“Mia, Ian has made it clear he wants to spend his life with you. What about you? How do you feel?“.
“I thought about it all night,” Mia said seriously, her eyes full of determination. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to stay by his side no matter what.”
Just then, Ian returned and happened to hear her words.
“That’s all I needed to hear,” Ian said, his voice warm with emotion. “Everything I’ve done has been worth it.”
A little while later, Lena arrived. Charlotte and Lena stayed at lan’s place for the rest of the afternoon, and it was evening by the time they headed home after dinner.
The next day, Sean took Charlotte to visit the Riley family.
When Desmond first saw Sean, his expression was dark and unwelcoming. But when Sean asked if they could speak privately, Desmond agreed.
They went into the tea room and closed the door. Charlotte had no idea what they discussed. All she knew was that it took a long time. From a little after two in the afternoon until dinner, the door remained shut.
Waiting was agonizing for Charlotte, every minute stretching into what felt like hours.
When Sean finally came out, his expression was the same as when he went in. Desmond, however, looked noticeably more relaxed. That was a good sign.
It seemed their conversation had gone well.
“What did you say to my dad?” Charlotte asked quietly, pulling Sean aside.
“A lot,” Sean replied. “We talked about Joseph and Vivian, about cooperation between our families, and about some major project approvals for the Riley Corporation. I’ll tell you more later.
“So, my dad is fine with us getting back together?”
“More or less,” Sean said quietly.
Charlotte grinned and gave him a thumbs–up. “That’s amazing.”
“I’m heading out now, sweetheart. See you tomorrow.” Sean gave her cheek a gentle squeeze.
“See you tomorrow,” she replied with a smile.
His words eased the nervous flutter in her heart.
Charlotte walked over to Desmond and called softly, “Dad.”
He looked up at her, his tone unusually warm. “Not angry with me anymore?”
Charlotte pressed her lips together. “No, Dad. I should be the one asking you that. Are you still angry with me? What I said the other day was out of line. You’re my father, and I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I’m sorry.”
Desmond’s eyes softened. “I spoke too harshly too. I owe you an apology for that day as well.”
They reconciled, and Charlotte stayed for dinner that evening.
After the meal, Desmond spoke to her in a heartfelt tone. “Today, I finally got to know Sean a little better. He truly is a man worth spending your life with. I will not stand in your way anymore. I only opposed him before because you had suffered so much in his family. You were right–now that Joseph and Vivian have both been brought to justice, no one on the Jasper side can stop you from being together. I have no reason to object.
1/3
Chapter 501
“Lottie, all I want is for you to be happy. If you have chosen Sean,
Her eyes grew misty at his words, emotion rising in her chest. “Da
“That young man truly cares for you. I saw his determination toda will not interfere again.”
“Thank you, Dad,” she said through tear–filled eyes.
He smiled. “There is no need for thanks between us.”
Chapter 501
+25 BONUS
“Lottie, all I want is for you to be happy. If you have chosen Sean, then you have my blessing.”
Her eyes grew misty at his words, emotion rising in her chest. “Dad,” she said, her voice trembling.
“That young man truly cares for you. I saw his determination today. From now on, the road you two walk will be yours alone. I will not interfere again.”
“Thank you, Dad,” she said through tear–filled eyes.
He smiled. “There is no need for thanks between us.’
