The Billionaire’s Substitute Bride

Chapter Ten: Charlotte’s First Move

Charlotte waited until Yvonne returned home before making her move.

The moment Yvonne entered the house, Charlotte was waiting in the sitting room.

"You're back."

Yvonne looked at her.

"Yes."

"You had a good time?"

Yvonne hesitated.

"Yes. We did."

Charlotte smiled.

"With Adrian?"

Yvonne nodded.

Charlotte forced herself to remain calm.

"What did you two talk about?"

"Just normal things."

"Like?"

Yvonne frowned.

"Why are you asking?"

"I'm your sister. I'm curious."

Yvonne didn't answer.

She walked past her.

Charlotte watched her disappear upstairs.

Her hands tightened around her phone.

She had to be careful.

If she attacked Yvonne directly, Adrian might become protective of her.

She needed another approach.

Later that evening, Charlotte went to Yvonne's room.

She knocked softly.

"Come in."

Charlotte entered with a small smile.

"I wanted to apologize."

Yvonne looked up from her desk.

"For what?"

"For how I reacted when Dad told us about the marriage."

Yvonne studied her.

"You don't have to apologize."

"I do."

Charlotte sat beside her.

"I was angry because I thought I was being forced into a marriage with Edward Sterling."

Yvonne nodded.

"I understand."

"I didn't realize the groom would be Adrian."

Yvonne looked at her.

"Does that change anything?"

Charlotte smiled.

"Of course not."

She reached for Yvonne's hand.

"I'm happy for you."

Yvonne wasn't completely convinced, but she smiled anyway.

"Thank you."

Charlotte squeezed her hand.

"I really mean it."

But when she left the room, her smile disappeared.

She had taken the first step.

Yvonne had accepted her apology.

Now she only needed to become someone Yvonne trusted.

Someone who could get close enough to know everything about her.

Her plans.

Her weaknesses.

And most importantly, Adrian.

Meanwhile, Adrian sat in his office reviewing the Carter agreement.

He should have been thinking about business.

Instead, he was thinking about Yvonne.

Her smile.

Her ambition.

The way she spoke about building her own company.

He picked up his phone and stared at her contact.

Then he smiled.

He called her.

Yvonne answered after a few rings.

"Hello?"

"Did I disturb you?"

"No."

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing."

"Good."

She laughed.

"Why?"

"I wanted to hear your voice."

Yvonne fell silent.

Adrian smiled.

"Too much?"

"A little."

"But you like it."

She smiled.

"Maybe."

They continued talking until late into the night.

Neither noticed how quickly their feelings were growing.

But Charlotte did.

And she wasn't going to let them grow for long.