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She turned to Anya, eyes filled with cruel disdain. “Learned your lesson yet? If you ever come near my family again, I’ll make sure my men finish you.”
The bodyguard lunged, snatching the knife from Anya’s hand and tossing it across the room. He gripped her by the face and dragged her toward the backdoor like she was nothing.
Within minutes, she was gone.
The house fell eerily silent again.
But just as the door slammed shut, a heavy, determined set of footsteps echoed through the hallway.
Janet straightened instantly, wiping the blood from her hand, fixing her face into a fake smile just as a imposing figure entered.
Charles Carter.
Janet’s heart jumped. She rushed forward, putting on her most polished act.
“Charles, is that really you?” she gushed, smiling brightly. “It’s been so many years since I last saw you!”
Charles stepped into the grand hall, his gaze scanning the luxurious surroundings. He didn’t sit down, instead pausing to take in the house in silence. His sharp eyes quickly turned to Janet, offering her a polite smile that didn’t reach the coldness in his eyes.
“I’m alright. How are you doin, Janet?” he asked, his voice calm but distant.
Janet’s face lit up with a practiced smile. "Everything is great. Come, take a seat. Don’t stand around like that. Actually, how about we go for brunch? There’s a great place down the street. We can talk there."
Charles raised his hand, halting her words, and she immediately fell silent, her eyes shifting to him with a hint of confusion.
“I’m not here for drinks,” he said, his tone firm. “I’m here to find someone.”
Janet immediately tensed, her face shifting to one of confusion. “Someone? Who are you looking for?” she asked, her voice full of curiosity. Then, her face brightened as a thought crossed her mind. “Is it Dante? He’s at the office right now working. How about I take you to him? You can meet him there, and I’ll introduce you both.”
Charles lifted his hand again, silencing her with a glance, before meeting her eyes directly. “I’m not looking for your son. I’m looking for someone else.”
Janet’s confusion deepened. “Who are you looking for?” she asked again, her voice a mixture of confusion and concern.
Before Charles could respond, Luca, who had been on a call a moment ago, hurried over, whispering in Charles's ear. "We’ve found Anya. We should leave right now."
Charles’s body stiffened, a surge of urgency flooding through him. His breath quickened as excitement and tension flooded his system. "Great. Let’s go," he said, voice low and commanding. Without wasting another moment, he and Luca turned to leave.
“Charles, where are you going?” Janet called after him, hurrying to catch up. “What are you looking for? Come on, you’ve come allthis way, stay for a while. Don’t leave just like that. How about tea?” she continued, trying to keep him in the house.
Charles stopped abruptly, letting out a quick sigh, before turning to face her. “We don’t have time right now, Janet. We’ll have tea later. We might meet again soon,” he said with urgency in his voice.
The Kingsleys had taken Anya in when she had nothing. If they had treated her well, Charles was more than willing to repay their kindness. Though he didn’t like Janet—her nature rubbed him the wrong way—he was still grateful they had given Anya a place to stay.
He turned again, walking swiftly toward the door.
Janet stood there, confused, watching his retreating figure. “Who were they looking for?” she wondered, her mind racing.
Chapter 7 Heartless Little Thing
Then, as if a realization dawned on her, she stilled and a smile spread across her face. “He said we might meet again soon. Is this about Dante’s marriage?” she mused to herself, suddenly giddy at the thought. "I can't wait."
With renewed excitement, she turned and headed back into the house, humming a little tune under her breath. In her mind, she was already planning the grand wedding of the decade, ready to flaunt it to the world.
As she made her way toward the couch, another figure stormed inside.
Dante strode through the hallway as he scanned the room, his eyes stopping immediately on Janet. The house had fallen silent—no noise, no sign of any commotion.
Janet’s face lit up as she rushed over to him. "What are you doing home so early?" she asked, her voice chipper. "I thought you weren’t coming until tonight."