The cocktail party ended.
On the way home, Desmond glanced at Charlotte and asked, “So, what did you think of Tyler Ziegler?”
Charlotte gave a vague reply. “It was fine. We even exchanged contact info.”
Hearing that, Desmond looked pleased. “That’s great. The Zieglers are a good match for us. Tyler’s got a solid background, good looks, and a promising future. You two should really give it a try.”
Charlotte’s expression didn’t change. She replied calmly, “These things should happen naturally. You can’t force feelings.” Desmond tried again. “Feelings grow with time. The more you spend together, the more likely something will develop.”
But Charlotte’s tone turned firmer, though still polite. “Dad, I’ve told you before–I’m focusing on my career right now.”
Desmond heard the shift in her voice and knew she wasn’t happy. He sighed and let the subject drop.
When they got back to the Riley estate, Charlotte went upstairs with a cold expression.
She passed Xena in the hallway and gave her a brief, emotionless nod.
Xena smiled politely in return. Once Charlotte disappeared upstairs, she turned to Desmond. “What’s with Lottie? She didn’t look too happy.”
Desmond sat down on the sofa in the living room. A housekeeper brought over a cup of hot tea. He let out a sigh. “I introduced her to the Ziegler boy at the event. I asked her a few questions on the way home, and she got upset.”
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Xena frowned and sat beside him. “You know she was already annoyed the last time we brought this up over dinner. Why would you push it again tonight?”
“Tyler’s a good kid,” Desmond said. “I like him. He and Lottie are a good match. I’m just thinking of her future. The Zieglers are close family friends. I had lunch with Tyler’s parents the other day, and they’re interested too. Our families are well- matched. If she married into that family, she’d be treated well.”
Xena spoke gently. “I know you mean well. But if she’s not open to it, then it’s better not to push. Lottie has a strong drive, and it’s a good thing she’s focused on her work. We should support that. She’s an amazing young woman. When the time’s right, she’ll find someone.”
Desmond was quiet for a moment before sighing. “You’re right. No need to bring it up again. She can make her own choices.”
Two days earlier, Charlotte had ordered a designer handbag from a luxury brand as a birthday gift for Megan. Normally, a purchase like this required customers to spend over half a million dollars to even qualify, but Charlotte was a Black Card member.
On top of that, Riley Corporation was a stakeholder in the brand, so she could reserve anything with a si phone call.
That morning, a store associate called to let her know the bag had arrived and asked whether she preferred home delivery or would pick it up herself.
Charlotte had already made plans to go shopping that afternoon with Lena, so she said she would pick it up in person.
She arrived at the mall early, before Lena, and decided to head to the store first.
On the way, a dress in a window display caught her eye.
It was a light blue halter dress made of sheer chiffon, with a breezy coastal vacation vibe.
Charlotte immediately liked it and thought it would be perfect for Megan’s yacht party on Saturday,
1/3
She stepped into the boutique.
The sales associate instantly recognized the custom designer outf
“Welcome. How can I help you today?”
Charlotte pointed to the blue dress. “Could you wrap that one up f
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She stepped into the boutique.
The sales associate instantly recognized the custom designer outfit Charlotte was wearing and greeted her warmly.
“Welcome. How can I help you today?”
Charlotte pointed to the blue dress. “Could you wrap
that
one up for me?”
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