Chapter 6 Leaving Tomorrow
1340 Words
It wasn't that Charlotte had a particularly good memory. It was just that Evelyn had never really liked her since she was young. Evelyn's favorite thing to say was, "If it weren't for your dad bringing you home, you would have starved to death. We've given you food, shelter, and education. We treated you so well, didn't we? Why don't you help out our family a bit?"
Being reminded of this every day made it hard for Charlotte to forget.
Fortunately, her adoptive father, Logan Parker, treated her well.
Logan was the one who had found her. When she woke up from a fever-induced coma, he was the first person she saw.
Charlotte couldn't remember what had happened back then. She only vaguely recalled being alone in the wilderness for a long time, in the dead of winter, cold and hungry, living in constant fear.
So when she woke up and saw Logan holding and comforting her, she felt an instant bond. She was also scared of people and clung to Logan, never letting go. Since her family couldn't be found, Logan, feeling sorry for her, took her in and adopted her.
Their family wasn't in a position to take in another child, and Evelyn didn't want to care for someone else, but she couldn't argue against Logan, so Charlotte stayed.
Logan had always been soft, except when it came to keeping Charlotte. Although he couldn't provide the care and protection a father should due to working away from home for long periods of time, Charlotte still respected and appreciated him.
This time, Charlotte came back just to see Logan before going abroad. After all, it wouldn't be as easy to visit once she left the country.
Outside, Evelyn had started venting her frustrations by throwing pots and pans around.
"What's happening now?" Logan's voice came from outside the door.
"Your good-for-nothing daughter! We've raised her all these years. Without us, she'd still be working on some assembly line and never have had the chance to marry a rich man like Ethan! Does she think she's too good for us now that she's with Ethan? Now she won't even help her own family!"
Logan sounded delighted. "Charloty's back?"
There was a knock on the door as Logan's voice faded.
Charlotte went to open the door and saw Logan standing there.
"Dad," she called softly.
Logan entered and lowered his voice. "Don't mind your mom. She's just venting."
Charlotte nodded slightly. "Okay."
Logan asked, "Why did you come back alone? Where's Ethan?"
"He..." Charlotte hesitated for a moment but decided to be honest. "We got divorced."
"Divorced?" Logan's expression immediately turned solemn. "Why did you get divorced?"
"We weren't right for each other," Charlotte replied.
Logan frowned. "Was it because of your mom and brother?"
Charlotte shook her head. "Just don't let them bother him anymore."
Logan looked hesitant. It wasn't that he didn't want to, but he couldn't persuade Evelyn and Mason. Evelyn had the final say in the family.
Charlotte understood his difficulty and smiled. "It's fine. I'll talk to them. I just came back to see you this time. I got accepted into an overseas university for a master's program. I'm leaving tomorrow and will be gone for two years. I probably won't be able to visit often, so take care of yourself."
She took a bank card from her bag. "There's some money on this card. Keep it for yourself, and let me know if you need more."
Logan quickly pushed it back. "You need money abroad. Keep it for yourself. I don't need it."
"It's fine. I have enough." Charlotte insisted on giving him the card.
Logan felt a pang of sadness, knowing she would leave the next day. "Why are you leaving so suddenly? Can't you study here?"
"I just want to go somewhere else and see the world. It's okay. Two years will fly by," Charlotte reassured him. Seeing Logan still look worried, she added, "And the Architecture Department at this school is ranked fourth in the world. I'm lucky to have been accepted."
Logan was consoled, with a mix of relief and pride in his expression. "That's wonderful. I always knew you'd make something of yourself."
Charlotte smiled.
Evelyn had also entered the house, muttering, "Can you ask Ethan if he can lend us some money?"
Charlotte's face turned cold as she looked up at her. "Mom, Ethan and I are divorced. Please don't bother him anymore."
Evelyn and Mason were both stunned. "What?"
Charlotte didn't say much more. She had a flight to catch that night and needed to pack her bags. After saying goodbye to Mia and Logan, she left.
Evelyn and Mason were still trying to process the news.
"Is it true? How did they suddenly get divorced?"?
Logan sighed, "It's true. She's leaving tomorrow."
Mason frowned. "Where is she going?"
Logan replied, "She said she's going to study for two years."
Mason's frown deepened. He was someone who couldn't keep things to himself.
He called Ethan, “What's going on with you two? How did you suddenly get divorced? Charloty is leaving tomorrow.”
Hearing this news, Ethan's hand paused on the mouse.
Instead of explaining, he asked calmly, "What do you need?"
Mason suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. "Actually, no, I just heard about your divorce and was worried about you..."
Ethan replied, "We're fine."
Mason immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought so. It's normal for couples to have occasional arguments. You just need to coax her a bit."
Ethan didn't respond.
Mason felt even more embarrassed. "By the way, Ethan, about that resort project last time..."
Ethan turned to him. "That project isn't under my management."
Mason's smile froze, but he managed to maintain it. "Oh, I see."
Mason was always straightforward and friendly with everyone, lacking a sense of boundaries. He spoke and acted without thinking, and he never felt nervous around wealthy people like Ethan, but this time, he felt awkward for the first time.
Ethan noticed his disappointment and awkwardness and softened his tone. "By the way, isn't your mom looking for a house in Manhattan recently?"
"Yes, Charloty doesn't have a place to stay when she comes home, so we need a bigger house. We were thinking of asking you for some help with the down payment..." Mason's voice trailed off. He dared not mention that Charlotte had objected.
Ethan nodded. "I'll have Henry transfer the money to you later."
Just then, Harper walked in. Ethan caught a glimpse of her.
Mason continued talking on the phone. "I knew Charloty was right about you. Ethan, you're a generous person. Your business will definitely thrive."
"Alright." Ethan quickly ended the call and looked at Harper.
"Need something?" he asked.
Harper adjusted her cambric hat with her silk-gloved hands.
"I'm here to see Henry. I need to go to the northwest tomorrow, and my driver, Brad Hill, is on leave. I was hoping Henry could take me to the airport if he was available."
Harper turned to Henry as she spoke.
Henry immediately nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Brooks."
Harper continued, "I'll send you the flight details later."
"Mom, you can go now," Ethan said, clearly dismissing her. "Please let us know before you come next time."
Harper looked at him, reluctantly nodded, and left without another word.
Henry watched her leave in confusion and looked at Ethan's calm face. "You don't get along with your mother?"
"No," Ethan replied coolly.
Staring at the report, Mason's words flashed in Ethan's mind. "Charlotte is leaving tomorrow."
Silent for a while, Ethan pushed it aside. He picked up another stack of documents, glanced at them, and put them down again. He turned his gaze towards the window, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Henry, who had been secretly observing Ethan, took the opportunity to ask, "Mr. Brooks, do we need to reschedule the meeting with Mr. Grayson tomorrow?"
Ethan paused his movement, then opened his eyes, his expression as composed as ever.
"No need." he said.
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