Ch. 191..200
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 191
“Because you’re sticking your nose into where it doesn’t belong.” Zachary shot an icy glare at Hector.
“I…” Hector stood transfixed for a moment before he blurted out an explanation, “I’m giving this necklace back because of my wife’s mistake. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”
“Do you mean you’re not doing this for her?” Zachary pointed at Charlotte.
“No.” Hector dropped his head, not daring to look at Charlotte.
Hearing his response, Charlotte knitted her brows, an uneasy feeling crept within her.
She knew Hector was saying those words to protect himself, but to look at how meek he had become sent indescribable feelings to her heart.
“Tell me then, what does the bankruptcy of Windt Corporation have to do with me?” Zachary questioned.
Hector shuddered as his face paled further.
“He’s not the one who told me about it,” Charlotte explained. “This has nothing to do with him.”
“Speak!” Zachary roared.
Shuddering again, Hector stuttered, “I-I-I don’t know.”
Instead of shouting again, Zachary kept his glacial gaze fixed on the other man.
“What are you doing?” Charlotte quickly jumped to Hector’s defense. “Why are you dragging others into our problem?”
“Hmm, you’re right.” Zachary suddenly changed his tone as he smiled. “Mr. Sterling, don’t be afraid. I was just asking.”
Like Charlotte, Hector frowned in confusion.
“It’s just a necklace worth a hundred million. There’s no need for you to deliver this to me personally.”
Zachary then threw the ruby necklace to Hector as though he was rewarding money to a beggar. “Here. Think of it as my investment and use it to start the project.”
“Do you mean…” Hector trailed off, bewildered. “I can restart my project?”
The necklace was a symbolism of the opportunity Zachary was giving to him.
“Of course.” Zachary leaned back on the sofa as he swayed his glass gracefully. “However, that item can only have one value. Whether you use the ruby necklace to start your project or to buy her freedom is up to you.”
Hearing Zachary’s words, the hair behind Charlotte’s neck stood up.
So that’s the bet he was talking about. The bet is about Hector’s choice.
Will he choose the company, or will he choose me?
He can only choose one…
Charlotte knew how crucial the project was to the Sterlings for Hector to plead meekly with Zachary.
Now that the Browns and Divine Corporation were pressuring them, if the Sterlings could not carry out this project successfully, bankruptcy would be waiting for them.
It was impossible for Hector to give up on his last chance in a situation like this.
However, if he chose family, he would be giving up on her once again.
It would be a reenactment of what happened four years ago.
That being said, a lot of things had changed since four years ago. As such, even if Hector chose to abandon her for his family again, Charlotte would no longer feel the same disappointment and grievance she once felt.
She had long since let go of those feelings of hers.
He was the only one who still held onto those feelings.
What Zachary was doing now was to drive a wedge between them, forcing Hector to let go of his feelings. From then on, he would then be too ashamed to continue clinging to Charlotte.
At the same time, Charlotte would finally give up the last shred of hope she had for him.
After all, human nature had always been cruel.
They could forgive and understand, but that did not mean there would not be any hard feelings left.
“Women have nothing to do with business. Why do you have to involve her in this?” Hector panicked. “Mr. Nacht, if you aren’t satisfied with the terms I’ve mentioned earlier, we can-”
“There is nothing to discuss,” Zachary cut him off. He then stated, “You have a minute to make your decision. Her, or your company.”
With that, he stood up and headed to the bathroom.
He was giving space for Hector and Charlotte to talk things out.
The entire time, Hector’s fists were clenched tight, and his eyes were reddened. His emotions were threatening to spill over.
Charlotte looked at him with pity in her eyes. Countless words bubbled in her heart, but none came out of her mouth.
She knew she could never escape Zachary. At the end of the day, she was destined to be his plaything.
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Hector was caught in a dilemma. It was as if two hands were tugging his heart in two different directions, threatening to shred him into pieces.
He wanted to protect Charlotte, but he could not endanger his company.
Even if he knew this was Zachary’s trap, he could not do anything about it.
“Hector…” Charlotte finally spoke, breaking the silence of the tense atmosphere. “Don’t think too much about it, just go with your heart.”
“Charlotte, I don’t want to let you down like I did four years ago,” Hector croaked. “But I can’t just let my company die. Sterling Group is founded upon the blood, sweat, and tears of three generations of the Sterlings.”
“I understand.” Charlotte plastered on a stiff smile. “This isn’t like the past. Your company is the only thing you should be responsible for now.”
“But what about you?” Hector breathed.
“He won’t do much to me,” Charlotte replied with feigned casualness. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“He won’t do much to you?” Hector looked at the bathrobe on her as several emotions flitted across his eyes. “You had always been a proud person who held firmly to your morals and principle, but now…”
Hector could not continue speaking. His knuckles had long since turned white from how hard he was clenching his fists, and she could see the helplessness and a hint of stubbornness in his eyes.
