As evening approached, Charlotte was brought back to her rented apartment by Nash.
Charlotte’s family was gathered in the living room, including Quentin.
Seeing Quentin, Charlotte pretended to ignore him, her expression cold as ice.
“Janessa, Theo, Mommy’s home,” Charlotte said with a bright smile.
“Mommy, you’re back!” The two little ones ran out joyfully, and Charlotte’s worries vanished.
Charlotte picked up the two kids and kissed them each. “Janessa, Theo, were you good today?”
“Yes, we were! Daddy even helped us with our homework,” Janessa said happily.
“Good girl, Janessa,” Charlotte said, pinching her cheek.
“Janessa, Theo, say hello to Uncle,” Charlotte said, looking at Nash.
“Hello, Uncle,” the children said obediently, though they didn’t particularly like him.
“Hello, Janessa and Theo!”
Nash tried to take Janessa from Charlotte’s arms, but she wriggled free, making Nash feel awkward.
“Nash, don’t mind it. Janessa is just a bit shy,” Charlotte explained.
“No problem, I understand,” Nash laughed awkwardly.
‘Two little brats, one day I’ll sell you both to traffickers!’ Nash thought bitterly.
“Theo, take Janessa to your room to play. Mommy will come find you later.”
Charlotte put the children down and sent them to their room. She didn’t want them to witness her argument with Quentin.
“Charlotte, you’re back,” Quentin said, standing up from the sofa and walking over to her.
After their argument, Charlotte had left with Nash in his car and only returned late at night. Quentin couldn’t help but feel displeased.
Moreover, she seemed much closer to Nash than before, which felt like a hammer blow to his chest.
Quentin’s sharp eyes turned icy as he glanced at Nash. Even a second of eye contact made Nash feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.
“What are you doing here?”
Though Quentin was pleased to see her, remembering what happened today made Charlotte’s face turn frosty.
Quentin knew she was still angry. “I came to see Janessa and Theo. It’s so late; where have you been?”
“Where I go is none of your business. Do you have anything else? If not, please leave. I’m tired.”
Still sulking, Charlotte walked towards her room.
“Wait, Charlotte, listen to me. What happened today was just a misunderstanding.”
Quentin grabbed her hand.
“No need to explain. I know whether it was a misunderstanding or not.”
“You know it too well!” Charlotte shook off his hand. “Quentin, get out of here. Don’t come back unless it’s necessary.”
Quentin felt a sharp pain in his heart seeing her like this.
He noticed that the necklace he had given her was no longer around her neck.
“Charlotte, where’s the necklace I gave you? Why aren’t you wearing it?”
A flash of guilt crossed Charlotte’s face but quickly disappeared.
“I sold it to the Pittman family as a dowry. I’ll repay you the money.”
Her cold and indifferent response hurt Quentin even more.
“Charlotte, I…”
Before he could finish, Charlotte had already entered her room and shut the door tightly, clearly not wanting to see him.
“Nash, sorry for today. I’m a bit tired. Thanks for bringing me back. Please go home safely.”
Charlotte’s voice came from inside the room.
Seeing the stark contrast in how she treated him and Nash made Quentin’s heart sink.
“Alright, Charlotte. Rest well!”
Nash responded and then looked at Quentin with eyes full of disdain and mockery.
“Quentin, you’re lucky to be with such a good girl like Charlotte.”
“Not only did you not cherish her, but you also fooled around outside. How can you face Charlotte?”
Nash patted Quentin’s shoulder sarcastically.
“My matters with her are none of your business. Remove your filthy hand before I get angry.”
Quentin’s cold demeanor made Nash pull his hand back in fear. Quentin’s presence was overwhelmingly oppressive.
“What’s so great about you? One day I’ll ruin you,” Nash cursed inwardly.
“Family or not, Nash is one of us!”
Emma walked over and scolded Quentin. Seeing it was his mother-in-law, Quentin held back his retort.
Emma had never liked Quentin. Seeing him argue with Charlotte today was the perfect opportunity to pair Nash with her daughter.
“Nash, don’t rush off. I made your favorite dishes tonight. Stay for dinner.”
Emma held Nash’s hand affectionately.
“Auntie, I appreciate it, but Charlotte is tired today. Let her rest.”
“I’ll visit another day when everyone is free.”
Nash smiled broadly while Quentin felt disgusted watching them interact. He stepped outside and lit a cigarette.
“Alright then, Nash. You’re always welcome here.”
“Our home is your home too, right?”
“If that’s the case, I won’t insist. Remember to visit often.”
Emma looked at Nash with increasing fondness.
“Auntie, you’re right. Your family is my family.”
After some more pleasantries, Nash left.
Outside, he saw Quentin and gave him a disdainful smile.
“Quentin, why are you still here? Do you really think this is your home?”
“I suggest you stay away from Charlotte. You’re not worthy of her!”
Nash taunted Quentin again.
“I suggest you don’t mess with people you shouldn’t,” Quentin replied coldly and walked away without bothering with him further.
“Hmph, I’ll see what you can do against me,” Nash thought angrily, vowing to ruin Quentin.