Chapter 9 Power
Early the next morning, Charlotte went downstairs. Instead of asking her anything about last night, including where Malcolm and she had gone, Marlene brought her a bowl of nourishing soup as usual.
It was such a relief because Charlotte dreaded being asked.
Whenever Marlene probed, she’d always feel stripped naked in front of a crowd, which made her utterly uncomfortable.
After finishing the soup, she said, “I’m going to school now.”
She had been taking some time off, and it was time for her to return to class.
“OK.” Marlene nodded.
Then Charlotte left home and hailed a cab to school. In the cab, she glanced down at the phone in her hand.
Malcolm’s number was displayed on the screen.
He saved it on her phone last night, saying she’d reach him more easily from now on.
She tightened her grip on the phone.
She had gym class today, which was her elective. Under the teacher’s whistle, she and her classmates ran along the track again and again.
She usually had great stamina, but today, she panted heavily after running for just a few minutes.
Her thighs, in particular, were so sore that she could barely move them.
Finally, they finished running, and the teacher dismissed them.
Natalia Odom, Charlotte’s close friend, caught up with her and walked next to her while asking. “You really broke up with Humberto?”
Not wanting to hear his name, Charlotte walked away, but Natalia held her arm. “Charlotte.”
Being forced to stop, Charlotte said in a low voice, “Yes.”
“You gotta have a reason to break up with him, right? Is it because his family isn’t rich?” Natalia pressed on.
Charlotte shook her head. She had never looked down on Humberto. In fact, she envied him a lot because he had a sweet home and loving
parents.
She used to fantasize–after they were married, she’d have her own. home, which didn’t have to be big. She’d be content as long as it was enough for the two of them.
Instead of responding to Natalia, she walked to a bench and sat down, panting.
Feeling that she was off her game today, Natalia sat down beside her and asked, “Wanna join me for lunch today? My parents are meeting some bigwigs. It’ll be such an eye–opener.
Natalia was a trust fund kid with her parents as bankers, and she frequented gatherings far beyond the reach of ordinary students.
Charlotte wasn’t interested.
But Natalia shook her arm and said pleadingly, “Say yes, OK, Charlotte? Pretty please? Think of it as keeping me company.”
Charlotte could only nod reluctantly, “Alright.”
They left school at noon.
Upon seeing the luxurious hotel, Charlotte regretted it, but Natalia dragged her into the elevator, not giving her the chance to leave.
The elevator doors closed before Charlotte could say a word, and she missed the mysterious smile on Natalia’s face.
After the elevator doors were opened, Charlotte was still a bit hesitant. Having zero experience in attending gatherings like this, she said nervously, “Natalia, maybe I should just leave. I’m not up to something like this.”
However, Natalia pulled her arm forcefully and said, “Chill. Nothing’s gonna happen. Others can only dream of attending parties like this, OK? Besides, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
In the next second, she pushed open a wooden door, and Charlotte looked up.
What came into her view was a grand round table symbolizing power and a dazzling chandelier above it. Also, there were numerous pristine. crystal glasses on the table.
Several people sat at the table. Though Charlotte didn’t know any of them, she knew they were all part of the upper class because of their fancy clothes and imposing aural
Then she saw Humberto, whom she hadn’t seen in ages. With a glass in hand, he bent forward, toasting Malcolm in a humble manner.
Meanwhile, Malcolm, dressed in a deep black suit with a dark blue tic, was looking down at Humberto with a glass in hand.
Though Humberto was in a suit, too, the cut was too severe for his youth. Standing in front of Malcolm, he looked like a foot soldier..
In a room packed with powerful titans, his presence was like a square peg in a round hole.
Charlotte was stunned.
Natalia whispered quickly in her car, “I asked my parents to introduce Humberto to some big shots–I mean real big ones. Don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll rise to fame.
“I was worried he’d find this beneath him. After all, he’s always so prideful on campus. But he’s actually nailing it.”
Charlotte stared at Humberto and Malcolm stiffly, not even paying attention to what Natalia was saying.
Meanwhile, Malcolm heard the commotion at the door and tilted his head. In the next second, he spotted Charlotte.
He frowned. “Charlotte?”
“Charlotte!”
Two male voices rang out simultaneously, both saying the same name.
