From Desk to Altar: The CEO's Irresistible Bargain

Hearing this news, Charlotte shivered but didn't show much of any other reaction.

She was already so heartbroken that even the news of his engagement couldn't stir her emotions anymore. Guessing it was Chloe's idea to invite her.

Part showing off, part declaring war on her.

With Liam backing her up, even with Vincent and Thomas pitching in, getting revenge is going to be tough. Drawing in a deep breath, her resolve as still as the depths of the ocean, she replied, "Fine. I'll be there."

"You..." Daniel was exasperated, caught between two stubborn souls who seemed to communicate more in silence than in speech. "Fine! Do as you please!" he stormed off, muttering about the futility of it all.

The buzz of Liam's impending engagement with Chloe reached Thomas and Vincent in no time

As Charlotte emerged from the company, she found Vincent's car waiting at the curb, with Thomas already inside.All content is © N0velDrama.Org.

"Liam's sudden engagement announcement has been discreet, given Chloe's facial injury. The Parker and Beaumont families have agreed to keep a lid on it, hence the news hasn't spread far," Thomas stated, his eyes betraying fatigue behind his spectacles.

He turned to Charlotte, "This might be a good sign. It's possible Liam isn't wholeheartedly into this engagement with Chloe."

Charlotte perceived the subtext but remained unconvinced.

Chloe's marred beauty had left her vulnerable; Liam's rushed betrothal seemed more like a reassurance, a way to soothe her insecurities

After all, his affection for Chloe was no secret.

"Charlotte, it's a private affair with just the Parker and Beaumont families. If Chloe and Liam specifically asked for you, it's not without an ulterior motive. I fear they'll make things difficult for you," Vincent expressed his concern.

Resting her head against the car window, Charlotte watched the bustling crowd outside. "I'll be fine," she assured herself, "I'll just watch from a distance."

Vincent started to protest but was cut off by Thomas, "Let her go if she wishes."

Then, turning to Charlotte, "Use this card to pick a dress. Don't let them underestimate you."

She accepted the black bank card without hesitation.

Having resolved to seek vengeance together, she felt no shame in accepting help from her allies.

Charlotte stepped out at a boutique studio to select her dress alone. Vincent, watching her leave, voiced his worry, "Mr.Beaumont, why not stop her?"

"Never underestimate her," Thomas replied, his gaze sharp behind his glasses, "She's braver than all of us."

The studio recommended by Thomas specialized in bridal and evening gowns. After trying on a few, Charlotte settled on a red backless mermaid dress with a high slit, accented with golden thread that made her skin gleam like snow, her charm undeniable.

"That dress is a perfect match for you!" the sales attendant gushed, leading Charlotte to a glass showcase, "Here's our latest bridal collection. A beauty like you, with such an elegant figure, would look stunning in any of these!"

The attendant glanced around, "Didn't your fiancé accompany you? He would surely be overjoyed to see his lover like this."

Lover... Charlotte's fingers clenched and then relaxed, a wry smile on her face, "It's just a gown for a banquet, there is no lover or something."

She once did, but that person was now just a memory, washed away by last night's torrential rain.

Her phone rang abruptly, and with a gesture for the attendant to prepare the bill, Charlotte turned and answered the call.

"Lottie," Maria's voice sounded worn and weary after days of silence, "could you... could you send some money home? We don't even have enough to eat."

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Charlotte remained silent.

Maria continued, "Your brother still needs to pay next semester's tuition, and they're saying he needs a computer too. He's growing, and needs new clothes, and new shoes. It doesn't matter to me, but your brother's future as a college student can't be compromised."

After a brief pause, Maria cautiously added, "Lottie, Dad mentioned that Mr. Parker is quite fond of you, that he's given you a considerable sum. You haven't spent it, have you? Surely, you've been saving it?"

As Charlotte's fingers traced the glass encasing the stunning bridal gowns, her hand faltered, her heart heavy with sorrow.

So what if she was expected to hand over the money earned through her sacrifices to Axel, the profligate?

Was her fate merely to serve as a stepping stone for her brother while she, lacking formal education, was deemed unworthy of a better life?

"You make money so easily, Lottie. Let's use your savings for your brother's expenses, shall we?" Maria spoke again.

Charlotte's fingers slid powerlessly down the glass, her eyes closing to shut out the sight of the pristine dresses.

Her love had chosen someone else, her family had not chosen her.

At that moment, she felt betrayed by everyone, utterly alone.

"Doesn't it look lovely?" Chloe twirled on the grass in her white gown, asking eagerly to her companion.

Her friend Ava was quick to praise, "Gorgeous, absolutely! You should definitely wear this dress tomorrow. It will complement Mr. Parker's black suit perfectly! Right, Mr. Parker? Mr. Parker?"

Ava's repeated calls went unanswered, and exchanging a look with Chloe, she stood up to approach him.

Seated in a lounge chair, Liam was stiff, his gaze fixed in one direction.

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Bathed in the gentle light of the display, a woman stood in a golden-threaded red gown, her skin a luminous contrast. Alone, she stood transfixed by the bridal dress, a single tear tracing her cheek before falling... Liam was staring at Charlotte!

Ava hurried to inform Chloe, who saw Liam's gaze fixed on Charlotte and nearly ground her teeth in frustration.

"Charlotte!" Without a second thought, she just wanted to break that gaze.

Her call snapped Charlotte out of her reverie. She looked over instinctively, first seeing Chloe in white, and then Liam, seated in front of her.

They were picking out an engagement dress... They were getting engaged tomorrow.

Charlotte lowered her gaze, masking all emotion, and walked away.

Charlotte returned home.

"Lottie! Lottie, you're back!" Maria greeted her with excitement, and without letting her sit down, she asked eagerly, "Did you bring the money?"

Sensing Charlotte's detached demeanor, Maria awkwardly wrung her hands, "I didn't lie, we really have nothing left..."

"Just a few days ago, someone gave Robert three million. Didn't he give you any?" Charlotte inquired.

At the mention of this, Maria became indignant, "That heartless man! As soon as he got the money, he wasted it on debauchery and hasn't been home for days!" "Why don't you demand money from him?"

"He won't give us any, Lottie..."

Charlotte stared at her coldly, "And you're so sure I will?"