Ch. 641..650
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 641
“I know that she kidnapped Charlotte the last time. But didn’t she release her after that? No damage was done. Now that you are going to wed Charlotte, why do you need to go to such extremes on this happy occasion?”
Henry continued admonishing, “Don’t you have anything better to do? Your aunt has a fiery temper. Once she retaliates, you will have more on your hands than you can handle.”
“She should just show herself in front of me,” Zachary sneered, “I’m frustrated because I can’t find her.”
“What do you mean?” Henry furrowed his eyebrows. “What happened?”
“It’s better you don’t know. Or else, it may shock you to death.” Zachary stood up and prepared to leave.
“Stop right there…” Henry roared but it fell on deaf ears as Zachary stormed out.
Outside, the bodyguard informed him that the ceremony was about to begin.
Zachary walked into Charlotte’s room.
At that moment, Mrs. Berry, Olivia, and Hayley were in there with her.
Mrs. Berry was dressed glamorously today as she was playing the role of the bride’s father. She was supposed to walk Charlotte down the aisle and give her away to Zachary.
As for Olivia and Hayley, they were the bridesmaids and were tasked to stay by Charlotte’s side wherever she went.
“The ceremony is about to begin.” Zachary caressed Charlotte’s face. “I’ll go on ahead and wait for you there.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Charlotte was nervous.
“Don’t worry. I’m right here with you.” Zachary kissed her on her forehead to reassure her. “I’ll be waiting for you by the lectern. You will be making your entrance three minutes after I do.”
“I know.” Charlotte took a deep breath. “Go quickly!”
“Mmm-hmm.” Zachary turned his attention to Mrs. Berry and the two bridesmaids. “Mrs. Berry, Olivia, Hayley, thank you for doing this. Please help me take good care of her.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Zachary.”
“Leave her to us!”
As Zachary hurriedly left, he instructed Bruce and nine other bodyguards to stay with Charlotte. He, together with Ben and another group of bodyguards, headed to the grand hall.
He had to walk through a long corridor from the holding room. It was just like a tunnel. The sunlight that illuminated it threw a long shadow when it fell upon Zachary’s body.
Stepping into the light, Zachary entered the grand hall. The romantic tune of a piano provided the backdrop for his entrance.
Everyone in the hall looked in his direction with blissful gazes and warm smiles.
As the entrance song was being played, Zachary walked toward the lectern emotionally and turned back to face the entrance, anticipating the arrival of the bride.
Back at the holding room, the pastor informed, “Ms. Windt, it’s time to make your entrance.”
“Alright.” Lifting her gown, Charlotte sauntered toward the grand hall.
Olivia and Hayley were holding the train behind her while Mrs. Berry held her hand.
The three of them had joyous smiles all over their faces.
“Miss, I’m a bundle of nerves now!” Mrs. Berry took a couple of deep breaths and patted her chest. “It feels as if I’m the one getting married.”
“Haha…” Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh.
Hayley chuckled along while Olivia covered her mouth, trying to hold back her laugher.
“Really, it feels like my heart is going to burst.” Mrs. Berry’s voice was choking. “In my entire life, I have never played such an important role before. Last night, I even dreamt of Mr. Windt. He asked me to give you away to Mr. Zachary and I was overwhelmed with delight. I’m really, really happy right now.”
“You’re behaving foolishly. Aren’t you supposed to be happy then? Why are you crying?”
Despite teasing her, Charlotte’s eyes couldn’t help but redden. Overwhelmed by bliss, she felt her heart fill with all sorts of emotions. Her mind couldn’t help but think back to all that had happened in the past.
She thought about her time with her father, what had befallen him, Hector breaking off their engagement, and how she met Zachary in the strangest of circumstances.
The short hundred-meter walk felt like an entire flashback of her life. Memories of her past flooded into her mind as if she had finally found closure and was about to embark on a new chapter in her life.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 642
“Thinking back to the day you were born, twenty-three years had passed since then…”
Mrs. Berry smiled with tears in her eyes and lamented in a choking voice.
“Time passes really fast. Before I even realize it, you have already grown up. Now, you’re about to get married and even have three adorable children. All this while, everything felt just like a dream. There were both happy and sad memories but everything has come full circle now.”
She continued, “Miss, I have always worried that I am going to fail to take good care of you or cause you to suffer. If that happened, I will not be able to face your father in the afterlife. But now, I can proudly declare to him that I have fulfilled my responsibility.”
