Charlotte was stunned for a moment before nervously asking, "Then, does this mean that my father and great-grandfather are also in danger? They—"
Joseph held her shoulders and interrupted her before she could finish, "Don't worry, Charlotte. For now, I don't think anyone in the Woodley family would dare to attack them. They don't have any blackmail on them. But you, you're their only way in."
Before she could part her lips to ask further questions, he continued, "Think about it. If you're safe and sound, won't your father and great-grandfather be able to deal with those people in Jamesdon with peace of mind?"
Charlotte instinctively nodded.
"But, if you fall into the hands of those people who mean you harm, your father and great-grandfather would be worried about your safety and be forced to cooperate with them."
"Then… what should I do now?"
"Listen, Charlotte. Don't be scared. I'll protect you. I'll take you out of Highside tonight."
"But Leanna told us to wait for her to return. My father also told me to stay put in Highside and not go anywhere," she replied with a frown.
Joseph let out a silent sigh. "They're right, Charlotte, but things are changing. Those people already know that you're in Highside. So, they'll definitely find a way to track you down. Besides, have you ever thought about the consequences of your decision? If you're their target, staying in Highside would also bring trouble to Miss McKinney."
When Charlotte heard this, her pupils dilated instantly. He is right.
He gently patted her on the head and continued to persuade her, "I'll escort you out of Highside to a place where no one can find you. Once this matter is over, I'll send you back to Jamesdon immediately."
"Won't this implicate you?"
Joseph smiled. "I've been away from Jamesdon for more than ten years. Everyone thinks I'm dead. How can they find the whereabouts of a dead man? Charlotte, your safest bet now is to come with me."
When he noticed that she was caving in, he pressed further, "How about this? I'll pick you up at eight tonight. But don't tell anyone that you're leaving. Loose lips sink ships."
"Not even my friends?" Charlotte whispered.
"Miss McKinney will definitely want to keep you in Highside, but do you want to put her in danger as well?" He asked.
Charlotte shook her head. "No."
"Charlotte, you have to trust me. I won't hurt you."
She inhaled deeply and answered, "I'll go with you, Uncle Joseph."
This gratified Joseph greatly as he said, "Then, I'll make some arrangements to pick you up at 8.00PM. Don't be late."
Charlotte waved as she called out, "See you, Uncle Joseph."
Once he left, she immediately walked out of the lounge.
Zoe quickly approached her and asked worriedly, "What were you and your uncle talking about? You guys have been away for so long."
Charlotte, who didn't do well under scrutiny, immediately blushed and stammered, "N-Nothing. Uncle Joseph was just checking on me after what happened to the Woodleys. Nothing else!"
After she finished speaking, she hurried to the cashier and took several deep breaths to calm herself down.
Zoe clicked her tongue inwardly. This child can't lie to save herself. She might as well write the words 'I'm lying' on her forehead.
Still, since it was someone else's family business, she knew she had no right to inquire further. Therefore, she decided to ignore Charlotte's oddities and move on.
At 7.30PM, Zoe locked the studio door and proudly declared, "What do you want to eat tonight? It's on me!"
"Zoe, you should go home without me. I want to take a stroll," Charlotte murmured.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love’s Change of Heart