Chapter 200
Charlotte had been following Sean’s advice for the past few days, staying home and working remotely without stepping outside
I didn’t take long for Sean to track down the man behind Ryan.
His name was cheater Simpson–local doppin in Jersey City with deep ties to both sides of the law. He can dozens of companies, all under different legal owners who acted as scapegoats. On the surface, the businesses looked legitimate. But behind the scenes, they were involved in all kinds of criminal activity.
As Sean took off his coat and hung it on the rack, he said, “My people found out that a few days ago, Joseph met with Chester after returning to the country. Looks like Chester’s trying to cozy up to him, hoping to land a powerful backer.
“Joseph has serious power overseas and a lot of assets. Chester’s looking to expand internationally, and Joseph needs a local partner now that he’s back. The two of them are a perfect match–crooked and ambitious. I’m pretty sure they’re already planning how to take me down”
Charlotte’s brows furrowed “So what are you going to da?”
Sean gave her a reassuring look “Don’t worry, I’ve already come
se up with a plan. Joseph won’t be able to stir up much trouble here.”
Charlotte nodded, though she still looked uneasy. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Has anyone suspicious come to the house lately?” Sean asked.
He had assigned several bodyguards to guard the villa around the clock. They were supposed to report anything unusual immediately, but Sean still felt uneasy. He needed to hear it from her himself.
Charlotte shook her head. “No. Everything’s been quiet.”
“dood. Don’t trust anyone you don’t larow.”
“I won’t.”
Inadim.
m, overly romantic hotel suite, the air was thick with the scent of
“Charlotte… Chadotte Zacmoaned, eyes shut tight; lost in the illusion.
Smack!!
“Wendy began.
Zac slapped her across the fare
“I told you not to speak. Not a word when we’re in bed,” he growled.
As long as she stayed silent, he could pretend she was Charlotte.
petals and regret
Wendy bit her lip hard, fighting back tears. The sting on her cheek was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.
The bed was covered in rose petals. The deep pink lighting gave the room a hazy, seductive glow, Shadows blurred her face, making it easier for Zac to keep up the fantasy
Lately, Wendy had begun imitating Charlotte in every possible way.
They were similar in height, and their features weren’t too far off. Zac had once admitted that when he first fell for Charlotte, it was because she reminded him of Wendy.
The first time Wendy met Charlotte, she had also mentioned how much they looked alike.
Back then, the only said it to get under her slin and remind her she was nothing more than a stand–in
But now? The tables had tumed
lar one desperately trying to become Charlotte. She copied her outfits, her makeup, ber haitstyle, even wore the sante pectume.
Wendy was the one
And it worked.
Zac, who once claimed he couldn’t live without Charlotte, now slept with Wendy instead–tailing deeper into temptation each time. Ben though he called out another woman’s name while touching her, Wendy didn’t care anymore.
As long as she got to stay by his side, she could take the familiation.
At Seaside Garden, Charlotte’s phone rang
“Hey, Charlotte! Good news–Luna’s getting discharged tomorrow! I’m heading to the hospital to pick her up. Want en come with me?”
“I’d love to, but. Thaven’t been going out lately.”
Jenny’s tone shifted. “is something wrong?”