Mrs. Berry added, “Miss, Mr. Zachary is a good man. He loves both you and the children a lot. Hence, I’m sure both of you will lead a happy life…”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Charlotte nodded repeatedly with tears welling up in her eyes. Nevertheless, she was smiling with blissful joy.
She strongly believed that she will find happiness.
“Wait, what’s that sound?” Hayley suddenly turned back to look.
“What?” Olivia turned around and saw a few shadows flash before her. Feeling unsettled, she asked Bruce anxiously, “Bruce, did you see them?”
“Shh…” Bruce shushed her so as to not alarm Charlotte unnecessarily.
He had of course seen them and used his watch to alert Ben and the other bodyguards. The Nacht family bodyguards were all well-trained and prepared for action. They were not going to allow anyone to disrupt the wedding.”
Olivia nodded and didn’t say another word.
Nevertheless, she was still terrified as she couldn’t help but tremble.
“Don’t be afraid. We’re here to protect you,” Bruce reminded her softly.
“Mmm-hmm.” It did make sense to her. After all, the Nacht family bodyguards were all well-trained elites and they had put the wedding under tight security measures. Hence, they would be fine.
As Hayley was a simple girl, she was quickly reassured by Bruce’s words and didn’t give it too much thought.
“Miss, I’m fat and have short legs. Hence, I’m worried I may not be able to catch up. So, please slow down or I may trip on your wedding gown.”
Mrs. Berry was still fussing about the entrance and discussed her concerns with Charlotte.
“I understand.” Charlotte smiled.
“Miss, if I cry, you have to pinch me. I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of others.”
“Pfft, how can I do that? If you feel like crying, just do so. It’s not embarrassing at all.”
“Miss, do you think I look good in this outfit? I think it makes me look fat.”
“No, it’s fine. In fact, you look thinner.”
“Really?”
“Really…”
As both of them continued to chat, they quickly forgot how nervous they were. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of the grand hall.
When the lady attendant by the door opened it, light flooded toward them, as if all the spotlights in the hall were trained on her.
At that very moment, Charlotte emerged in the grand hall just like an angel who had descended from Heaven, mesmerizing everyone inside.
Everyone’s attention was focused on her.
Many members of the Nacht family were wondering how an ordinary girl had managed to capture Zachary’s heart as he was famous for being as cold as an iceberg.
The moment they saw how stunning Charlotte was, all their doubts were laid to rest.
Seated on another side were Jeffrey and a group of Richard’s old hands. There were also distant relatives of the Windt family in attendance.
These relatives had not kicked the Windt family when they were down. However, they couldn’t help much either due to their limited capabilities. Nevertheless, they had always shown their concern for Charlotte discreetly through Mrs. Berry and Jeffrey.
Hence, they earned their right to be invited to the wedding.
At that moment, when they saw Charlotte in all her glory, they couldn’t help but tear. All of them were heartened by the fact that Richard would be proud if he was there.
Jeffrey in particular was moved to tears. Despite having misgivings about the Nacht family initially, his doubts were laid to rest. With the knowledge that Charlotte had found her man, he felt truly happy for her.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 643
With her feet on the red carpet, Charlotte sauntered toward Zachary.
As tears welled up in her eyes, she smiled faintly at him behind her veil.
He looked sharp and aristocratic in his suit as if he was Prince Charming himself. He stared at her, waiting…
Thinking back to how they first met, images from then started to fill her mind.
“For the next three months starting from today, you will have to pay me half of your daily takings as compensation for what happened that night.”
“I’ll make it clear for you. From now onwards, your responsibility is to work hard as a gigolo so that you can clear your debt!”
“I have a devil as a boss. You won’t believe how crazy he is…”
“You are both greedy and a nymph. You will never change…”
“Send them to the meeting room on the sixty-sixth floor in half an hour.”
“I quit!”
As scenes from the past flooded her mind, Charlotte couldn’t help but smile. However, tears fell along with it.
She thought about how she teased him in the beginning and how it all backfired on her. During that period, she hated him so much that all she wanted to do was flee from him.
However, it had never crossed her mind that one day, she would marry him.
Perhaps, it is just fated to be.
As Zachary looked at her anxiously, the short approach felt like an eternity to him.
Every step she took reverberated within his heart.
As his heart beat alongside the rhythm of her footsteps, he felt so nervous that his palms were sweaty.
