er 16
Chapter 16
“Is he gone?”
Charlotte had already adapted to her new office and handed over work to her secretary.
In just a short time, she had adjusted remarkably quickly.
Ethan didn’t speak, but played a recording on his phone.
He had recorded their entire conversation.
Charlotte listened from beginning to end without even raising her head.
“He’ll be at tonight’s charity auction. Will you still attend?”
“Of course.”
Charlotte didn’t look up. “Didn’t I promise to be your date and accompany you?”
Tonight’s event required everyone to bring a female companion. Charlotte had already agreed to attend with Ethan, and breaking promises wasn’t her style.
“Good.”
The man’s lips curved into a smile. “I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ll pick you up this afternoon for hair and makeup.”
While Charlotte got ready at the stylist’s, Ethan waited patiently on the sofa in the reception area.
He showed no signs of impatience, expressionlessly sipping his coffee and flipping through a magazine with long, elegant fingers.
Until the curtain was pulled back and Charlotte appeared before him.
Ethan’s hand tightened around his cup, his heartbeat suddenly erratic.
Charlotte stepped from the doorway in a stunning pearl–white mandarin–collar gown.
Her choice was elegantly simple–a sleek silk column dress with a single white magnolia embroidered at the neckline.
With her hair swept up, revealing her graceful neck and a few loose strands framing her face, every smile transformed her into something divine.
Ethan’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he remained speechless for a long moment.
Whenever he had seen her before, she’d always worn the most proper business suits, black–rimmed glasses, and a serious expression, giving people a cold, intellectual impression.
But today, in this elegant gown, she was pure as a watercolor painting–soft and utterly captivating.
“Ms. West, you look absolutely stunning! You and Mr. Reed make such a perfect pair!” the stylist gushed.
“Seriously! Ms. West is so graceful, and Mr. Reed so patient. You spent hours getting ready, and he didn’t show a hint of impatience. You two are truly meant for each other.”
11:32
My Idiot CEO Ex Chose His Mistress. Now I Run His Rival’s Empire?!
8.5%
Chapter 16
Charlotte frowned, quickly clarifying: “It’s not what you think. He’s my boss.”
“Oh, really?”
The boutique assistant quickly apologized, “I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding.”
Ethan cleared his throat. “Since she’s chosen this style, please bring me something complementary to her outfit.”
“Of course!”
The staff hurried off to select clothes, leaving just the two of them in the room.
The air suddenly grew quiet, so silent that even a pin dropping would be audible.
Charlotte pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat awkward.
“Ethan, you don’t need to accommodate me. It doesn’t matter if our outfits don’t match.”
“I like it.”
Ethan looked up, the heat in his gaze instantly making Charlotte’s cheeks flush.
She wasn’t a fool–she could tell Ethan had feelings for her.
But having just experienced a failed marriage, she had no interest in romance for now.
Ethan sensed her concerns and smiled softly. “Don’t overthink it. Whatever you’re thinking, I understand.”
“That’s good.”
They exchanged a smile. After being rivals for so many years, they had developed a certain understanding.
The staff selected a classical–style suit for Ethan. When he put it on, his entire demeanor softened considerably.
Standing next to Charlotte, they truly looked like a perfect match.
Ethan looked at their reflection in the mirror and smiled. “We do look good together, don’t you think?”
arlotte didn’t answer. People had once said she and Mason were a perfect match too.
look how that turned out.
So such comments held no meaning for her anymore.
J
11:32