Charlotte knew he must have misunderstood the situation, but she could not be bothered to explain to him. All she did was put on a bitter smile. “You’re right. But do you know what made me turn into this?”
Her words caused the atmosphere to turned tense again.
If the Sterlings had not trimmed their sails back then and broke off the engagement with the Windt family the moment they found out about the bankruptcy, she would not have stepped into Luna’s trap. All those things would not have happened, and she would not have ended up in this way.
Therefore, Hector was mainly responsible for what she had become.
“I’m sorry.” Hector lowered his head in guilt.
“So? Have you made up your mind?”
Just then, Zachary’s arrogant voice traveled to their ears.
“Mr. Nacht, I think we should have a private talk.”
Hector was not about to give in just yet. He still wanted to protect both his company and her.
“I don’t have time to talk to you.” Zachary sat down on the couch and crossed his legs. “I’ll give you ten more seconds. Either take her, or take it.” He pointed at the ruby necklace with his toe. “Pick one.”
“I-” Hector had more to say when his phone rang. He quickly walked to the side of the room and picked it up. “Hello? What?”
“Dad, don’t panic. I’m thinking of a way. I know, I know. I’ll call you back later.”
Ending the call, Hector hurriedly begged Zachary, “Mr. Nacht, can’t you spare us? Why did you stop the entire project? This is too great of a loss for us to bear.”
“So?” Zachary lifted a brow and sneered.
“I…”
Hector was at loss for words. Now, Zachary was the man who was pulling all the strings. Whoever he wanted dead would be dead in the next second.
There was no room for discussion.
“You have three seconds left.” Zachary lifted his fingers and started counting down. “Three…”
“Mr. Nacht-”
“Two…”
“Mr. Nacht, please-”
“If you keep this up, you won’t even get to choose.”
By now, Zachary was frowning in impatience.
“I…”
Hector glanced at the ruby necklace before turning to look at Charlotte as he struggled with his choice.
Just then, his phone rang again.
Sweat rolled down his temples, and his eyes were bloodshot.
Unable to watch him any further, Charlotte was about to take the ruby necklace for him.
Almost at the same time, Hector reached out to take the ruby necklace.
The pendant glided across the back of Charlotte’s hand, and she subconsciously raised her head to look at him.
The two locked eyes in silence.
Although she could understand the reason for his choice, and she supported his decision, she was still stunned by how eager he was to take the necklace in the end.
His decision to pick the necklace was like a dagger that stabbed deep in her heart, sending her waves of agony.
“Lottie, I-”
Hector was panicking. He realized Charlotte had wanted to make the choice for him, but he was quicker than her by one second.
Just like that, everything he said to her earlier meant nothing now…
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“Very good.” Zachary gave him a satisfied smile. “A man who knows and submits to his own circumstances is a wise man.”
“Mr. Nacht, can you-”
“Send him off.” Zachary gave no opportunity for Hector to speak.
The security guard entered the room to escort Hector out of the villa.
The entire time, Hector’s guilt-filled eyes were fixed on Charlotte, but the latter never lifted her head to look at him.
What happened four years ago had been fate’s cruel trick, but everything that happened now was his choice.
No matter how stumped he was about the options, he still made the same decision he made back then—to give up on her in order to protect his family’s century-old company.
Four years ago, they were engaged when he abandoned her. She could feel aggrieved by his actions back then, but now, they barely had a relationship. She could not possibly hold a grudge against him for making a choice like this.
Nonetheless, his action was like a knife to her heart that could never be removed from now on.
This was the very end of their long love and regretful past.
“How do you feel?” Zachary nudged Charlotte’s leg with his toe as he crowed, “Have you finally given up on him?”
“Are you happy now?” Charlotte glared at him with eyes filled with hatred. “You’ve destroyed my last hope. Do you feel elated?”
“Have your mind not cleared up yet?” Zachary looked at her as if she was a fool. “The one who destroyed your hope was Hector, not me.”
Not wanting to continue speaking to him, Charlotte turned to leave. However, he tugged on her shirt, and she fell into his arms.
She tried to break free from him, but his mighty arms locked her in place.
“Let me go,” Charlotte snarled as she struggled.
“I dare you to move again,” Zachary growled after lifting a brow.
Charlotte was furious, but she had no choice other than to tamp down her anger. The only action she could do to convey her wrath was to glare at him.
“Sign it.”
Zachary shoved the debt repayment agreement to her.
“Why should I?” Charlotte argued. “You’ve already gotten back the necklace. You were the one who gave it up, using it to threatened Hector with it. What makes you think I’ll sign it?”