He wanted her to walk faster. Just a little faster as he couldn’t bear to wait for a second longer.
Finally, when she was about two meters away, Zachary couldn’t restrain himself as he stepped forward to hold her hand. His impatient gesture caused the audience to crack up.
When Henry, who was sitting in the front row, saw the heartwarming scene, he couldn’t help but smile.
Before this, he had never understood why Zachary was so stubborn. No matter what he did or said, there was just no changing Zachary’s mind. Now that he thought about it, he finally realized how much more meaningful it was to marry the woman one was truly in love with.
Zachary was just acting upon his own feelings.
This is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.
Henry smiled to himself as he looked back in his life. He too had his regrets. But at that moment, watching Zachary and his three grandchildren, he felt that everything was well worth the trouble.
“Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, love is divine. Today, the love of the couple standing before me has gone through the cycle of the seasons. From seeding in spring, cultivating in summer, maturing in autumn, and surviving the trials of winter. Their love has now borne fruit…”
After the master of ceremonies gave a short introductory speech, the pastor took over.
He asked, “Ms. Charlotte Windt, do you take Mr. Zachary Nacht to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do!” Charlotte replied without any hesitation.
“Mr. Zachary Nacht, do you take Ms. Charlotte Windt to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I…” Just went Zachary was about to reply, the main door swung open. An uninvited figure stormed in.
As everyone turned to look, the attention shifted toward that person. Within the same moment, many of them were shocked.
Zara was dressed in a tapered black suit. Looking aloof, she strode in with an icy cold vibe. Behind her were her assistant, Shirley, and two burly bodyguards.
“How can I miss my nephew’s wedding?”
Zara gave Zachary a pensive look.
When Charlotte saw the terrifying woman, she was reminded of the poison within her, causing her to be overwhelmed by emotions.
Holding tightly to her hands, Zachary glared coldly at Zara. “What are you doing here?
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 644
“I’m here to attend your wedding, of course, my dear nephew.” Zara sneered at Zachary, “What’s wrong? Am I not welcomed?”
Zachary’s furrowed his eyebrows while his gaze was icy cold.
Outside, the bodyguards rushed in. They had wanted to stop Zara but didn’t expect her to slip through their hands.
Marino quickly explained, “Mr. Nacht, Ms. Nacht…”
When Zachary shot them a glance, Bruce ordered the bodyguards to stand down.
At that moment, Henry remarked plainly, “Since you’re here, why don’t you have a seat and watch.”
“Yes, Father.” When Zara was about to take her place, Henry added, “You’re family, why are you sitting so far away? Come sit here beside me.”
Zara was briefly stunned but quickly complied by sitting next to Henry.
All the guests in attendance couldn’t help but catch their breath. Everyone knew that Zara and Zachary were on bad terms. Therefore, what Henry did was to keep an eye on Zara so that she wouldn’t disrupt the wedding.
“The rest of you, stand down,” Henry ordered Shirley and the two bodyguards.
Shirley looked toward Zara.
At her signal, the three of them backed off.
“Continue!” Henry gestured with his hand.
On stage, the pastor repeated his earlier question, “Mr. Zachary Nacht, do you take Ms. Charlotte Windt to be your lawfully wedded wife…”
Just when the pastor was speaking, Henry whispered to Zara, “Today, your nephew is getting married. You’re not allowed to cause any trouble. Or else, I’m not going to forgive you!”
“Father, you shouldn’t say that.” Zara looked hurt. “I’m a member of the Nacht family. Everything I have done is for the sake of the family. Why are you treating me with such hostility?”
“Is kidnapping Zachary’s girlfriend for the sake of the family too?” Henry retorted.
“Father…” Just when Zara was about to speak, Zachary replied to his wedding vows, “I do!”
The audience then broke into thunderous applause as they were all happy for Zachary.
“And now, please exchange rings,” the pastor announced.
At that moment, the children walked out with music playing in the background. Ellie, dressed like a princess, was in the center holding a rose. She was flanked by Robbie and Jamie who were each holding the wedding rings.
The three children had exquisite features and looked adorable, just like little princes and princesses from the fairytales. At that moment, they attracted everyone’s attention.
As Zachary and Charlotte watched their children approach, both of them let out a blissful smile.
Henry, too, was filled with affection at the sight of his grandchildren.
“Do they belong to Zachary?” Zara suddenly asked.
