Chapter 5 This Is the Last Time

• The last sentence I heard immediately tangled my emotions. "No matter what, the Bolton Family is now under my care, and they cannot act recklessly."
• When I saw Clement, it was in a private room at a club.
• Clement was disheveled, casually sipping red wine while reclining with his legs crossed, engaging in conversation with Liam Zeller, Marcus' assistant. Clement seemed completely oblivious to the way Liam regarded him as if he were a fool.
• Witnessing him in such a state ignited my fury. I charged at him and slapped him twice across the face, exclaiming, "You idiot! You used to gamble and drink without consequences, and now you even dare to kill someone?"
• "I didn't kill anyone... He was fine when I left! I swear I didn't kill him," Clement protested, shielding his face as he shouted back at me.
• "Mrs. Eckman, the situation has been clarified. That group of thugs intended to extort money," Liam explained.
• Hearing Liam address me as "Mrs. Eckman" felt like a knife slicing through my heart.
• If it weren't for the weight of the title "Mrs. Eckman," Liam would have had no reason to intervene on Clement's behalf.
• Yet, this title would soon be rendered meaningless.
• I couldn't help but cast a glance at Marcus, anxious that he might strip it away at any moment.
• Fortunately, my fears did not materialize; Marcus stood there and remained silent.
• "I told you, it's not my fault!" Clement shouted, now trying to defend himself.
• "If you hadn't been drinking and fighting, they wouldn't have targeted you!" I felt profound sorrow at Clement's utter lack of remorse and slapped him again.
• He remained oblivious to the fact that his repeated indiscretions only served to tarnish my image in Marcus' eyes.
• Marcus wanted to divorce me; while Clement wasn't the primary offender, he was undeniably a repugnant accomplice.
• "Marcus, tell Charlotte to stop hitting me!" After I struck him, Clement turned to Marcus for help.
• To him, Marcus was still someone he could manipulate with his childish antics.
• "Clement, this is the last time. Mind your behavior," Marcus said in a low voice before turning to leave.
• Liam followed him out.
• Only Clement and I remained in the room.
• "Charlotte, what does Marcus mean?" Clement blinked, completely clueless.
• "He won't take care of you anymore." I didn't want to harbor any further anger toward Clement, so I turned to leave, overwhelmed by sadness.
• Marcus' words had been directed at me all along.
• Exiting the club, I relayed to my mom that Clement was safe.
• She was ecstatic to hear the news and specifically instructed me, "Charlotte, Marcus is truly impressive! He can resolve such matters. While you are part of the Eckman Family, you must do your utmost to win his favor. Don't let another woman take Marcus away, understand? Our family's future depends on the Eckman Family."
• "Mom, I know. I have other matters to attend to; I'll hang up now." I suppressed my sadness as I spoke to my mom.
• I also yearned to win Marcus' favor, yet after seven years, I still found it impossible to even touch him.
• "Mrs. Eckman, Mr. Eckman would like you to get in the car." As I sat there staring blankly at my phone, Liam approached.
• I nodded in acknowledgment and followed him.
• Once inside the car, I discovered Marcus on the phone, his features softened as he spoke.
• It was likely Taylor on the other end.
• "I'll pick you up as soon as I finish with Grandpa. It's cold outside, so be careful not to catch a cold," he said, his eyes radiating warmth and tenderness I had never witnessed before.
• At that moment, I realized that Marcus was not devoid of tenderness; rather, his tenderness had simply never been directed toward me.
• As I settled into the car, he didn't bother to glance my way. He continued giving Taylor a few more instructions before his demeanor shifted back to cold indifference as he addressed me, saying, "Grandpa wants us to visit the hospital."
• "Okay." I nodded.
• Kelvin's health had been declining, and during the New Year, he had no choice but to remain in the hospital. I had wanted to visit him early that morning, but my emotions were difficult to manage, and my mood was dismal. I feared he might notice and that it would affect his recovery.
• In the entire Eckman Family, the only person who treated me with warmth was Kelvin, and I didn't want to hurt his feelings.
• Liam drove us to the hospital.
• Marcus cast a frosty glance in my direction and said, "Grandpa's condition has improved. After his birthday in two weeks, don't forget what you promised me."
• "I know." I looked out the window. Does he really need to keep reminding me? Is he that eager to finalize our divorce and marry Taylor?
• After all, Taylor was now expecting Marcus' child, and he wanted to provide her and the baby with a legitimate status. If it hadn't been for my interference, he and Taylor would have been a couple long ago.
• "I understand. I'll inform Grandpa that I'm the one seeking a divorce." I clenched my fists and spoke softly.
• Marcus seemed satisfied with my compliance and chose not to say anything more.
• I quietly listened to the music playing in the car, slightly turning my head to admire Marcus' perfect profile, tears brimming in my eyes.
• I had loved him for fifteen years, yet I still found it impossible to reach out and touch this god-like man before me. It was time to bring this to an end.
• Kelvin had always held a fondness for me, which deterred Alice from acting excessively, despite her considerable grievances against me.