“Are you arguing with me?” Zachary sneered. “Let me make this clear for you, you’re the one who lost the necklace in the beginning. As such, it’s only natural that I’ll look for you as the one being responsible. Now, Hector is the one who took the necklace away. You can sue him for theft and scam, but it doesn’t change the fact that you still owe me.”
“You-”
There was no way Charlotte could win against him in the argument. He was always the one to decide the right and the wrong.
All she could do was to yield to his words.
“Be good now, and sign it.” Zachary slotted a pen into her hand.
Looking at the debt repayment agreement, fury surged from within her, and she tore the paper into pieces. “Don’t ever think of controlling me! If you want to sue me, go ahead! I won’t do what you’re trying to trick me into.”
With that, she flung the torn pieces of paper at him before storming off.
Zachary’s face fell as a grim look entered his eyes.
However, this time, he did not punish her with violence. Instead, he simply let her leave.
Seems like I need to teach her a lesson so that she’ll know what it feels like to be hopeless and in despair…
“Mr. Nacht, Ms. Windt…”
“Let her leave.”
Zachary walked to the windowsill and looked down at her moving figure.
He saw that the woman had changed back into the clothes she came in and she left the villa without taking anything with her.
After receiving Zachary’s instructions, none of the maids dared to stop her. They parted when she walked past them.
As she strode out of his residence, she felt as if she was walking out of his world. There was a spring to her steps and she held her head high, looking like a battle-worn warrior who had achieved freedom.
Having the feeling that he was probably watching her from afar, she waved her hand without turning around, seemingly bidding him farewell.
A taunting sneer grew on Zachary’s lips as he retreated back to his bedroom and drew the curtains close. He then leaned back on his couch and returned to his drink.
He was sure that in less than an hour, she would be back to plead for mercy.
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It took Charlotte half an hour before she reached the main gate of the villa. Outside was a greenway with trees planted on both sides that had street lights installed on them, illuminating the road to her freedom.
Puffing up her chest, she continued her way out.
There was a breeze that night, and it enveloped her in a comfortable chill. As she looked at the patchy moonlit road and listened to the cacophony of frogs and insects, she felt as if she was in a painting.
The beautiful scenery calmed Charlotte and also strengthened her determination to stay away from Zachary.
I can’t let him control me… I won’t become a slave of that Devil!
Awoo!
Just then, a beast could be heard howling in the woods.
Charlotte paused in her tracks and stood transfixed.
Is my ears deceiving me?
Was that a cry of a wild animal I heard just now?
Nah… It can’t be… I must’ve misheard.
Clutching her chest where her racing heart lied beneath, she continued her way.
Awoo!
A howl echoed in the empty road again, and it sounded closer this time.
Charlotte’s eyes widened as her heart thumped loudly.
No way… There can’t be any wild animals here, right?
Tensing up, her head snapped to the side as she observed her surroundings. However, no other sounds seemed to be coming from the woods.
Yet, she was still afraid.
Although she went up and down the hill in a vehicle each time, she knew that the distance between Zachary’s villa and the main road was at least six miles.
She would need four hours at the very least to walk on foot for these six miles.
There was no guarantee that a wild animal would not pounce and feast on her while she was on her way down the hill.
With that thought, cold sweat started beaded on Charlotte’s forehead.
She twisted her head around to look at the nearby villa. I’ve only walked a mile. If I want to head back now, I can still do so…
Without any hesitation, she started walking back toward the villa.
However, she only took two steps before she recalled Zachary’s cold gaze and domineering demeanor. Charlotte hesitated.
But if I go back now, I’d have to sign the paper.
And from then on, I’d owe him ninety-eight million. When will I be able to clear the debt?
Not to mention if I can’t clear the debt, I’ll be his slave. I will have to obey everything he says.
The thought of being a slave made her hair stood on end.
No. As long as I breathe, I will not go back.
She clenched her jaw and continued. At the same time, she fished out her phone to make a call.
She decided to hail a cab. Once I’m inside the cab, I’ll be safe…
However, Charlotte was dumbfounded upon taking out her phone.
Because her phone had fallen into the pool earlier, the screen was now malfunctioning. Not only was she unable to swipe on the screen, but it was even flickering.
As she walked briskly forward, she shook her phone hard, hoping to get the water out.
Maybe I’ll be able to use it once the water’s out.
Evidently, she was too naïve.
In order to save money, she had bought the cheapest phone that came with a free electronic fan.
In other words, it was ludicrous for her to hope that her phone could survive after getting soaked.
Charlotte felt like crying as a sense of helplessness crashed into her. All she could do now was to pray that she could get out of this hellhole safely.
Other than calling for a gigolo that one time four years ago, she had never done anything bad.