“Yes.” Henry’s expression grew solemn. “They are the Nacht family’s flesh and blood. No one is allowed to hurt them.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t mean that at all.” Zara smiled faintly. “As a member of the Nachts, my actions only serve the family’s interests. Hence, there is a secret that I must tell you!”
“What are you trying to pull?” Henry furrowed his eyebrows.
“Would I ever dare mess with you?” Zara replied with a grave expression, “I just don’t want the Nacht family to fall to the Lindberg family!”
“What do you mean?” Henry was puzzled.
“Take a look at this and you will understand.” Zara took out a photo and handed it to Henry. “This is a photo of Harrison and the woman from the Lindberg family.”
When Henry saw it, he couldn’t help but gape. Blinking his eyes, he looked at the photo again and then at Charlotte.
Charlotte was the splitting image of the woman in the picture.
“Where did you get this?” Henry suppressed his emotions and demanded. “Did you doctor it?”
“Do you think I dare to play such childish tricks in front of you?” Zara sneered in a self-deprecating manner. “Goodness, the Nacht Group is a tech-based company. The picture isn’t doctored. I’m sure you can easily tell. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Taylor. He has seen Isabella before!”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 645
“Father, although it was a long time ago, I have not forgotten how Harrison died…”
Zara explained in a sorrowful tone, “During the car accident and the explosion that followed, Beatrice and his bodies were burned to crisp. To the extent, there was nothing left to bury…”
“Enough, stop it!” Henry suddenly snapped.
Everyone was shocked as they turned to look at him.
Zachary knitted his eyebrows as he knew that Zara was definitely up to no good. However, he didn’t know what she said to have outraged Henry.
Signaling with his hand, Spencer wheeled him to a side and even ordered a bodyguard to fetch Taylor.
The crowd noticed the commotion but didn’t understand what was going on. However, most of their attention was still focused on Zachary and the bride.
As the wedding went on, the three children were on their way to the stage. Henry’s shout had startled them but they assumed he was just scolding Zara and didn’t think too much about it.
“Mr. Nacht, what is it?”
Taylor was present at the wedding and seated a row behind Henry.
“I remember that you mentioned that Charlotte looked like someone.” Henry had no time to waste and showed the photo to Taylor. “Is it her?”
When Taylor saw the photo, his expression changed drastically. However, he didn’t dare say a word.
“It’s true then…” Taylor’s reaction told Henry all he needed to know. “Why didn’t you tell me since you have known about it all along?”
“I did feel she resembled Isabella. But, I wasn’t sure of her identity. Furthermore, she was in a relationship with Zachary. Hence, it wasn’t appropriate for me to say anything.” Taylor asked with a frown, “Have you investigated her true identity? Could it be that she really is…”
“She is Isabella’s daughter,” Zara declared.
Her words were like an earth-shattering revelation, shocking everyone.
“What?” Spencer widened his eyes in disbelief.
Taylor was also stunned. Despite his suspicions, he was still shocked to hear it being said out loud.
Henry’s expression took a gloomy turn all of a sudden.
“This is proof.” Zara handed Henry some documents.
When he flicked through them, the gloom on his face intensified.
Taylor and Spencer held their breath as they exchanged glances with somber expressions.
When Zara realized she had achieved her objective, she asserted, “Father, the Lindberg Corporation has always been gathering allies to restrain the influence of the Nacht Group. At the same time, they had sent Isabella’s daughter to seduce Zachary. Their intentions are truly devious. If we let them achieve their goals, the consequences are beyond what we can imagine. Zachary is still too young and doesn’t deserve to be in that position…”
“Shut up!” Henry scowled. “Get out!”
Zara was briefly stunned before sneering, “I’m doing this for the sake of Nacht Group and this is how you treat me? Fine. If you don’t appreciate what I’m doing, I’ll just leave.”
With that, she stormed out…
When Henry looked up, the children were already on stage and holding the rings up high. They looked on at their parents with happy smiles on their faces.
“Thank you, Robbie!”
Charlotte smiled as she received the ring and put it on for Zachary. While doing so, her eyes were filled with love.
The guests broke into loud applause as everyone celebrated their love.
Zachary gently kissed her on her forehead and couldn’t help but hug her.
“Now, the groom will help the bride put on the wedding ring,” the pastor reminded.
“Daddy, the ring.” Jamie raised the ring box.
