Chapter 6 Living for Herself

• She had once disregarded her family's counsel, sacrificing her esteemed status for what she believed was true love, only to find herself in this predicament.
• However, she was resolved to gradually expunge Mike from her heart.
• Despite the anguish it caused her, she was steadfast in her determination to erase him from her life.
• "We'll follow Charlotte's lead," declared her usually composed father, Warren Goldman, with firm resolve. "Let's put the past behind us and view it as a trial for Charlotte."
• Though he exuded an aura of scholarly refinement, his sharp temperament was unmistakable. "If those two ever dare to harm Charlotte again, there will be no leniency."
• Charlotte shared her father's sentiment. Since the divorce, she had severed all ties with Mike and Lanie.
• "Dad, I'll return to the company the day after tomorrow."
• She managed a strained smile. "I haven't been able to properly oversee my company for over two years. If I continue neglecting it, the employees might start leaving."
• She had established a prominent publicly traded company herself, specialising in creative products and leading the industry.
• Starting the company from the ground up, she had devoted several years of hard work to expand it to its current stature.
• Warren expressed deep concern about her health and advised, "You should prioritize resting more..."
• Before he could finish his sentence, a familiar male voice interrupted.
• "Charlotte, I'm here to celebrate your fresh start!"
• Charlotte turned to see ...
• A young man in a vibrant floral shirt entered the room.
• With his affectionate gaze, prominent nose, tall stature, and slender lips, he exuded a charming aura when he smiled.
• "Ben, why the flashy outfit?" Charlotte teased.
• She and Ben had grown up together, their families sharing a close bond.
• After exchanging greetings with Warren and the others, Ben took a seat across from Charlotte. "Charlotte, your words have wounded me deeply," he joked, feigning seriousness as he clutched his chest.
• "I think I look fantastic, and yet you think I'm flashy!"
• He had patiently waited for over two years, hoping for Charlotte to divorce and move on from Mike.
• Warren and the others exchanged glances, and then Anthony, Francis, and Kenneth attended to their own matters with their father.
• Charlotte thanked Ben sincerely. "Thanks for sticking by me all this time."
• Her eyes welled up once more. "And I'm sorry for what I said to you because of Mike."
• Ben had warned her against marrying Mike in a heated moment, but she had lashed out at him.
• Sitting beside her, Ben gently patted her head and spoke with warmth in his eyes. "We're practically family. It stung to hear you say that.
• "Charlotte, congrats on getting through all this. Your future's looking up."
• Charlotte nodded firmly, a smile spreading across her face. "You're right. Things can only get better from here on out."
• They chatted for a while, discussing what lay ahead.
• Ben leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs casually and placing one hand behind Charlotte.
• "Hey, there's an auction happening soon. Wanna check it out? Heard they've got some cool stuff up for grabs."
• Charlotte looked surprised. "Isn't that usually your assistant's job? Besides, it's not really our scene, so why the sudden interest?
• "It's not a high-profile event anyway, so why do you want to go?"
• Charlotte questioned, noting that attending auctions was not typical for people of their status.
• Ben grinned. "This one's different. It's happening on a small island near one of my properties. Thought we could take a breather and spend a few days there."
• He leaned in a bit closer. "You've been burning the candle at both ends lately. You deserve a break."
• After some thought, Charlotte agreed. With her recent hectic schedule, a getaway sounded enticing.
• Lately, she'd been wrapped up in Mike's affairs and Lanie's drug trials, constantly shadowing Mike, leaving her with little time to unwind.
• With the divorce finalized, it was finally time for her to take a well-deserved break.
• Ben's eyes sparkled with fondness. "Now that you're free from Mike, do you still need to visit Old Mr. Warner?"