Good things happen to good people, right?
Charlotte picked up her pace as she prayed in her heart.
Seeing that there were no creatures came lunging at her even after she had walked for several hundred meters, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, her pace slowed down. I must have misheard it earlier.
Just as that thought flashed into her mind, however, she noticed a pair of green eyes in the woods nearby, watching her.
Her feet were instantly rooted to the ground as her eyes widened. Staring at the green eyes, she thought, It must be an illusion. It must be. It has to be.
She shut her eyes. When she opened them again, not only did the green eyes not disappear, but they had also gotten even closer.
Under the moonlight, she could see an animal covered in fur slowly stalking toward her.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 195
It was a wolf.
The hairs on Charlotte’s arms stood as her legs shook.
Slowly and carefully, she started inching backward, ready to flee the scene.
However, the wolf quickened its step as it narrowed its eyes. She could sense the murderous aura from it.
“D-Don’t eat me.”
Charlotte choked out her words before she took several steps back. Then, she sprinted back the way she came from.
For a few seconds, there were no sounds coming from behind her. When Charlotte turned around to look, she saw that the wolf stood at its spot for a while before it slowly padded behind her.
Evidently, the wolf was looking down on a weak prey like her.
It was a game of cat and mouse. Once she was tired, it would pounce on her and eat her.
Charlotte ran as quickly as she could, all while trying to get her phone to work. She wanted to call for help, but the screen refused to work.
By now, her terror was at its peak, and she screamed, “Help! Help!”
Unfortunately, no one heard her.
Not far ahead of her was the Nachts’ residence. She knew that the moment she entered the gates, she would be safe.
She was overwhelmed with regret.
Why did I have to anger Zachary?
Why did I have to come out here alone in the middle of the night?
Does being courageous bring me any benefit?
Can my dignity help me survive? No! Of course not!
Who the f*ck cares about that damn agreement? I’ll sign that paper. As long as I can live, I’ll do anything!
I still have three kids, Mrs. Berry, and Fifi. I even have a hundred thousand that I haven’t spent yet.
I can’t die now!
Awoo! The wolf had finally lost its patience and it was now loping at full speed toward her.
Her heart leaping to her throat, Charlotte sprinted.
The Nachts’ residence was right in front of her, but no matter how quick she tried to run, it felt like she would never reach it.
On the other hand, the wolf was getting closer and closer.
Charlotte could hear the howling of the wind behind her, and she could sense the murderous aura of the wolf. Her legs gave out on her, and she collapsed on the ground with a loud thud.
At that moment, two words flashed into her mind. I’m screwed!
I’m done for…
Behind her, the wolf unhinged its jaw and pounced toward her.
Instinctively, Charlotte closed her eyes.
Right then, a silver glint flashed from the side and hit the wolf’s neck.
Less than a meter away from Charlotte, the wolf slumped to the ground. It shook its weakening body before it swiftly escaped into the woods.
“Don’t eat me. Don’t eat me…”
Hunching on the ground like a shrank-up tortoise, Charlotte wailed in despair.
A pair of eyes watched her coldly from the woods, and in them was disdain.
After a long while, Charlotte finally came back to her senses. Stiffly, she turned to look behind her, only to realize the wolf was gone.
She clambered to her feet on her shaky legs and bolted toward the villa.
Awoo!
In the woods, the slender figure cupped his mouth and mimicked the howl of a wolf.
“Ah!” Charlotte screeched as she sped up. In a trembling voice, she cried out, “Help me! Help me!”
When she finally reached the entrance of the villa, she realized that the dark green steel gate was tightly shut, sealing Charlotte off from the safety of the house.
She slammed her palms onto the gate and screamed, “Open up! Hurry and open the door! There’s a wolf outside!”
No one answered her.
She could see a few guards just a distance away who remained as still as a statue. It was as if they had not heard her cries for help.
“Help! Help!” Charlotte stomped her feet as she continued to yell, “It’s me, Charlotte. Let me in!”
Still, no reactions came from the guards.
“What’s wrong with you all? Let me in!” Charlotte was close to tears by now. “Zachary, let me in! There’s a wolf outside about to eat me!”
“Weren’t you the one who wanted to leave in the first place?”
An apathetic voice entered her ears.
Turning in the direction of the voice, Charlotte noticed that Zachary was sitting on the wooden bench beside the flower bed. He was in his sleeping robe, holding onto a cigar in one hand and a wine glass in the other; he was the epitome of nonchalance.
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“Let me in, please,” Charlotte begged as she sobbed. “There’s a wolf out here about to eat me.”
“Uh-huh,” came Zachary’s unconcerned reply. He then stood up and slowly walked away.
