotte had mixed feelings about the matter. She understood why Zachary was angry, but she was also sad that he didn't trust her.

"Don't look at me like that.” Zachary put his pen down and looked at her. “Come here.”

“I'd rather not,” Charlotte snapped. “I don't want you to get infected.”

“By what?” Zachary looked at her in amusement. “Insanity?”

“You're the one who's crazy.” Charlotte shot him a furious glare.

"Hey, keep glaring at me and your eyeballs are going to fall out.” Zachary smiled. “Look at yourself. You're just like what you used to be when you worked as a secretary.”

“Zachary, you b*stard!” Charlotte darted over to him and thumped his chest. The pain made him go red, and he kept coughing.

"Are you alright, Hubby? I-1 didn't think I've hit you that hard, right?” Shocked, Charlotte quickly checked up on him.

Zachary pulled her into his embrace right away. Charlotte gasped in surprise as she fell on his lap. She tried to get up right away, but Zachary held her down firmly. “Don’t move. It'll hurt me a lot if you do.”

“Let me go then!” Charlotte was starting to panic.

“No. I'm not letting you go ever.” Zachary buried his face in her chest. “You're my wife. Why should I let you go?”

"Aren“t you afraid that you might get infected by AIDS?” Charlotte knew why he misunderstood her, but she was also angry at the same time. The duality of man at work again.

"AIDS? What AIDS?" Zachary glared at her coldly. “You're my precious wife. There's no way you have AIDS.”

"You can stop the act now.” Charlotte teared up. “Bruce told you, didn’t he? That night back at Sultry Night, Chris..."

“Don't bring that piece of trash up.” Zachary was infuriated. “I thought I'd show him mercy, but now I see there's no need for that.”

“Zachary.” Charlotte frowned. “You believe it?"

"Believe what?” Zachary asked. “That you and Peter pulled off a switcheroo?”

Charlotte froze up for a moment. “H-How'd you know? Did Peter tell you about it?”

“No. He's loyal to you and you only.” Zachary smiled. “But a switcheroo is an easy thing to figure out. Only a fool like Bruce would think that what he saw was the real deal.”

"Wait, you knew?” Charlotte got even more annoyed after knowing that. “Why'd you ask Bruce that question then?”

“Because he's a fool. He thought you walked right into that trap because you were forced to, but I know you aren't a fool like him.”

Chapter 1710: A Good ManZachary looked so proud as he said that, and Charlotte chuckled. She pinched his cheek and tried to scare him, “And how'd you know I am not putting on an act with Peter to lie to you? What if Chris actually got his hands on me? I might have to lie to you to keep myself safe.”

“Even if something did happen to you, then it's still my fault.” Zachary's nonchalance was suddenly replaced by a solemn attitude. “As a guy, anger and fury would be my first reaction. I would kill Chris right away, but then I thought that you're the real victim in this situation. I'm guilty of failing to keep you safe. I let you face everything yourself, and that's the consequence of my actions.”

“You're saying that if Chris actually got his hands on me and infected me with AIDS, you will..."

“I will face it with you and come up with a solution.” Zachary held her head and gazed at her affectionately.

"Well, I don't believe you!” Charlotte was touched, but she was still angry at the same time. Duality of man at work once again. She said, “You're saying this so I won't get mad at you! Hmph!” Zachary didn't waste his time explaining. He held her hand up and chomped down on her arm.

She screamed in pain. “What are you doing? That hurts a lot! I'm bleeding!”

Zachary finally stopped and licked the blood that was flowing from her wound, then he held her chin and made her look at him. “Do you trust me now?”

"Wait, what?” Charlotte paused for a moment, then she realized what he was getting at. “A-Are you mad?” If I am infected, Zachary will be dragging himself down with me now that he did this!

“What if I am infected?” Charlotte was panicking, and she was angry at Zachary for endangering himself. “He might have failed at getting his hands on me, but we did come in contact a lot. I could have been infected through other means.”

“Then, we'll get infected together and get treated.” Zachary looked calm. “AIDS isn't necessarily a death sentence now. As long as we have money, we can survive. We can face this together.” “Zachary, you..." Charlotte pulled his cheeks angrily. “Are you stupid? At least one of us has to be healthy. Who's going to look after the kids if we're both sick?”

“Danrique, obviously. We can toss the responsibility on him. He can take care of six kids easily,” Zachary answered easily. “They're a family anyway.”

“Zachary, you little...” Charlotte couldn't even make a complete sentence. She was furious about Zachary's attitude

"Hey, that's a good idea, right? I can just pay for their food and be done with it,” Zachary teased. “Then, I'll send Mrs. Rawlston over to make hot cross bunnies for them every day.”

Charlotte started crying halfway through. She held him tightly, and she couldn't even say how touched she was.

“You dummy.” Zachary patted her back gently. “Don’t cry. You have me with you. I'll keep you safe from anything.”

Charlotte finally broke into a smile, and she blew a snot bubble.

"Oh my, oh my. What an unsightly woman you are,” Zachary laughed at her while wiping her tears and snot away.

“You're such a bully! Stop teasing me!” Charlotte was laughing and crying at the same time. She held Zachary's face and wiped her tears and snot on him. “This is what you get for laughing at me!” “Hey, you got it in my mouth, woman!”

They got into a playful fight, and the argument earlier was forgotten.

Bruce slowly closed the door and heaved a long sigh of relief. “I had the scare of my life. I thought someone would come out dead.”

"Oh, I am so touched.” Emma wiped her tears off. “Mr. Nacht is such a great man.”

“Hey, I'm nice too.” Bruce had a melancholic look on his face. “But nobody ever said that I'm a great man.”

“Because you're dumb as a rock.” Emma rolled her eyes.

“Well, um..."