"Just kidding!" Sebastian's voice burst through the line, followed by a low, smooth chuckle.
Charlotte's held breath escaped in a silent rush. "Oh."
Sebastian's amusement was felt, even through the phone. "I knew you were happy when I postponed the date, well, unfortunately, you're going to see my face tonight."
Charlotte's words dripped with sarcasm. "Yes. I was very happy." Her gaze drifted to the doorway as Natalie walked in, a questioning look etched on her face.
"Taylor is outside, don't keep her waiting," Sebastian said, his tone abrupt, before the line went dead.
Charlotte's eyes locked onto Natalie's, her expression mild.
Natalie's curiosity was piqued. She mouthed, "What?" her eyes narrowing, her brow furrowed.
"Mr. Sebastian called, his staff is waiting for me outside," Charlotte announced, already heading towards her room.
Rachel sauntered over to the window, pulling back the curtain to confirm. "You're right," she said, her voice neutral.
Outside, a sleek black car idled, its engine purring softly.
"The car's outside," Rachel stated, her expression unreadable.
"Let me get ready," Charlotte called out, disappearing into her room.
As the door closed behind Charlotte, Rachel murmured, "Lucky Charlie."
Natalie settled into the couch, her eyes fixed on Rachel. "Is she?" she asked, her tone questionable.
Rachel's gaze lingered on the car outside before she released the curtain, allowing it to fall back into place. "She gets to go out all night with a rich, handsome man." She replied and settled into her original sitting position.
Natalie raised an eyebrow, "I don't think you should consider her lucky. She doesn't even enjoy seeing him."
Rachel's shoulders shrugged, her expression dismissive. "Doesn't matter."
With a flick of her wrist, Rachel waved aside the conversation, her tone lightening. "Did I tell you I met another handsome man at headquarters?"
Natalie's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Tell me about it."
But before Rachel could dive into the details, Charlotte burst out of her room, looking polished and poised.
"I'm out, girls!" she announced, snatching her purse and hurrying towards the door.
"Bye!" Rachel and Natalie chimed in unison, waving goodbye.
The door closed, and Rachel's attention shifted back to Natalie, a sly grin still playing on her lips.
"Don't worry," she said, picking up the remote control, "I'll show you him when we go for the second meeting. I have a feeling I will see him again."
*****
***
GRANDE ESTATE II
As the car glided through the auto gateway, Charlotte's eyes widened in awe, taking in the sprawling estate before her. The grandeur of the mansion's facade left her breathless.
"Miss Taylor, is Mr. Sebastian taking me to meet his family?" Charlotte asked, her voice tinged with anxiety, her hands subconsciously twisting in her lap.
Taylor's soft chuckle filled the car's interior. "No, Miss Charlotte, this is the second estate. The first estate is where the Grandes live."
Charlotte's confusion deepened. "Okay... Then why am I here?" She sighed softly, her brow furrowed.
"For this." Taylor pointed ahead, and Charlotte's gaze followed, her eyes widening in astonishment. The car halted before a sleek airfield, and Charlotte's jaw dropped.
"What the–" she breathed, her words trailing off.
Before her stood a luxurious helicopter, its rotor blades glinting in the fading light. The name "Grande" emblazoned on its side seemed to shimmer.
Sebastian appeared from beside the helicopter, a charming smile spreading across his face. He waved enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"How do you like my surprise, Orchid?" he asked, approaching Charlotte with an air of confidence.
Charlotte's eyes remained fixed on the helicopter, her mind racing. She hadn't expected this.
Sebastian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he offered his hand, helping Charlotte out of the car. "I thought, why settle for a ordinary dinner date when I can take you on a night to remember?"
As Charlotte stepped out, Sebastian's gaze roamed over her face, searching for a reaction. He had pulled out all the stops to impress her, so his anticipation was visible.
"A helicopter ride," She whispered, her voice barely audible over the thrum of the engine. Her hands trembled slightly. She was afraid of heights!
Sebastian quickly read her expression "What? You don't like it?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Charlotte's lips curled into a strained smile. "No, no, it's not that," she said, her words tumbling out hastily.
_____
"Harder! Harder!" Jessica's voice echoed through the room, her body arching beneath Daniel's.
Daniel's pace quickened, their bodies moving in sync. The sound of skin slapping skin filled the air, accompanied by Jessica's escalating moans.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Jessica panted, her face contorted in ecstasy.
Just as Daniel's movements became more faster, his phone pierced the air with its shrill ringtone. He froze, his gaze darting to the screen.
"Damn it," he muttered, hastily withdrawing from Jessica.
Jessica's eyes snapped open, her face twisting in frustration. "What the hell?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with anger.
Daniel's fingers pressed against his lips, signaling Jessica to be silent. He swiftly got out of bed, phone still ringing in his hand.
"Hello, Mother," he said, his voice low and cautious, as he stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
Jessica's eyes narrowed, her face still flushed with frustration. She let out a deep sigh, flopping back onto the pillows, her arms crossed over her chest.
Her gaze lingered on the bathroom door, her expression twisted in frustration. "Unbelievable," she muttered.
The bathroom door swung open, and Daniel emerged, phone still in hand. "I have to go. It's time of the family dinner." he said, already heading to the closet.
Jessica sat up, her eyes narrowing. "Should I come with you?"
Daniel pulled out a crisp dress shirt, his tone casual. "Family only, Jess. You know."
Jessica's brow arched. "But I will soon be part of your family, yeah?"
Daniel's hands stilled, his eyes meeting hers for a fleeting moment. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Jess."
He turned back to dressing.
Jessica's lips pressed into a thin line , her eyes flashing with annoyance as Daniel left the room without a backward glance.
As the door clicked shut, Jessica's lips parted, releasing a single word: "Asshole." Her teeth sank into her lower lip, her eyes blazing with anger.