“Hey!” Charlotte was on the verge of breaking down. She slammed her fists on the steel gates and screamed, “You won’t just stand there and watch me die, will you? If you don’t let me in, I’ll die!”
Zachary ignored her as he continued walking into the villa.
“Zachary Nacht,” Charlotte bellowed. “You heartless animal. Karma will get you soon!”
Zachary stopped to turn and look at her. “You’re still cursing at me at a time like this?”
“D-Don’t assume I have to beg you,” Charlotte ground out. “If I die here, you’d have to bear the responsibility. If the cops come, you’ll be the primary suspect.”
“I see…” Zachary nodded solemnly. He then pointed at the surveillance camera by the gate. “See that? It will film the process of the wolf eating you. You do realize that a wolf is wild, right? I’m not the one who raised it and there is no law stating that I have to save you.”
“You-” Charlotte could not formulate a response to refute him.
“Let me teach you something,” Zachary said with a smile. “When the wolf bites you, just scream and shout like you did just now. It’ll think that you’re annoying, and it’ll snap its jaw on your throat. Blood will spurt out of you like a water fountain, and death will be instant. This way, it won’t hurt.”
Charlotte’s face turned colorless as her entire being trembled. All words died in her throat.
“I wish you a merry death. Goodbye!”
Zachary waved and turned to leave.
“Zachary Nacht!” Charlotte roared as she slammed the steel gate. “You heartless b*stard! You’ll die a horrible death!”
Awoo!
Once again, howls of wolves sounded behind her.
Charlotte immediately lost all her courage as she fell onto her knees with a thud. She wailed and pleaded, “Please save me! I don’t want to die!”
Zachary, who had his back to her, finally grinned in delight and glee.
He was even more exhilarated now than when he got a business deal worth tens of billions.
However, he was not in a rush to turn around. Instead, he took a slow step forward.
“Zachary, as long as you save me, I’ll do anything.” Charlotte cared for nothing now; staying alive was the only thought in her mind. “Give me the contract. I’ll sign it. As long as you save me, I’ll sign it.”
“Are you sure?” Zachary finally turned around. With an innocent expression on his face, he asked, “Are you going to claim that I’m forcing you again?”
“No, I won’t. I’m doing this willingly,” Charlotte guaranteed. “Let me in first. Let me in quickly. The wolf is here. It really is.”
“All right. But remember, you’re the one begging me.”
Zachary slowly raised his arm and made a gesture.
It was then the bodyguard stepped forward and opened the steel gates.
The gates had only opened a fraction before Charlotte rushed in. As her legs were still weak, she fell to the ground.
Lifting her head, she could see numerous pairs of green eyes watching her covetously from the nearby woods.
Widening her eyes in fear, a shudder wracked through her body before she fainted.
Zachary clicked his tongue and sighed before shaking his head. “How fragile is she to pass out just like this?”
He then walked over to lift her up into his arms before instructing the guards. “You may leave now.”
“Yes, Mr. Nacht.”
One of the bodyguards pressed a button, and the green eyes immediately disappeared.
Zachary carried Charlotte into the villa and placed her on the bed.
Just then, Raina came in with a new copy of the contract.
Holding Charlotte’s hand, Zachary bit on her thumb, and blood immediately seeped out.
He then pressed her thumb at the signature section of the contract before a satisfied smile grew on his face.
“I told you. You won’t be able to escape from me.”
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That night, Charlotte was plagued with nightmares. When the sun rose again, she woke up covered in sweat.
Her wide eyes were fixed on the ceiling as she panted.
It took her a long while before she was able to collect herself. After making sure that she was in a room in the villa and that she was safe, she sighed in relief.
Her clothes stuck to her, and it felt uncomfortable, so she headed to the bathroom for a shower. When her hands came into contact with water, a pang of pain traveled up her fingers. It was only then she realized the skin on the tip of her thumb was torn.
Charlotte paid no heed to it, thinking that it was an injury from her escape yesterday.
After washing up, she walked out of the bathroom just in time to hear someone knocking on the door. Raina’s voice then came from behind the door. “Ms. Windt, may I come in?”
“Yes,” Charlotte replied.
Raina entered the room with a birdcage in her hands.
Fifi lay quietly inside as it observed the foreign environment fearfully.
The moment it saw Charlotte, however, it brightened up and fluttered its injured wing before yelling, “Mommy! Mommy!”
“Fifi!” Charlotte quickly strode over to open the cage.
Fifi flew out and landed on Charlotte’s shoulder. Seeking reassurance, it rubbed its feathery head on Charlotte’s cheek.
“Good girl.” Charlotte kissed it gently.
Fifi then lay quietly in the crook of her neck like a child in her mother’s arms.
“What an intelligent parrot!” Raina exclaimed. “It’s adorable!”
