Claimed by the Powerful Billionaire (Charlotte and Matthew) novel Chapter 39

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Charlotte had just loaded her luggage into the car when Anthony’s vehicle pulled back

The moment he saw his daughter, he hurried out.

“Charlie! Why are you back?!”

Charlotte could tell-his question was pure joy.

Earlier, Margaret had asked her the exact same thing, but it had been ice-cold.

Charlotte gave the same answer.

“Just passing by. Thought I’d stop in.”

Anthony took her hand and held on. “Then why are you leaving so soon? Come on, come

inside with ME. Let’s sit down and really talk.”

Maybe the biggest crisis at the company had finally been resolved, because his mood

was visibly lighter.

And seeing her suddenly come home made him even happier.

“Tonight I’ll make a few extra dishes you like,” Anthony said with a broad smile. “Didn’t

you always love my braised shrimp? I’ll make you a huge plate today-enough for you to

eat your fill!”

He didn’t mention Robert. He only brought up what she liked.

And that, more than anything, warmed Charlotte’s heart-just a little.

“Dad.” Charlotte reached up and straightened his jacket. “It’s cold now. Wear more

layers. Don’t let yourself catch a chill, okay?”

Anthony sensed something off.

“Charlie, did your mom say something nasty again?”

Charlotte didn’t want to put him in the middle. She shook her head. “No.”

Anthony frowned. “Then why do you look unhappy?”

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“I’m good.”

“Come on. Let’s go home with me.”

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Charlotte grabbed his arm, forcing a smile. “Dad, I have to catch a flight.”

He froze. “It’s so late. Where are you going?”

“I want to go out and have fun for a couple days. The flight’s at night.”

“By yourself?”

“Yeah.”

He didn’t look reassured. “It’s late. You can’t go running around alone. Refund the ticket.

Wait until me gets through this busy stretch, and then I’ll go with you.”

“You’re this grown already, and Dad’s never even taken you on a trip.”

Charlotte suddenly wanted to cry.

Was it because of the pregnancy?

Lately, she felt like she was getting more and more sensitive.

She lied again. “Dad, don’t worry. I have a college friend over there. I’ll go meet her-

she’ll be with me.”

“Oh… okay.”

Charlotte tugged her lips into a smile. “Dad, I’m not a kid anymore. And it’s not far from

here. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Anthony’s gaze softened. “Even if you’re grown, you’re still my daughter. How could I not

worry?”

Charlotte couldn’t keep talking.

Even if the lies were meant to be kind, saying them over and over was exhausting.

She stepped forward and hugged him first.

“Dad, I’m leaving. Take good care of yourself. If anything happens, call me.”

When she reached the car door, she couldn’t help turning back.

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Anthony was still standing where he’d been, watching her with that gentle, loving look.

Charlotte’s nose stung. She fought down the urge to cry.

“Dad.”

He took two steps toward her. “Yeah?”

Charlotte drew a deep breath. “The Smith family assets-I don’t want a cent. Leave it all

to Robert. From now on, don’t fight with Mom over this anymore.”

As the car drove away, Anthony felt like someone had carved a piece out of his chest-

aching and suffocating all at once.

When he got home, Robert called out to him, but he seemed not to hear.

Margaret grabbed Anthony. “Our son is greeting you-didn’t you hear him?!”

Anthony flung her hand off, his eyes cold as steel. “Can you let me have some peace?!”

Margaret saw his expression-so indifferent it was almost frightening.

She unconsciously loosened her grip.

Only after Anthony walked away did she grit her teeth and spit out, “That damn girl. Every time she comes back, she makes this family tense. What’s her problem coming

back for no reason?!”

On the way, Gordon called.

Charlotte adjusted her emotions before she dared to pick up.

“Where are you? Everyone’s here. You’re the only one missing!”

“I’m on the road. About half an hour.”

“Charlotte, if you stand me up, I’m not letting it go!”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Half an hour later, the car arrived at Legend Hotel.

There was a restaurant as grand as a palace-so hard to book that even reserving days

in advance didn’t guarantee a table.

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They said the head chef came from a line of cooks who once served in the imperial

kitchens.

Charlotte had just parked when her phone chimed with a short alert.

She opened it-and her bank balance had increased by one hundred thousand.

Right after that came Anthony’s text, heavy with apology.

“Charlie, take this money. When you’re out there eating and having fun, don’t

shortchange yourself. I’m useless-I can’t give you much. But don’t worry. When the

company gets better, I will definitely give you a big red envelope.”

Charlotte actually knew.

The real reason Anthony wasn’t well-off had nothing to do with the company.

It was because Margaret had already taken full control of the finances.

All to keep Anthony from thinking about Charlotte.

Charlotte didn’t expose it.

“Dad, thank you. This is a lot.

She put her phone away and gave the server Gordon’s name.

The server warmly led her into the largest private room.

The door opened, and more than a dozen pairs of eyes snapped to her at once.

Gordon’s voice boomed, teasing and bright. “Well, well-Ms. Smith finally showed up.

Another minute and I was about to come drag you here myself.”

Ruby ran over and took Charlotte’s hand. “Come on, we saved you a seat.”

As she spoke, she pulled Charlotte toward the table.

The seat was on Gordon’s left.

But when Charlotte saw who sat on his right, she stopped.

Nathan.

Why was he here too?

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Gordon’s eyes darted, and he launched into introductions like it was nothing.

“Nathan-my good buddy.”

Nathan nodded at Charlotte in greeting.