When Charlotte heard the news, she was devastated.
What woman hasn't dreamed of marrying into a wealthy family, living a luxurious life, and being the envy of all?
Charlotte, like many others, had those dreams. When she unexpectedly received the Monroes' extravagant betrothal gifts, she was so glad that she didn't bother to learn anything about Damien Monroe's son, not even his appearance or character.
She felt a surge of vanity. The compliments from her relatives and the envious stares from strangers filled her with pride as she drove her stunning Lamborghini.
It felt like she had struck gold, and she believed her life was about to transform dramatically.
But it turned out to be a cruel misunderstanding.
Damien Monroe's denial at the Dusit Hotel left her feeling profoundly embarrassed and guilty.
She had been miserable and aggrieved for days, with no one to confide in.
As she finally spoke her truth before Thaddeus, Charlotte couldn't hold back her tears.
"Damien Monroe's son is already married?" Thaddeus was shocked. "That can't be right. The list clearly said 'betrothal gifts.' Were they not meant for his son's engagement? Or was Charlotte supposed to be..."
Thaddeus didn't say "second wife," but everyone knew what he implied.
Charlotte didn't grasp his meaning immediately. She only heard the term "betrothal gifts."
It turned out those gifts weren't meant for her but were intended for Anastasia from Ethan.
She mocks Ethan, claiming he can never afford such luxurious gifts for Anastasia, calls him a loser, and tells him to leave. It is all so absurd now.
Claudia awkwardly rubbed her hands together. "Thaddeus, those gifts weren't for Charlotte. It was all a big misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?!" Thaddeus roared. He had spent hours at their house, only to find out it was all a mistake and that Charlotte wasn't marrying into the Monroe family.
Then Dauntless Son-in-Law Herculean Knight Ethan Knight
He jumped up, glaring at them. "How could you mess up something so important?! You were so proud when you told me before! All you do is brag and show off, but you need help solving problems! You're all worthless!
"You've brought this mess on the Reeds! If you don't find a way to fix it, you'll regret it!"
Thaddeus stormed out in a rage.
Claudia chased him, trying to convince him to stay, but he got into his car and drove off. She was so furious she kicked the door repeatedly.
Charles was equally frustrated. "What's the point of yelling? He's gone."
"Do you think I care about him?" Claudia snapped. "I just wanted to ask if he'd still let us move back in and work at Reed Corporation."
Charles scoffed. "Of course not! Can't you see he only came here because the Reeds were in trouble and wanted us to beg for mercy from the Monroes? He need our help, that's all.
"If we could help the Reeds, he might have given us some perks. But since we can't, he won't care about us."
Charles' harsh words left Claudia stunned. He was right. Thaddeus would disregard them if they were of no use to him.
But Claudia saw a glimmer of hope. She clapped her hands, excited. "Exactly! If we can help the Reeds, Thaddeus will be grateful and value us. He'll give us the house and jobs. He might even let you take over the family!"
Charles looked at her incredulously. "Are you out of your mind? The Reeds turned to us as a last resort. What makes you think we can solve a problem they can't? Do you still think we're connected to the Monroes? Haven't we embarrassed ourselves enough?"
Claudia didn't feel humiliated before Damien Monroe; it was just a misunderstanding. But she regretted not becoming in-laws with the Monroes and had no say in it.
While they argued, they didn't notice that Charlotte had left the house.
Feeling sad and discouraged, Charlotte didn't want to stay home listening to her parents complain. With nowhere else to go, she contacted her best friend, Lily Keds.
"Lily, please come out and have some beers with me."
When Lily arrived at the bar, Charlotte had drunk several glasses of wine and was tipsy.
Several men surrounded her, staring openly. Some even tried to hit on her. Despite Charlotte's rejections, they wouldn't leave and continued flirting.
Lily hurriedly pulled Charlotte away, concerned for her safety.
"Lily, you're here! I want to drink," Charlotte said, her eyes red and swollen.
"Let's go to my place and drink. We can get more liquor, and you can drink as much as you want." Lily coaxed Charlotte out of the bar.
As they were about to get into the car, a man stepped out of the shadows and blocked them.
Then Dauntless Son-in-Law Herculean Knight Ethan Knight
"Charlotte! You must help me! Just go to the Monroes and say some nice things about us. It's easy! I know I've made mistakes, and I'm truly sorry! If you don't help, the Reeds will fall, and Grandpa will kill me! Please, help me this once!" Brendan pleaded, his breath reeking of alcohol.
Brendan had gone drinking with friends after Thaddeus berated him and kicked him out. But knowing his grandfather wouldn't let him back in without Charlotte's help, he had tracked her down. He needed to convince Charlotte to help him out.
"Get lost! I already told you not to involve me!" Charlotte glared at Brendan. All these people keep approaching me, but it's pointless! I have nothing to do with the Monroe family!
Brendan tried to say something, but Lily quickly shoved Charlotte into the car, started the engine, and drove off.
Brendan watched the car disappear, his face darkening. "Since you've decided to be ruthless, don't blame me! Let's see who has the last laugh in the end."