“It’s part of my family.” Charlotte caressed Fifi’s wings. “How is it? Is it hurt badly?”
“It’ll have to rest its wing, and we’ll have to change its bandage every two days. It’ll be fine in a month,” Raina responded as she closed the cage.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Charlotte sighed in relief. “If it wasn’t for Fifi saving me, I’d be dead by now.”
“Speaking of which…” Raina reported, “I’ve investigated this incident. The ones who sent you the gift and the ones who attacked Divine Corporation are all done by the same party. Ben and I will be taking charge of this case, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“What? Are you sure?” The news stunned Charlotte. “The ones who attacked Divine Corporation should be Mr. Nacht’s rivals. Why would they want to kill me? I’m just a nobody.”
“You are not just some nobody,” was Raina’s profound reply before she changed the topic. “Oh, by the way, Mr. Nacht has invited you to breakfast. So, hurry up and get ready for it.”
Before Charlotte could come back to her senses, Raina had already bowed her head and left.
Charlotte thought about what happened last night. She had made a promise carelessly to ensure her safety. Is Zachary going to force me to sign the paper now?
At that thought, Charlotte panicked. Oh no. If I sign the paper, I’ll become his slave, won’t I?
“Ellie, Ellie!”
Fifi’s cry interrupted Charlotte’s thoughts.
“Hush,” Charlotte murmured to the parrot. “Fifi, this isn’t our house, so you’ll have to be careful with your words, okay? Don’t mention Robbie, Jamie, or Ellie. Do you understand?”
“Robbie. Jamie. Ellie.”
It seemed like Fifi did not quite understand her words as it continued crying out the names of the children. It had been two days since Fifi saw the kids, and the parrot missed them dearly.
“Fifi…”
Charlotte was about to reprimand it when the door suddenly flung open. Zachary, who was dressed in a casual suit, strode into the room.
“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?”
Charlotte was panicking, fearing that Fifi would blurt out something it shouldn’t have, and he would find out about the children.
“This is my home.” Zachary sat on the couch before crossing his leg. “How was your sleep last night?”
“It was all right…” Charlotte glanced at him timidly before she tentatively said, “Mr. Nacht, thank you for saving me. I think it’s time for me to go home.”
“Your house’s been blown into smithereens. What home are you going back to?” Zachary took out a stack of checks before scribbling a string of numbers on one. He then handed it to her. “Here, use it to buy a house instead of renting.”
“What?” Charlotte was dumbfounded. Did I mishear him? The Devil is giving me money to buy a house?
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“Hm?” Zachary lifted a brow. “You don’t want it? Forget it then.”
He was a second away from keeping the check.
“Of course I want it!” Charlotte swiftly took the check. Upon seeing the numbers on the paper, she broke out into a smile. “Two million! Thank you, Mr. Nacht.”
“You’re welcome. This is what you deserve, after all.” Zachary smiled. “This is the reward for you convincing Mr. Sterk to drink the laxatives.”
“About that… I thought you said you were going to take it out from the necklace’s money?”
A foreboding sense burrowed its way into Charlotte’s heart at his words.
Even Fifi was trembling as it looked at Zachary like he was a carnivorous monster.
“What’s the difference between owing me a hundred million and owing me ninety-eight million?” Zachary muttered. “I might as well give you the reward to make sure you won’t have other worries when you serve me.”
Wait… Serve?
Hearing that word, Charlotte panicked as she hastily said, “Mr. Nacht, I’m just an ordinary working individual. I-I’m not selling my body.”
“Selling my body! Selling my body!” Fifi repeated.
Zachary glanced at it.
Instantly, it shut its beak and buried itself in Charlotte’s thick hair. It even used its beak to pull on her hair so that it could cover its face, as if that would be the perfect camouflage.
“You’ve already sold yourself last night.” Zachary took out the contract and waved it in front of her eyes with a grin. “From today onwards, you’re mine.”
Charlotte’s eyes were as wide as saucers as she stared at the paper in his hand. She then recalled the events that happened yesterday.
That’s right, I was chased by a wolf last night… And I ran as quickly as I could to the villa… When I reached the villa, I slammed my fists at the steel gates while crying for help…
After he threatened not to open the gates if I refuse to sign the agreement, I finally agreed to sign it… However, I remember passing out soon after, so I couldn’t have signed the agreement.
When Charlotte took the paper for a closer look, she realized that the paper indeed does not contain her signature. However, there was a bright red thumbprint on it. Although it was already dry, she could still smell the scent of blood.
She stiffened for a moment before she raised her hand and looked at her injured thumb. Realization finally dawned on her. “Zachary, you douchebag!”
