Chapter 21
As soon as the interview aired, Blake received word of Charlotte’s whereabouts. She was in Austin, and true to her former wishes, had opened a design studio.
He searched almost desperately for information about Olive Branch Studio, discovering what Charlotte had experienced in the year since leaving him
Unlike his descent into depression, she had become increasingly radiant, building her studio from nothing into a brand now recognized throughout the design world.
Blake stared intently at her figure under the lights, barely able to contain the impulse to rush over and hold her tightly as he once had.
Just as he was about to approach, someone grabbed his arm.
“Blake…” Madeline looked at him pleadingly, hoping he would stay, but Blake didn’t even turn his head as he shook off her hand.
Madeline clenched her fists in resentment.
Back then, after their public confrontation, Blake had knelt before the Hayes family for three days and nights to earn his way back. He had worked ike a man possessed, nothing like the person who had once abandoned his heir status over a mere comment.
Madeline grew increasingly panicked because even after Blake returned to the Hayes family, he didn’t help her respond to the online backlash. Her estaurant had been exposed, countless people came to condemn her, and even her previous marriage became a subject of public ridicule.
Having never experienced such humiliation, she could only beg Blake again. No longer haughty, Madeline had knelt before Blake and Charlotte, pologizing under the pressure of public opinion.
When the woman knelt tearfully at his feet, Blake felt conflicted-like finally obtaining a long-desired toy only to discover it had long since become
utrid.
le initially hadn’t wanted to deal with Madeline; her situation was entirely self-inflicted. But he hadn’t yet found Charlotte, hadn’t let her hear Madeline’s apology or learn of his remorse. So despite his reluctance, Blake tacitly allowed Madeline to remain by his side.
ut the former special treatment was gone. Instead, Madeline became the one who had to watch his every mood. All the mementos from their past elationship were burned to ashes in his study, the flames reflecting Madeline’s fearful face.
he knew she could only depend on Blake now.
ortunately, Charlotte hadn’t appeared, and over the past year, things between her and Blake had remained relatively stable. Just when she thought verything was improving, Charlotte suddenly reappeared!
he was going to steal everything from her again!
fadeline glared at the distant figure, her fingernails nearly drawing blood from her palms as she followed Blake with a pale face, approaching the
air,
Charlotte, I’ve finally found you…” After a year of reflection, Blake had matured considerably. He now fully controlled the Hayes family, becoming he legitimate heir. But facing Charlotte again, Blake felt as if he had returned to the past. He stared at her intently, afraid she would vanish from his ight again, not daring even to blink.
learing the voice both familiar and strange, Charlotte’s expression became flat and detached. Faced with Blake’s excited relief at finding her, she arely reacted, giving him only a cool glance.
Hello, Mr. Hayes.”
Hearing such a cold tone, Blake’s previously enthusiastic heart immediately chilled. A pain shot through his chest as he looked at the woman before um in disbelief. She had once loved him so deeply, yet now she was as cold as if devoid of any feeling.
‘Charlotte, why aren’t you calling me Blake anymore? We used to—”
He wanted to reminisce about the past, but Charlotte immediately interrupted him impatiently.
Chapter 21
“Mr. Hayes, please show some self respect. You’re already divorced from me. I hope you won’t disappoint your new lover again.”
Charlotte pointedly looked at the person behind Elake, prompting him to explain anxiously
“You misunderstand! There’s nothing between Madeline and me. I’m only keeping her around so she can apologize to you?”
As he spoke, he turned back with a stern face, his features full of disgust.
“Did you hear that? Apologize to Charlotte right now!
Madeline’s face paled. She glared hatefully at Charlotte, covering her abdomen as she reluctantly lowered her head.
I’m sorry, Miss Wells. It was all my fault before. Please forgive Ellake.”
Blake’s face brightened with happiness.
“Charlotte, can you forgive me now?
To his surprise, Charlotte’s expression remained unchanged, showing no sign of being moved.
“Mr. Hayes, don’t misunderstand. We’re finished. This isn’t something that can be find with an apology.”
Hearing this, Blake’s briefly joyful face immediately drained of color. He seemed unable to accept Charlotte’s words, his body beginning to tremble.
“Charlotte, I truly know I was wrong. Can’t we really start over
