Charlotte's eyelids fluttered, and she looked away, her courage already shattered by the sound of Victor's voice.
"I don't want to talk to you, Victor," she said firmly, turning towards the office. "Just go away."
But Victor wouldn't give up. "Please, Charlie, just hear me out," he pressed, gently grasping her hands.
Charlotte spun back around, fighting the tears welling up in her eyes. "What do you want to say?"
Victor released her hands, clearing his throat. "I shouldn't have ran away last year. I admit it. I used the money to invest in a business that turned out to be a scam. I didn't have a way to pay you back."
Charlotte lowered her gaze and muttered, "Do you have the money now?"
Victor hesitated, and Charlotte's heart sank.
"Not yet," he admitted, "but I will."
Charlotte's eyes snapped up, her tone cutting. "Then why are you back?"
