Chapter 44

Charlie's study door was ajar. Lauren approached, leaned in, and listened. Hearing nothing, she knocked. "Mr. Frank, are you alright?"

There was no answer.

Worried, Lauren pushed the door open and entered.

The study was large, with wood-paneled bookcases and floors. A large table holding a computer and a stack of papers sat on the right. At first glance, the study seemed empty, but upon closer inspection, Lauren spotted Charlie. He was concealed behind the curtains of the bay window, almost invisible in the dim light. She walked over.

He sat on the window seat, legs folded, a solid wooden chair lying on the floor beside him. Lauren noticed bruises on his toes and guessed he'd been accidentally struck by the chair.

"Are you alright?" she asked with concern, bending down.

Charlie, startled by her presence, looked up. "Sorry to disturb you," he said softly, a marked change from his previous demeanor.

Seeing his injuries, Lauren worried. "Do you feel alright? Should I take you to the hospital?"

He shook his head. "Thank you for your concern. I'll apply some medicine later."

"Is there anything I can help with?" Lauren asked.

Charlie lowered his head, a hint of apology in his smile. "I should have apologized that day," he murmured.

Lauren looked at him, confused but still beautiful. The sight nearly caused Charlie to lose control, prompting him to avert his gaze. "I'm sorry for my behavior a few days ago," he said.

Now Lauren understood.

Charlie explained, "Many women have tried to approach me through Leo, knowing he's my son and important to me. I wasn't polite to you that day, and I'm sorry."

Lauren remained silent, her heart already forgiving him. To further explain his actions, Charlie added, "Last year, there was a woman Leo was fond of, and she frequently visited. She showered him with gifts; he even said he wanted her to be his mother."

Lauren frowned, a subtle unease settling over her. Charlie continued, his voice charming and persuasive. "At the time, I suspected she was using Leo to get to me, to marry into the Frank family. But I didn't anticipate…"

He paused, creating a sense of foreboding.

"She was far more 'ambitious' than I thought," he finally revealed. "She deliberately befriended Leo, intending to kidnap him and use him to threaten me."

Hearing this, Lauren felt a pang of sympathy for Leo, a shiver running down her spine.