Chapter 252: Chapter 253

Charlotte said, “I didn’t want to hurt these two kids at first. Ada explained that she had only intended to cause a minor mishap, giving me the opportunity to save Matthew. But I didn’t expect the fire to be so large that it burned down the entire kitchen.

Whenever I think about it later, I feel petrified. I would have felt guilty for the rest of my life if I hadn’t had the guts to run into the kitchen and save Matthew.”

Charlotte said so with a horrified expression.

Anna looked at her, paused for a moment, and then continued, “So, Ada did try to kill Matthew, and she wanted everyone to believe that you were the murderer instead if that was the case. That way, Wayne would know that I was being a bad parent and didn’t save Matthew. Also, she could get him killed. Even if Wayne investigates the case, he will conclude that you are the murderer because you have no evidence that Ada committed the crime. She was attending a film festival in another country when the fire broke out”

Charlotte nodded thoughtfully and continued. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.”

Anna inhaled deeply and felt a shiver running down her spine. She knew that Charlotte was telling the truth: Ada did seem like someone who would do this evil thing and plant it on her.

Anna thought, It‘s very likely that Ada had planned this alone and convinced Charlotte to help her. That way, all my previous doubts can be proven well–founded.

Anna had previously felt puzzled as to why a wealthy lady like Charlotte would conspire with the pastry chef to murder two children. She also pondered why Charlotte would dash into the kitchen at the last second to save Matthew. It was crystal clear that her weird actions would make her suspicious.

So, without even thinking about it, Anna trusted what Charlotte said to her. Moreover, she also knew that Ada had the guts to commit a brutal crime like that.

Ada was not a wealthy young lady like Charlotte, and she began working as an actor when she was 16 or 17. In the showbiz, she had met many strange people as well as witnessed many nasty deals. Therefore, she was highly likely to do something like this.

Finally, Charlotte asked, “So, Anna, can you trust me now? I’ve been feeling very guilty since the incident happened. Wayne may know the truth, but he refuses to discuss it with me. This sensation makes me restless, and I don’t want to bear this anguish any longer. Anna, I want to do something to get things back to the way they were.”

“So, you want Wayne and I to make up with each other?” Anna asked. “That’s exactly what I mean.”

Anna inhaled deeply. She was no longer wary of Charlotte at that point, and she leaned back in her chair at ease.

She said, “Well, you should know that it’s impossible. Charlotte, I believe in what you just said to me. Honestly, there are a lot of issues between Wayne and me. The truth about the kids isn’t the only thing keeping us from taking our relationship to the next level. Anyway, it’s not as simple as you think it is.”

1/3 “I think you should just tell Wayne about it. I know he adores you, and you know it as well. So, if he finds out that you are his child’s mother and that he has a daughter, he will be overjoyed! Nothing can stop you from being together in that case.”

Hearing Charlotte’s words, Anna knew she had it all figured out and was desperate for them to get back together.

Anna wished she could laugh out loud after hearing Charlotte’s naive words, but she couldn’t. Then she added, “Actually, I haven’t decided what to say to Wayne yet. But I have to tell him about it someday. Could you keep it a secret till then for me?”

I had no idea that Wayne was the man who forced me to become his surrogate when we started dating. If I had known who he was, I indeed wouldn‘t have fallen in love with him, Anna thought Charlotte paused for a while before saying firmly, “Don’t worry, you can count on me. In fact, I have hesitated whether to tell Wayne about this or not before. But I didn’t dare to tell him about it eventually. If I tell him, he will definitely know about my deal with Ada. Although I believe Wayne knows that the fire has something to do with me, I dare not tell him the truth. We couldn’t possibly be friends otherwise.”

Anna could comprehend her point of view and understand that everyone desired to be perfect in the eyes of the person they loved.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief, pointed to the paper and said, “Okay, I’ll take this with me, then. Thank you for taking me to lunch and helping me keep my secret, Charlotte.”

Charlotte pursed her lips and tapped the table with her fingers. She spoke anxiously, “In fact, I owe you an apology. I went against you before because I thought I relied on him so much that I couldn’t leave him. Later, I spoke with my therapist and asked for advice from my brother. And I’ve finally got it all figured out. Please don’t hold grudges against me for what I’ve done to you before. I’m deeply sorry, Anna Could you please forgive me?”

Anna chuckled and replied, “Okay, I forgive you.”

From Anna’s perspective, compared to Ada, who had done many horrible things, Charlotte had only said some silly things.

Charlotte was arrogant because she was born into an affluent family and was spoiled by her parents. She was not just good at her profession but also a lovely lady. However, she wasn’t good at dealing with her relationships with others. Her first marriage wouldn’t have been such a disaster if she wasn’t a fool for love.

They enjoyed a surprisingly pleasant meal after they talked things through. “So, when are you going to France?” asked Anna Charlotte chuckled and asked, “Gee! Can’t you wait to kick me out? Anna, are you afraid I’ll back out?”

Anna rolled her eyes at her and said, “Oh, no! I’m just worried that someone might find out what you did wrong before. Did Ada tell you to do what she said?”

Charlotte sneered at the mention of Ada and exclaimed, “Oh! Actually, I’m not scared of her at all. She’s just a nobody. I’ll have my brother pick on her if I don’t like her. You know, it’s tough to be a celebrity, and she’s too busy to meet and talk about our collaboration’. By the way. I’m leaving at the end of this month. You can see me off at the airport if you’re available then. Wayne 2/3 will be shocked by us.”

Anna nodded and said, “No, I don’t think so. He’s always been very emotionally stable.” “Why not give it a shot?”

+++

Peter set up the chess board in the living room. He and Wayne each sat on one side.

“Wayne, will you pick up the Wilsons and bring them to our house later? I’m going to talk to them about your engagement tonight.”

“Grandpa, I don’t even plan on getting engaged to Charlotte,” Wayne said, sitting up straight “Huh? Haven’t you and Charlotte been together for a long time? So, you must get married right away. Only then will the Wilsons believe that we’re serious.”

Wayne placed a white piece on the board and blocked Peter’s move. He said, “Oh, forget it I’m not going to get married to Charlotte. I said that at lunch because I was afraid you’d be embarrassed. Actually, we’re just friends.”

Peter frowned, raised his head, and asked.” What do you mean? But that’s not what you said to me before.”

“What did I tell you?” Wayne asked calmly.

Peter thought carefully and realized that he seemed to have been fooled. Although Wayne had been seen with Charlotte recently, neither of them had publicly stated whether or not they were dating.

Peter tapped the table heavily, causing the pieces on the board to pop up and fall down.

He said thoughtfully, “That’s bullshit! I’m telling you, Wayne, don’t try to fool me! You must get married by the end of the year!”