“Thank you, Jamie!” Zachary received the rings and prepared to put them on for Charlotte.
“Wait!” Henry suddenly cried out. His voice was domineering and cold. It felt jarring amidst the romantic and warm atmosphere of the wedding.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 646
Zachary paused what he was doing and turned toward Henry. The kids were staring at him in shock.
Everyone in the audience was equally stunned as they gave Henry puzzled looks.
With a solemn expression, Spencer pushed Henry toward the stage.
Taylor knowingly stepped back and returned to his seat.
“Kids, I have something to discuss with daddy. You should go back to the holding room with Mr. Spencer. Be good now.”
Looking at the children, Henry’s gaze recovered its usual compassion as he let out a warm and gentle smile.
The children turned toward Zachary and Charlotte in unison.
“Go along now.” Zachary patted them on their heads. He knew a confrontation was about to happen and Henry was just trying to protect the children.
“Come along kids,” Spencer coaxed the children, “let’s go get something to eat.”
With that, the nurses came over and escorted the children away under the watchful eyes of the bodyguards.
Robbie turned to look at Charlotte, who waved at him with a smile, signaling him not to worry.
However, she was already a bunch of nerves. Clasping her hands together, she couldn’t help but turn the ring on her finger. For some strange reason, she was overwhelmed by a sense of dread, as if something terrible was about to happen.
“Grandpa, whatever it is, let’s talk about it later.” Despite furrowing his eyebrows, Zachary remained calm and ordered the pastor, “Let’s continue!”
And then, holding Charlotte’s hand, he prepared to put on her ring.
“I’m putting a stop to this.” Henry interrupted Zachary again before turning toward the guests, “Ladies and gentlemen, please proceed to the lobby for the reception. My apologies for the abrupt change in itinerary.”
The guests were all puzzled by the fact that they were asked to leave before the wedding ended.
However, Henry had made his stance clear and no one dared to disobey.
The guests quickly moved to the lobby.
“Grandpa…” Zachary asked with a frown, “What are you doing?”
“The ring hasn’t been put on and the marriage isn’t registered.” Henry announced, “I hereby declare this wedding null and void!”
Stunned, Charlotte gave Henry a puzzled look. “Grandpa, why?”
“Don’t ever call me grandpa,” Henry scowled.
Charlotte was taken aback and didn’t understand what she did wrong.
“What did Zara tell you?” Zachary questioned angrily. “You must know that her intentions are never good…”
“Regardless of her intentions, the truth cannot be denied,” Henry interrupted Zachary with a roar. “I’m warning you now that I will not allow this woman to step foot in our home. Even from my grave, I’ll still forbid it!”
“Why?”
Zachary was stunned. Despite how much Henry hated Charlotte or objected to the wedding earlier, he would never adopt such a harsh stance. At that moment, his resolve seemed unshakeable.
“Let me ask you…” Henry ignored Zachary. Instead, he interrogated Charlotte, “Is your mom Isabella Lindberg?”
Shaken to the core by Henry’s domineering tone, Charlotte instinctively replied, “Yes…”
Upon hearing her response, Spencer dropped the documents he was holding onto the floor while Taylor’s eye widened emotionally. He gasped, “So, it’s true!”
Henry shut his eyes tightly as her answer had put the matter beyond any doubt.
“What has this got anything to do with our wedding?” Charlotte asked nervously. “Grandpa, what is going on? Didn’t you agree to the wedding? What did I do wrong?”
“Your only mistake was getting to know Zachary.” Henry was in no mood to continue speaking to her. Opening his eyes, he barked, “Leave at once before I have the urge to kill you. Disappear from my sight right this moment!”
Charlotte recoiled in horror as the bouquet in her hands dropped to the ground.
Urge to kill me? Henry has gone from not accepting me to wanting me dead?
What is going on?
What did I do to have him desire to take my life?
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 647
“Why the urge to kill?” Zachary questioned in shock. “What is going on?”
Henry didn’t say a word further.
All he did was gesture to the bodyguards, who approached Charlotte. “Ms. Windt, please.”
“Insolence! Stand down!” Zachary barked.
“Do you want me to kill her?”
Henry had lost his patience while his eyes were filled with murderous intent.
Zachary knitted his eyebrows as he had never seen such a reaction from Henry over the last twenty years. The last time he acted this way was during his father’s death. Henry’s fearsome gaze looked as if he wanted to kill all those that were responsible.
