Meanwhile, at Berkshire, the hallway of Sterling Corporation felt as though it had gone completely silent, yet Charlotte could hear her own heartbeat thundering in her chest.
All eyes remained glued to her and Ethan, judgment dripping from their expressions like rainwater off rooftops.
The sudden kiss they'd just shared echoed louder in that corridor than any spoken word, and Charlotte felt every glance like a needle pricking her skin.
Ivy walked up slowly, her heels clicking with purpose as she neared Ethan. She didn't say anything at first, only shot Charlotte a venomous look, one that was sharp enough to slice glass.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Charlotte's phone vibrated in her hand. She glanced at the screen and saw an "Unknown Caller."
Her thumb hovered for a moment, unsure, but something in her gut urged her to answer.
"Hello?" she said, voice cautious.
"Is this Char...Charlotte?" A shaky voice responded, heavy with panic.
"Yes... who is this?"
