Chapter 242
After closing the TH Corporation deal, Tim drank a bit more than usual at lunch. As soon as they got back to the hotel, he collapsed into bed and fell fast asleep.
With nothing scheduled for the afternoon, Charlotte had the rest of the day to herself.
South City was a coastal destination. It was one of the country’s most famous tourist hotspots.
Her hotel was right by the ocean, offering sweeping views of the sea and pale golden sand.
By mid–afternoon, the temperature had soared to nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Charlotte spent most of the day lounging in her room, finally changing into a breezy camisole and shorts just before sunset. She applied sunscreen, threw on her sunglasses, and headed to the beach.
The stretch of beach near the hotel was private, reserved for guests only. It was quiet and uncrowded.
She settled into a lounge chair under a large beach umbrella, took off her sunglasses, and gazed out at the endless ocean, letting her thoughts drift.
The sun hung low where the sea met the sky. The clouds were painted in shades of orange and red, their edges glowing like molten gold. The water shimmered with broken light, like someone had poured sparkling orange soda across the waves and scattered diamonds on top. It was surreal and dreamlike.
A salty breeze rolled in from the ocean, cooling the heat of the day.
Charlotte leaned back in her chair, letting the seaside sunset wash over her. For the first time in days, she felt truly at peace.
The past week had been nonstop–work, travel, meetings. She hadn’t had a chance to slow down in ages.
Just as she was starting to relax, a man strolled up and interrupted.
“Hey there, pretty lady. Here by yourself?”
Charlotte didn’t even look at him. Her face stayed blank as she replied, “Married. Two kids. My husband’s in the hotel watching them.”
Instead of leaving, the man got more excited.
He stepped closer, eyes sweeping over her from head to toe, his voice thick with sleaze.
“Ooh, a young mom, huh? You’ve had two kids and still look this good?”
Charlotte ignored him.
He moved in again, now practically hovering over her lounge chair.
“If your husband’s not around, how about we have a little fun?”
Her gaze turned sharp and disgusted.
“Get lost.”
“Whoa, fiesty.” The man smirked, clearly entertained. “I like women with attitude.”
Just as Charlotte was about to stand up and deal with him, the man was suddenly kicked to the ground.
“Who the hell are you?” a cold voice snapped.
Charlotte turned and frowned.
“Zac Gibson? What is he doing here?” she wondered.
The man scrambled back up, swearing loudly as he lunged forward, ready to fight.
But he was barely five–foot–seven, wiry and weak. Standing in front of Zac–well over six feet tall and built from years of training–he had no chance.
Within seconds, the creep realized it and took off running.
Zac dusted off his clothes and looked at Charlotte.
“You okay?”
Charlotte’s face was cold.
“What are you doing here?”
Zac sat down in the lounge chair next to hers.
The truth was, he had bribed one of her coworkers at the law firm to find out where she was staying.
But he didn’t say that.
“It’s been freezing in Jersey City lately, so I came to South City for a vacation. Total coincidence–we’re at the same hotel. Are you here on vacation too?”
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Chapter 242
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Charlotte didn’t bother figuring out how much of that was true. Whether he was really vacationing or had followed her here didn’t matter. Either way, it had nothing to do with her.
She said coolly, “That’s none of your business.”
Zac leaned back and added, “You know Sean’s in South City too, right? Came here with that actress.”
Charlotte curled her lips into a cold smirk.
“And what exactly are you trying to say?”
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