“Ben…” Zachary ordered, “take her to the holding room and wait for me there.”
“Right away.” Ben approached Charlotte respectfully, “Ms. Windt, please.”
At that moment, Charlotte’s heart was in turmoil as she held onto Zachary’s hand, unwilling to let go. Looking at him with a distraught expression, she was worried that he would abandon her.
“Don’t worry.” Zachary squeezed her hand and gently comforted, “No matter what happens, I won’t leave you. Now, go to the holding room and wait for me.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Having been reassured by his promise, Charlotte bowed at Henry before leaving with Ben.
“The wedding is now annulled. The children can stay while their mom has to go. This is my final act of mercy,” Henry declared outright.
“Grandpa, you…”
“There is nothing you can say that will change my mind.” Henry squashed any intention of Zachary’s to do so. He added angrily, “Unless your father can rise from the dead and come back to me, that woman will never be allowed to be part of the Nacht family!”
“What did you say?” Zachary was stunned. “What has this got anything to do with father?”
“She is the daughter of your father’s murderer. Isn’t that enough?”
Henry handed Zachary the picture.
Zachary stood stunned and took a long while to regain his composure. “What are you babbling about? How is that possible?”
“See for yourself.” Henry gestured for Spencer to hand over the documents and photo to Zachary.
Zachary was blown away by what he saw. He responded frantically, “This is impossible. It must be Zara who fabricated it.”
“Can you not tell if the picture has been doctored?” Henry sneered in return. “Stop lying to yourself. She is Isabella’s daughter. Her mother caused the death of your father while the Lindbergs are our family’s enemies. How can you marry her? Do you want your parents to roll in their graves? Or do you want Nacht Group to be taken over by the Lindberg Corporation?”
Furrowing his eyebrows, Zachary held onto the documents in silence.
He refused to accept the truth and felt that there must have been a mistake somewhere. There just had to be.
“I have decided to spare her life on the account of the children. That is the greatest mercy I can grant her.” Henry gritted his teeth while trying his best to rein in his anger. “Or else, I would have ordered her to be torn apart just for having the same face as Isabella.”
“Mr. Nacht, please calm down,” Taylor carefully advised. He then reminded, “I’m afraid we have to cover this matter up. If the Lindbergs find out…”
Henry was suddenly shaken and quickly ordered Spencer, “Lock down all information with regards to the wedding. Make sure that no videos or pictures are leaked.”
“Right away.” Spencer went about it immediately.
“Don’t you see?” Henry ranted, “Have you thought about the consequences if the Lindberg family finds out about her identity? We may still be able to keep it under wraps for now. But what about the future? Are you going to cover up her face for eternity? Also, what if they discover that the three children belong to their family…”
Henry was outraged just by thinking about it. “No, we definitely cannot allow them to find out!”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 648
“As long she is not around, we can then hide the children’s identity.” Henry knitted his eyebrows. “Now, there’s no time to lose. Let me handle the situation. I’ll send her someplace far away…”
“No!” Zachary interrupted Henry. “She can’t leave…”
“Now that you know the truth, why are you insisting to have her by your side?” Henry fumed. “What’s wrong with you? Don’t you know what’s more important?”
“The sins of the past are not for her to bear.” Zachary’s thoughts were crystal clear. “She was raised by her father and never met her mother. Other than a name, she has no idea who her mother is, let alone be aware of her relationship with the Lindberg family. What right do you have to insist that she pays for the sins of the previous generation?”
“You…”
“With regards to your concerns about the Lindberg family finding out, I can keep the information under wraps and destroy all traces of evidence. That way, no one will know. As for her resemblance to Isabella, we will just have her keep a low profile and not appear in public. That should solve it…”
“You really have gone mad!” Henry roared with a sullen expression. “There’s no way you can hide something like that forever. Can you wipe away everything related to her existence? Even if you can, the people she meets may leak it. Do you intend to kill them all? Furthermore, her father used to be someone influential in the business world. It’s just impossible to destroy all the links to her. As long as they have some clues, the Lindberg family will definitely find out.”
He continued, “As for the three children, they have been raised by her alone and their identity hasn’t been made public. Hence, there’s little evidence of their existence. All we need to do is to give them new identities and they will be fine…”
Zachary fell silent at Henry’s words as he did see the logic in them. From a rational perspective, there was no way Charlotte could stay.
However, he couldn’t bring himself to let her go.
