The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

His voice was calm but held a deep meaning. He paused, clearly evaluating if everyone was listening.

"I want everyone here to understand why I had to settle," Douglas resumed, "The beating Archie received at your hands, Taylor, cannot easily be dismissed. You went past the stage of self-defense. If this had escalated just a little more, I wouldn't have been able to cover this up."

"Remember that under the law, self-defense is only justified if it is reasonable and necessary to protect oneself or others from imminent harm. However, suppose someone continues to hit an attacker after the threat has been neutralized. In that case, it may no longer be considered self-defense. Instead, it could be classified as assault," the governor reminded.

"But I understand. We are family, after all. Like you, I felt the pain. They say that violence is not the answer to everything, but when I saw that video, I sure wanted to punch that kid myself," Douglas admitted.

"Sorry, Grandpa. I should have listened to Charlie. This would not have happened if not for me," Tristan said apologetically.

"Oh, Tristan, son. I don't blame you," Douglas responded. "You are not perfect- no one is. But you're right. Next time, listen to the adults who care for you."

Then, his eyes flickered to Charlie. He tapped his fingers against the armrest while addressing Charlie, "Now, as for Charlie_"

He paused, picked up the remote, and replayed the scene.

When Archie smashed the guitar, everyone stiffened. Savannah's eyes filled with tears when he called Tristan a freak. She said, "He did not want to understand."

Douglas let the video continue playing, then clicked it off abruptly.

It was clear to Charlie that Taylor's grandfather was conflicted at that point because, Archie was being an asshole! A few times, she saw the governor clench

his jaws.

"Please forgive me, Dad," Grayson West gave his two cents, trying to break the tension, “but I think the best advice we should give Charlie here is to work on her punch."

Very quickly, Taylor chuckled. He said, "I agree.”

"Grandpa, Charlie doesn't get angry easily," Taylor added. "It takes a lot to push her buttons. As you can see in the video, Archie provoked her and Tristan to the point of no return."

Douglas shook his head. He wavered but eventually admitted, "Well, I guess the kid did deserve to be taught a lesson, but we need to be more careful next time. I am not always around to protect this family."

He turned to Taylor and reminded him, "Let's not take it too far. Okay, Taylor?"noveldrama

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"Can we all agree to avoid a frontal attack next time? There are many ways to take an enemy down. It's not always through fists. Try. I know it's hard but try." Douglas repeated while maintaining his gaze on Taylor.

Charlie watched as Taylor heaved a sigh. He answered, "Yes, Grandpa. I'll try my best."

Douglas nodded, then turned to address Charlie. "And Charlie, thank you for being there for Tristan. At the same time, I'm sorry you got dragged into this mess."

"It's okay, Governor. It was my decision," Charlie exhaled in relief.

Douglas scrutinized her for a moment. He asked Taylor, "So, this is your girlfriend,

Taylor? The one Tristan keeps talking about."

"Yes, Grandpa," Taylor confirmed.

"What's your full name, child?" the governor asked.

"Charlie Rae Eros King," Charlie shyly replied.

At that, Douglas froze. He slowly loosened his tie, his frown deepening as he repeated her name. "Charlie Eros King."

His entire demeanor changed. He studied her features, then leaned back into his chair. "Where are you from?"

"Halliport, Sir," Charlie answered.

Douglas' lips twitched. He repeated, "Halliport. King. Eros."

Inner Devil: 'He is a governor, Charlie. What are the chances that he knows your parents? Or your grandparents?'

Charlie's heart began to beat fast. Somehow, she feared that her Inner Devil was right. The governor was clearly putting two and two together. Could this be the end of her simple and humble college life?

Douglas suddenly became restless in his seat. Then, after a tense pause, he turned back to Charlie, asking, "Don't tell me you're Charles Eros' granddaughter because Gust might have a heart attack right here."

'How am I supposed to answer that?!' Charlie's heart pounded, assessing the situation. Soon, she carefully answered, “Uh, Mr. Carrington, Sir,... please... don't get a heart attack."