“Douchebag. Dou-”
Before Fifi could repeat it a second time, the look in Zachary’s eyes made it flinch and it whispered, “Mommy, scared. Scared.”
Shifting his gaze away from Fifi, Zachary picked up a remote from the side and pressed on its button. Then, Charlotte’s cries for help echoed in the room.
“Please save me! I don’t want to die!”
“Zachary, as long as you save me, I’ll do anything.”
“Give me the contract. I’ll sign it. As long as you save me, I’ll sign it.”
“Are you sure?” came Zachary’s voice. “Are you going to claim that I’m forcing you again?”
“No, I won’t. I’m doing this willingly. Let me in first. Let me in quickly. The wolf is here. It really is.”
“All right. But remember, you’re the one begging me.”
The recording then ended.
Ashamed, Charlotte’s face flushed red, and she wished she could burrow into the ground and hide.
Raising a brow, Zachary cast her a gentle look. “I even have a video recording. Do you want to watch it?”
“You-” Charlotte’s lip trembled as she fought the urge to cry.
“Be good now.” Zachary took the contract, folded it, and kept it in his pocket. “If you perform well, you’ll be rewarded. If not, you’ll still have to do whatever is on the contract, and you’ll be punished as well.”
He then stood up and patted her face. “Think about it. Which one sounds better?”
As fury coursed through her veins, Charlotte glared at him, but she dared not speak a single word.
“I’ll take my leave first then.” Zachary turned to leave without sparing her another glance. “I hope you’ll have thought things through when I’m back.”
As he left, Charlotte waved her fist at his back and cursed at him inwardly, You bstard! Douchebag! Animal! Piece of sht!
I hope God realizes what an assh*le you are and smite you from above!
“Ellie, Jamie, Robbie,” Fifi abruptly cried out, “scared. Scared.”
Zachary, who was about to step out of the room, paused in his tracks. He turned to look at Fifi and asked, “What did it just say?”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 199
“N-Nothing.”
Charlotte’s scalp tingled from fear as her heart raced. She cursed at Fifi for those words inwardly.
Damn it, why is Fifi saying their names at a time like this?
Is it trying to mess everything up for me?
Zachary then turned to look at Charlotte for a moment before he continued walking out.
It wasn’t until Charlotte could no longer hear his footsteps that she breathed a sigh of relief. Snapping her head to the side, she scolded, “Fifi, don’t speak without thinking!”
“Mommy…” Feeling rather upset, Fifi mumbled, “Bad man. Scared.”
“I know he’s a bad man, but-”
Just then, someone knocked on the door. ”Ms. Windt, may I come in?”
“Give me a minute.” After locking Fifi in the bathroom, Charlotte let Raina into the room.
“Ms. Windt, Mr. Nacht has left for E Nation. He has instructed me to take care of you. I’ve prepared breakfast. Will you be having it in the room or-”
“He’s left for E Nation?” Charlotte interrupted in an excited tone. “How long will he be gone?”
“Three days, if he’s quick. If he’s not, then I’m not sure. But he’ll try to be back as soon as he can.”
“There’s no need to rush. It’s better if he stays there longer.”
In fact, Charlotte would rather he never came back.
Raina chuckled. “We’ve dealt with the person who attacked you the last time. From now on, you won’t be in any danger, and I’ve sent someone to fix your house. Furthermore-”
“There’s no need to fix my house.” Charlotte stopped her. “I’ll deal with my own house. You don’t need to be concerned with it. Ask them to stop, I don’t want anyone to be at my house.”
“Huh?” Her words stunned Raina.
“What do you mean ‘huh?’ Hurry up and tell them to stop.” Charlotte was terrified of someone finding out about her children.
“All right. I’ll let them know right away.” Raina promptly made a call to the group of fixers asking them to head back.
“They’re not at my house yet, right? You didn’t search through my house, did you?” Charlotte had never been more worried.
“No, we haven’t. They’re only on their way, and they’re heading back now after receiving my call.” Raina gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Without Mr. Nacht’s order, we won’t investigate you. However…”
After a pause, Raina carefully asked, “What are you worried about?”
“Everyone prefers to have their own privacy.” Charlotte forced out a tear from her eyes. “The Devil has already taken control of most of my life. I just want a little space of mine.”
“Mr. Nacht isn’t controlling you; he likes you.”
“That’s impossible.” At the mention of it, fury started dancing in Charlotte’s chest. “If he likes me, he should’ve gifted me several villas, sports cars, and a billion or two. He should’ve treated me like a princess instead of tormenting me like this.”
“Maybe everyone expresses their love differently?” Raina suggested with a chuckle.
“If that’s the case, he sure has a unique way of expressing his love then.” Charlotte rolled her eyes before inquiring, “Dr. Langhan. I wish to go home. Can I?”