“Think about it…” Henry continued to persuade, “Even if we set aside the hatred over your father’s death and the interests of the Nacht family, you have to at least consider the three children. Just for their sakes alone, she cannot stay.”
“Stop…”
Zachary slumped in his chair and felt his heart being pulled at opposite ends. One was the rational side of him, while the other was emotional. Both were pulling so hard that he could feel his heart being torn apart.
Meanwhile, Zara was about to leave when Bruce quickly surrounded her with a group of bodyguards.
“Ms. Nacht, please hand over the antidote.” Bruce approached her and began negotiations.
“What if I don’t?” Zara sneered, “I dare you to lay a finger on me.”
“It appears that there really is an antidote.” Bruce was delighted. “Ms. Nacht, please hand it over peacefully and don’t force our hand.”
“Try me.” Zara raised her eyebrow.
At Bruce’s cue, a group of men surrounded Zara and aimed their guns at her head.
Zara’s expression drastically changed as she didn’t expect them to train their guns on her. She scowled, “Bruce, how dare you!”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Nacht. I’m just following orders.” Bruce waved his hand. “Take her away.”
“Mr. Nacht.”
At that moment, a bodyguard hurried over and reported something.
Henry frowned as he looked toward Zachary. “Why did you capture your aunt? She was just here to reveal the truth, nothing more. Let her go this instance.”
“She has poisoned Charlotte, causing her to be tormented by pain,” Zachary sneered. “Coincidentally, you can order her to hand over the antidote.”
“Fine,” Henry readily agreed. “But you must break up with Charlotte.”
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 649
“I’m sure you know how stubborn your aunt can be. She will never hand over the antidote to you,” Henry threatened again, “unless I tell her to!”
“Grandpa…”
“You should also be aware of what I’m capable of.” Henry didn’t allow Zachary a chance to speak as he continued, “If I choose to protect her, there is no way you can lay a finger on her.”
Zachary furrowed his brows as he knew Henry was right.
“If I disallow Zara from handing over the antidote, Charlotte will die without me having to lift a finger,” Henry threatened viscously. “I am only showing her mercy on the account of the three children by allowing her to live.”
Zachary fell silent having heard Henry’s words.
Weighing his options, he realized he didn’t seem to have a choice other than to leave Charlotte.
She was the daughter of his father’s murderer and a descendant of their natural enemies. Even if he disregarded the bad blood between them, she would still be a burden to the Nacht family and the children would also be dragged into it…
More importantly, if he didn’t break up with her, she would still die without the antidote.
“Think carefully about it.” Henry didn’t give Zachary a choice. “Sending her away is for the best.”
Just as he spoke, Bruce entered in a hurry. After bowing to Henry, he whispered into Zachary’s ear. “We have her but she refuses to hand over the antidote no matter what we say. Furthermore, we don’t dare torture her.”
At the same time, Olivia barged in, sobbing desperately, “Mr. Zachary, come quickly, Charlotte…”
“What happened?” Zachary ran out immediately.
“She suddenly had a splitting headache and lost a lot of blood…”
Olivia’s voice trembled as she choked.
Zachary rushed to the holding room and saw Charlotte lying on the sofa. She was grimacing in pain while holding her head. Blood was flowing out of her nose, smearing all over her white wedding gown.
Mrs. Berry was holding her hand, crying and trembling at the same time. “Miss…”
Hayley was beside her using acupuncture to relieve the pain but it didn’t seem to work at all.
Charlotte was still in excruciating pain.
“What’s going on? The pain was never this serious before.” Hayley panicked as she was at a loss.
“Mr. Nacht.” Raina looked at Zachary and reported, “Ms. Windt is having a relapse. The painkillers don’t seem to be working either. Shall we give her a sedative?”
“No,” Hayley interrupted, “I’ve some medication here. She will sleep right after drinking it.”
“Step aside.” Zachary hurried over and held Charlotte’s hand tightly. Looking at how she was suffering, he felt so heartbroken that it suffocated him. He then made a decision. “Give her the medication.”
“Alright.” Hayley quickly fed it to Charlotte.
Very quickly, Charlotte began to calm down. Holding Zachary’s hand, she fell into a deep sleep.
Suddenly, Zachary felt that there was something in her hand. When he opened it, he saw that it was his ring.
She had held it in her hands, wanting to put it on for him. Alas, she no longer had the opportunity to do so.
