CHAPTER 3
1045 Words
'A loan.' She briefly shut her eyes before opening them again. 'Using as collateral the shares left to me under the terms of Evander' will.'
She had done the calculations and fretted and lost sleep over the numbers, reducing them to the barest minimum to pay off accrued debt and buy a car. I'll repay you in full, with interest.
"Over what period?"
Charlotte communicated an estimate. She instantly reassured him, "Less." I'll use the annuity from Lyra's estate and give it to you immediately.
Henry gave her a thorough examination before providing a smooth negative. ‘No.’
Her features darkened, and her eyes grew gloomy and big. She has nowhere to go and no one to turn to for help.
Loan sharks only made short-term loans, and defaulting had serious repercussions.
She could feel the seeds of rage taking root, growing into flames that were heavily influenced by the past.
The urge to grab the salt shaker and fling it at him was the strongest. To gain control, she deliberately put her hands on her lap.
Any chance that Henry would heed Evander'sverbal promise of financial assistance vanished without a trace, and she got to her feet, unable to spend even one more minute in his company. "Return to New York and live a nice life," was the advice.
"Sit down." Dark, slate-grey eyes burned into hers. I'm not finished,
‘I am!
When Charlotte turned her back on the table, a hand quickly closed over her wrist, securing her as firmly as steel chains.
"Let me leave." Her eyes blazed with dazzling sapphire chips as the words husked from her throat in a hoarse groan.
At this distance, she was acutely aware of his height, the width of his shoulders, the fresh scent of freshly laundered garments, and the subtle, seductive scent of his perfume.
"Sit down, would you?"
She gazed at him, her rage unabated despite his 'please'. Give me one justification for doing so.
He maintained his focus, and a muscle in the corner of his jaw tensed. "I have a thought." He chose without any hesitation after being swiftly and decisively convinced. Charlotte remained motionless, and a hint of caution crept into her look. I don't know if I want to hear it.
When Henry released her wrist and took up his position across from her, she barely noticed being moved into her seat.
I'll pay off yoscescepticismticismsm scepticiscepticismtegorically denied me," I said.
Henry Clarified, 'To give you a loan,' adding, 'Or accepting a transfer of Lyra's annuity.'
Why did she develop an icy sensation that spread down the length of her spine all of a sudden?
"As things stand, the Anderson Conglomerate's future is in jeopardy." Your half-share is passed on to the following generation through your children's offspring.
While mine will completely vanish if I don't move to Sweden and take the directorship. She was burned by his gaze.
You won't disagree that Evander planned something else for his $1 billion conglomerate, right? She was aware of EvEvander'snormous wealth, but how much exactly?
Only a fool would let such a large investment escape their grasp. Henry Was also not an i***t.
"So you'll be based out of Sweden." It was a factual statement rather than a question.
He said softly, "I'll respect my father's wishes," pausing as the waiter took their dishes away and announced that their main meal would be delivered shortly.
Do you think that the conglomerate's future depends on a stable consolidation?
There is only one possible response. ‘Yes.’
He was engaging in a delicate game that called for persuasiveness and verbal dexterity. Along with his ruthless ability to triumph in the face of overwhelming odds, he was particularly well-known for this in the business world.
To do in death what he had not been able to do during his life, Evander laid out a plan in his will.
Charlotte's expressive features caught Henry's attention, and he could tell that she was wary and just a little curious. and drew closer to kill.
I'll see to it that the money you need is placed into your bank account within the next 24 hours.
The relief in her voice was audible as the horrifying weight of her debt to the loan shark vanished.
"I'm grateful."
"Any temporary reduction in your staff's wages is reimbursed, together with an equal amount to ensure any outstanding bills are paid."
She didn't speak until the waiter had finished bringing their main course.
"You're being incredibly kind," I said. A sense of innate trepidation and scepticism started to emerge.
"I'll pay off the restaurant's mortgage debt and cover all required renovations."
Surely there was a catch. She would have to pay a cost.
How many options were available? She quietly confessed that there were indeed too few—just one.
But she had to inquire. "In exchange for what?"
His speech had a hint of derision, and one of his dark eyebrows tilted. "Taking up residence in my bed."
Her eyes were fiery blue. As your mistress, please?
‘No.’
She was at her most hateful when she heard him making a lighthearted sound.
‘Then…what?’ Demanded Charlotte.
"My spouse.
Charlotte briefly lost her ability to speak, and she felt the blood leave her cheeks.
If this is a joke, it's in really bad taste, she said shakily.
Henry silently watched her, observing her dilated, darkened eyes and her slightly parted lips as she unconsciously held her breath.
Finally, she was able to say, "You can't be serious." The idea was ridiculous. unbelievably high. Impossible.
Henry informed her gravely, "Very serious.
‘Why?’ It was a heartbreaking, strangled cry that came from the bottom of her soul.
‘Children.’
She didn't get it for a brief period, and even then Henry decided to spell it out.
"Our equal shares in the Anderson Conglomerate are pledged in trust for the benefit of our joint children with you and with me.
" Something that will bring about difficult problems and ultimately lead to the collapse of the conglomerate in the following generation. His eyes pierced hers after a brief pause. If you and I get married, the children named in Evander Will be the offspring of our union, thus it won't happen.
- Writer