“Of course you can. Let me get a car for you.”
On her way back, Raina said to Charlotte, “Ms. Windt, to be honest, living in the villa will be much safer. If you want to work, I can make arrangements to send you to and from work.”
“No. I still prefer to live in my own house.”
Charlotte smoothened Fifi’s feathers. The parrot was currently sound asleep.
“All right.” Raina did not insist. “Since Mr. Nacht won’t be around, you can look for me if you have any issues.”
“Got it. Thank you,” Charlotte replied absent-mindedly. The only thought that filled her mind was how she was going to escape Zachary. Should I take this two million and escape with the kids?
“If you want to buy a house, I can make arrangements for that too. After all, Divine Corporation has properties everywhere. Not to mention we have branches in many cities…”
Hearing Raina’s words, Charlotte dismissed the thoughts of escaping. Perhaps Raina was hinting to her that Zachary would find her no matter where she went. Guess I should stop my wishful thinking…
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 200
When Charlotte reached Happy Avenue, the first thing she did was buy a phone.
This time, Charlotte steeled herself and bought the best phone available, hoping that it would not malfunction as easily as it did the last time.
Slotting in her phone card, Charlotte quickly gave Mrs. Berry a call.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Berry had thought that something happened to Charlotte when she couldn’t contact her last night.
After explaining to Mrs. Berry that her phone broke, Charlotte proceeded to give her kids a video call.
Charlotte could see that her kids had put on their thick cotton-padded jackets, but they still looked as good as ever.
Frowning, Robbie worriedly queried, “Mommy, are you okay? We’re worried about you.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry,” Charlotte reassured.
Jamie squeezed to the front and showed his mother his fists. “Mommy, I’ve been practicing martial arts recently. When I’m stronger, I’ll be able to protect you.”
“Thank you, Jamie.” Charlotte smiled sweetly. “Jamie’s the best.”
“Mommy, Mommy.” Ellie squeezed her chubby cheeks into the frame. When she saw her mother, her large eyes instantly welled up with tears. “Mommy, Ellie misses you.”
Seeing Ellie’s tears, both Robbie and Jamie started tearing up as well. However, the two boys frowned as they forced the tears to remain in their eyes.
“Be good, Ellie. Once I’m done dealing with the things here, I will come for you three,” Charlotte consoled.
“The bad guy’s already been caught, and I have to fix and clean the house first so that you’ll be able to return to a pretty home.”
“That’s great!” the children cheered.
“Mommy, we’ll come and help you with the cleaning,” Robbie voiced out. “We can’t let you do everything alone.”
Jamie chimed in, “That’s right. I’m a strong boy. I can do a lot of things.”
The little boy proceeded to clenched his fists and showed his mother his muscles.
“I can help Mommy too.”
Ellie sniffled as tears slid down her chin.
“Ellie! Ellie!”
Hearing Ellie’s voice, Fifi suddenly woke up. In the beginning, it spun its head around, looking for the girl. When Fifi realized the children were on the screen, it moved toward the screen and screeched, “Robbie, Jamie, Ellie!”
“Fifi!”
The children were beyond excited to see their pet parrot, and they quickly waved at it.
“Miss you. Miss you,” Fifi repeated at the screen.
The children scrambled to appear on the screen.
“Fifi, we miss you too.”
“Oh no. Fifi, why is your wing hurt?”
“Fifi’s hurt because it tried to protect me, but a vet has already checked it. Fifi’s fine now. It’ll make a full recovery soon,” Charlotte assured. “Robbie, Jamie, Ellie, the three of you have to be good kids. Wait for me to come for you, okay?”
“Okay. We’ll be good kids.”
Charlotte’s heart was filled with hope as she looked at her children.
After consoling her children, Charlotte went home. Reaching her house, she realized the landlady had changed the door lock and stuck a large notice on the door, warning Charlotte to contact her as soon as she could.
Frightened out of her wits, Charlotte quickly called the landlady.
When the landlady rushed over, she jabbed a finger in Charlotte’s direction and started cursing at her. After telling Charlotte she would not be refunding her the deposit and rent, she demanded her to pay thirty thousand as a penalty and even told her to move out by the end of the day.
Charlotte tried to reason with her, but the landlady stated, “Ever since you moved in, bad things kept happening. I’ve already closed an eye on those who came here to cause a ruckus. But it’s only getting worse. Now, there’s even murder and kidnapping. What kind of place do you think this is?”
“Ms. Hill, please allow me to explain-”
“I don’t want to hear your excuse. Move out immediately, or I’ll call the cops on you,” Peyton warned with a growl. “I’ve been kind to you by not calling the cops and throwing your things out. I’ve even waited for you to come back to discuss with you.”