All she could do was hold on to it tightly. Even when she was beset by pain, she didn’t let go. Her grip was so tight that it made a deep imprint in her palm.
Zachary took the ring from her and put it on his ring finger. After that, he placed the back of her hand on his cheeks and murmured, “Please leave us. I want to be alone with her for a while.”
“Of course.” Mrs. Berry ushered everyone else out.
Ben and his troop of bodyguards stood guard vigilantly by the door.
Mrs. Berry, Olivia, and Hayley were filled with concern as they paced around outside.
“Mrs. Berry, take the ladies to grab a bite. With us here, Ms. Windt will be fine,” Ben reassured her. “Come back when you’re done.”
“I have no appetite.” Mrs. Berry could only think about Charlotte. But when it occurred to her that Olivia and Hayley were guests, she remarked, “Olivia, Hayley, come with me.”
After that, the three of them left.
Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 650
Gently, Zachary arranged Charlotte’s hair as he wiped away the splatters of blood across her cheeks. The sight of her bloodstained bridal gown sent a stab of pain through his heart.
Charlotte was in a deep slumber. It seemed like she was free from the pain of the poison.
Zachary stroked her cheek with a tender touch and ran his thumb over her lips as he looked at her with a gaze full of longing.
I love her. I wish Charlotte nothing but happiness and peace.
He had endured countless obstacles in order to walk down the aisle with Charlotte.
Yet all of a sudden, his path was blocked off once again. It seemed as if his insistence would kill countless people, including her.
This forced him to halt his progress and search for another path.
Knock knock! Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Spencer’s voice rang out, “Mr. Zachary, we’re coming in.”
As the door was pushed open, Spencer pushed Henry, who was in his wheelchair, into the room. Dozens of the Nacht family’s elite bodyguards trailed behind them, holding Zara captive.
“Have you made up your mind?” inquired Henry icily.
Without saying anything, Zachary removed his blazer and covered Charlotte’s body.
“Still can’t bear to part with her?” Henry stared at an unconscious Charlotte and declared, “If this drags on, she’ll die before I even take action!”
At his words, Zachary stirred. He turned and glared at Zara menacingly. “Give me the antidote.”
“Who do you think you are?” sneered Zara. “When your father was alive, he dared not talk to me this way.”
Without warning, Zachary’s fist landed on the coffee table. Bang! Glass shards flew everywhere.
Everyone was taken aback, including Zara.
Grabbing a knife from the table, Zachary pressed it on Zara’s neck. “If you don’t give me the antidote, you’ll die!”
“Ha!” Zara arched a brow sarcastically, unfazed by his threat.
“Insolent fool!” Henry spat angrily. “Put down the knife!”
Instead of putting down the knife as told, Zachary twisted the knife so its sharp edge cut into Zara’s skin. Immediately, blood trickled down her neck.
“Do you seriously think I will hand out the antidote to you this way?” Zara seemed indifferent. “As a Nacht, I’m not afraid of death!”
“If you want the woman to die right here, go ahead and kill me.”
Henry made a gesture. At once, his bodyguard pointed a gun at Charlotte.
“How dare you?” Zachary hissed.
“You’re already holding a knife at your aunt’s throat.” Henry was adamant. “Put the knife down, and we can talk. Otherwise…”
He pointed at Charlotte using his cane. “I’ll send her to hell now!”
The bodyguard cocked his gun.
Molten anger rolled through Zachary as he released his grip on the knife reluctantly.
Zara burst into excited giggles. “Father, I thought you’ve never loved me. Turns out, I was wrong.”
“Cut the crap,” Henry uttered and stretched his hand out. “Give me the antidote!”
“Why do you want to save this woman?” Zara was stunned. “Her mother was the one who killed Harrison and Beatrice!”
“I said, give me the antidote. Don’t make me repeat myself.” Henry’s voice grew stern.
“Why do you always defend him?” Zara was upset. “He hit Chris and attacked my company deliberately. Not only did you not punish him, you even asked me to give you the antidote to save the enemy’s daughter?”
“Give me the antidote. I’ll ask him to stop attacking your company and transfer five percent of Nacht Group’s shares to Chris,” offered Henry. “Will that do?”
Zara was briefly startled but soon regained her composure. Flashing a grin, she replied, “Father, you should’ve said that earlier. We’re a family, after all.”
With that, she took out a tiny bottle from her pocket and handed it to Henry.