Chapter 616 I Was Not Worthy

When Charlize was still at university, she had heard about how aloof Spencer was. The latter never had issues with his classmates and dormmates, but he didn’t mingle with them either.

He then started his business with someone during his third year of university and rarely stayed on campus from then on.

Moreover, something seemed to have happened between him and his classmates during their fourth year, so he ended up never making any close friends.

At university, most guys’ close friends were their dormmates, but Spencer had rented his own place outside ever since he enrolled, so he would only spend half his time at the dormitory. This duration further decreased by the third year; he would only stay there during exam season.

There was one time Charlize went to the boys’ dormitories as part of the student council’s inspections, and she just so happened to visit Spencer’s.

By coincidence, three of Spencer’s dormmates were in there playing games.

The girls said nothing when they first entered, but an ignorant freshman suddenly asked why one of the beds was empty.

One of the boys answered, “It’s Spencer Lacroix’s, but he doesn’t stay here.”

“He rents a place outside, so isn’t it normal for him not to be here very much?” another dormmate chimed in.

The words sounded perfectly reasonable, but the boys’ expressions weren’t exactly friendly at the time.

Furthermore, all the items on Spencer’s bed had been kept away, so it was evident that someone there didn’t like him.

In fact, one of those dormmates and a classmate had caused some trouble for Gratia Corporation back then. The two wanted to work there during their fourth year and figured that Spencer would surely help them get into a better department or treat them more favorably.

Yet, Spencer refused to let them in through connections, so they banded together to leak some of the company’s information.

Eventually, things escalated to a point where the university dean had to personally beg Spencer not to report the matter to the police.

The two boys ended up each paying a hundred thousand worth of compensation, thus settling the incident.

Of course, Spencer’s company continued to soar after he graduated, and others had looked into him.

Rumor had it that Gratia Corporation’s co-owner was a well-known heir to a wealthy family who initially didn’t get along with Spencer, but the two somehow mended their relationship later.

Still, those were just rumors, and Charlize didn’t know whether or not to believe them.

Hence, upon hearing Spencer say that he wanted her to meet someone, she immediately felt this person had to be very important to him.

The two left the company at exactly six in the evening and headed over to the hotel they were slated to meet Spencer’s friend.

The man arrived at the same time as they did, and they bumped into each other outside the door to their private room.

Spencer merely glanced at Kelvin Tinman blandly before walking into the room while leading Charlize by the hand.

Charlize was taken aback by her partner’s demeanor.

Kelvin raised a brow as he watched them enter. Then, he simply followed them in, not feeling offended.

Spencer turned to him and made a brief introduction. “Meet my girlfriend, Charlize Johnson. Charlize, this is my friend, Kelvin Tinman.”

“Ms. Johnson! It’s an honor to meet you at last.”

With a pair of thin-rimmed glasses over his delicate features, Kelvin spoke carefreely while staring intently at Charlize.

The woman felt awkward being stared at like that. “Hello, Mr. Tinman.”

“You’re so malicious, Spencer. I can’t believe you managed to win such a timid little rabbit over.”

Spencer shot him a glare, causing him to chuckle to himself. “Don’t mind me, Charlize. I just think this guy’s too mean. It’s your loss for being with him.”

Feeling her cheeks flush, Charlize glanced at Spencer before replying softly, “Not at all.”

Spencer tossed the menu over to his friend. “Order up.”

Seeing the couple defend each other made Kelvin green with envy.

Still, he had indeed heard about Charlize. While he wasn’t part of Jadeborough’s elite circle, he had naturally received word about the Johnson family.

He also knew that Charles had a meek and innocent younger sister. Some of his childhood friends would even rave about how sweet and obedient Charlize was and how they wanted to marry her.

Kelvin would shake his head whenever he heard that. In his opinion, those friends of his were utterly shameless to think they stood a chance with Charles’ sister with their personalities.

But now that I see it, Spencer isn’t cut out for her either. Despite his genteel appearance, he’s no saint. She’s so pure and innocent. How did he manage to charm her?

Everyone in the circle knew how protective Charles was of his sister, and Kelvin was dying to see how Spencer intended on marrying her in the future.

Kelvin appeared nonchalant in person, but in truth, his treatment of others depended on who they were.

Given that Charlize was Spencer’s girlfriend, he knew exactly how to behave. Spencer wasn’t a man of many words, but he was the opposite.

He knew what Charlize wanted to hear, so he spoke mostly about Spencer, not forgetting to deliberately glance at his friend from time to time.

Charlize was fully engrossed in what he had to say, and the three dined merrily.

Spencer barely spoke, and so did Charlize as it was her first time meeting Kelvin. Thus, Kelvin carried most of the conversation while Spencer continued to fill Charlize’s plate.

Before realizing it, Charlize had eaten and drunk a great deal.

Satisfied, she wanted to use the restroom and touch up her makeup at the same time, so she took her purse and excused herself as the two men chatted with each other.

Kelvin’s gaze took a turn the moment she left. “You sure have some guts to go after Charles’ sister.”

Spencer remained silent.

Kelvin huffed before bringing up some company affairs. Then, he suddenly added, “I’m not trying to demotivate you, but it really won’t be easy for you to marry the Johnson family heiress.”

“It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible,” Spencer finally responded.

“I remember how I used to introduce you to so many lovely ladies, but you wouldn’t even look at them. Now, I get it; you’ve had someone in mind since way back, huh? But you never made a move, and I can’t help but applaud you for that, Spencer!”

Spencer peered at the glass in his hand, his gaze darkening. “I wasn’t worthy at the time.”

Marrying someone from a family just as powerful and influential was one of the main requirements for any elite household since long ago, and as someone who had nothing, he was far from eligible. Even if they could be together purely out of Charlize’s love for him, he didn’t want the woman to suffer the pain of having to choose between him and her family.

Having known Spencer all these years, Kelvin was visibly stunned to hear those words. “I’m seriously not used to seeing you like this.”

Spencer eyed him. “Are you done eating? If you are, get out of here.”

He didn’t like how talkative this man was.