Chapter 265: Chapter 265: That person... won’t let you go
Edward Stephens let out a light scoff, the sarcasm in his voice almost tangible.
He said, "I thought, to you all, I’m already a dead man."
Charlotte Smith lowered her head, her voice still gentle, "Second Young Master, don’t say things in anger."
"As long as you bear the name Stephens for a day, you’re a member of the Stephens family."
Edward replied coldly, "Then what’s your surname, coming here to criticize?"
Charlotte paused slightly, raising her head to look at Edward Stephens.
Her gaze was as soft as water, her face pale and immaculate; anyone who saw her would think she was a frail and delicate woman.
In the shimmering moonlight, her eyes were gentle like water. As Charlotte looked at him, her gaze was somewhat profound.
"I’m doing this for your own good, Second Young Master," she said softly. "He... will call you back sooner or later. Whether you like it or not. Miss Ginger is a very good person, but eventually, she’s still not a match for you..."
Edward didn’t like her bringing up Daisy Ginger like this, and let out a cold laugh, mocking, "She’s not a match for me, then who is? You?"
Charlotte lowered her head, obediently apologizing, "It was my mistake, Second Young Master, please don’t be angry."
What Edward found most irritating was her attitude, like punching cotton—clearly intentionally annoying yet pretending to be aggrieved.
Edward withdrew his gaze, looked back to the original spot, and said to Charlotte, "I don’t care who sent you today. If it’s him, go back and tell him that from now on, I’ve decided to stay in Banyan City. He’s manipulated me for over twenty years, and now I want to do what I want."
"..." Charlotte lowered her head and gently asked, "Second Young Master, is doing what you want to stay by Miss Ginger’s side and become an ordinary person?"
Edward replied calmly, "What’s wrong with that?"
Charlotte was stunned for a moment, then raised her head, looking somewhat confused at Edward.
"Second Young Master, how did you become like this?" She pursed her lips, as if trying to see through the cold and reserved man before her, to the icy, intelligent young man in her memory. "You are like this, is it..."
Edward interrupted her, "Charlotte, you should go back."
Charlotte pursed her lips, watching Edward’s cold and distant gaze, slightly furrowing her brows, but in the end, she said nothing more and slowly lowered her head.
She somewhat reluctantly clenched her hand as the footsteps in front of her gradually faded away. When she looked up again, the person had already disappeared from sight, leaving only the winter’s cold wind howling in the shimmering moonlight.
Too willful...
She thought somewhat helplessly.
That person...
Will not let go of Edward Stephens, whom the Stephens family has raised all these years.
*
When Charlotte Smith returned to the United States, it was already evening.
She took off her overcoat, intending to go into the bedroom to rest for a while, when there was a light knock on the door: "Miss Smith, the gentleman requests you to go to his room."
Charlotte’s originally relaxed back instantly stiffened straight. Cold sweat slipped down her pale face, and she didn’t know how long it took before she found her voice again: "I understand," she replied.
The person at the door seemed somewhat afraid of her as well. Upon hearing her response, they left without turning back.
Charlotte closed her eyes, letting out a gentle breath. When she opened them again, her expression had returned to calm, though her face was even paler than usual.