Chapter 5

Downstairs, Xavier's Maybach was parked quietly by the curb.

Seeing me approach, he stepped out of the car, took my suitcase from me, and tucked it into the trunk.

"It's done?" he asked.

"Yeah." I slid into the car, feeling kind of wiped out.

Xavier noticed I wasn't in the best mood and didn't ask any questions. Instead, he handed me a bottle of water.

"We'll go to Lewis Manor for dinner first. My mom's always talking about you," he said.

The car drove steadily into the night.

About half an hour later, my phone buzzed.

It was a text from an unknown number.

I opened it and saw a photo.

Grace was lying on a hospital bed, looking pale and weak, with an IV in her hand.

Under the photo, Eric had typed: [Charlotte, are you happy now? Grace lost the baby, and it's all because of you. I won't let you off. I'm going to ruin your reputation and leave you penniless.]

I read the message coldly and deleted it without a second thought.

Ruined my reputation and left me broke?

Eric, you still had no clue who was in control here, and who was about to be left with nothing.

*****

Lewis Manor was nestled at the foot of a hill by Mistveil Lake, an old estate guarded with tight security.

The car drove in, winding through a long, tree-lined path before finally stopping in front of an elegant building.

Xavier's mother, Helen Lewis, was waiting for us at the door.

She looked amazing, barely in her forties, wearing a perfectly tailored dress that highlighted her gentle grace and quiet elegance.

Spotting me, she came over and took my hand, her eyes a little red. "Charlotte, you're finally back."

Her hand was warm, making me feel safe.

"Mrs. Lewis," I called softly.

"Don't be so formal, dear," Helen said, shooting Xavier a playful glare. "You brat, I told you to bring her home sooner, but you kept dragging your feet."

Xavier laughed and put his arm around my shoulders. "Mom, she's shy. Let her take her time."

I felt a bit nervous, but managed to call out, "Helen."

"That's my good girl," Helen grinned from ear to ear. "Hurry inside. Dinner's ready."

Dinner at Lewis Manor was generous but never excessive.

Xavier's father, Edward, stepped out of his study. He didn't say much, just gave me a gentle look.

"Charlotte, this is your home now. If you feel wronged out there, come back and tell us. We'll stand behind you," Edward said.

His simple words made my nose tingle, and I almost teared up.

After all these years, I'd nearly forgotten what it felt like to belong somewhere.

Ever since my mom passed away and my dad remarried, my old home had turned cold and empty.

I'd poured everything into Eric, hoping he'd be the place I could finally call home.

But in the end, it was nothing but a cruel joke.

"Thank you, Edward," I replied softly.

The whole dinner was cheerful and full of laughter.

Helen kept loading up my plate with food while subtly fishing for details about Eric and me.

When she heard that Eric had flaunted his mistress at the IPO ceremony and was scheming with some shady contract to steal my money, she slammed her fork down on the table, furious.

"This is too much," she snapped. "Does he think he can mess with us Lewises and the Goodmans like we're nothing?"

She shot a look at Edward. "Honey, we can't let this go. Make sure Eric's pathetic company disappears from the market, fast."

Edward nodded, his tone cold. "Relax. He won't last much longer. The fraud evidence is already in. If all goes well, he'll be under investigation by next week."

A gentle warmth spread through my chest.

While I was in the dark, the Lewis family had already set up a safety net for me.

Xavier ladled some soup into a bowl and set it in front of me. "Eat. Don't let trash mess with your mood. Eric can't stir up any real trouble."

I nodded. The part of my heart that Eric and Grace had frozen over started to loosen up a bit.

After dinner, Helen took my hand and led me upstairs to a bedroom that was already ready.

"Charlotte, this used to be Xavier's room. I had it redone for you," she said. "Take a look and see if it feels right. You two will be living here."

The room was spacious, with the kind of clean, minimalist vibe I loved. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the entire courtyard lay steeped in the quiet night.

"Thanks. I really love it," I said.

"I'm glad you like it," Helen said, giving my hand a gentle pat.

Then she slipped an emerald bracelet off her wrist and placed it on mine.

"This is the Lewis family's heirloom bracelet, only given to the main daughter-in-law. Keep it, and from now on, you're one of us," she said.

The bracelet was cool and smooth, clearly worth a fortune.

But more than that, it was a sign that I was truly accepted here.

I couldn't say no, so I accepted it.

Helen offered a few more gentle words, smiled, and left, giving Xavier and me some privacy.

With only the two of us left in the room, the atmosphere turned a bit awkward.

On paper, we were married. But in reality, we were familiar strangers.

"Go take a shower. I've got everything ready for you." Xavier broke the awkward silence, gesturing toward the bathroom.

I nodded and headed inside.

From the bathrobe to the toiletries, everything was stocked in the brands I always use.

I was a bit surprised. "How did you know these are my favorites?"

Xavier leaned casually against the doorframe. "Figuring out what you like isn't rocket science."

I understood.

With his abilities, finding out everything about me was a breeze.