Charlotte glanced down, her eyes lingering on Anthony’s pants for a split second before she blinked, let go of his hand, and gave him a knowing smile. “Call me when Jackson and Adonis show up, alright?”
“Got it.” Anthony caught the flicker of guilt in her eyes. He reached out, tapped her nose, and said softly, “Just relax and enjoy your bath. If you need anything, let me know.”
He left the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. It took three big glasses of cold water before he could finally cool down the restless energy humming in his chest.
While Charlotte soaked in the tub, Anthony headed next door for a cold shower of his own, changed into fresh clothes, and went to check on his grandmother.
Patricia was awake now, looking much better than she had earlier.
“Anthony, Charlotte’s friends have arrived,” Hans announced, always polite and precise.
“Show them to the reception room and make sure they’re comfortable,” Anthony replied, his voice low, before heading back to the bedroom. He pushed open the bathroom door.
Charlotte was just finishing her bath. When she saw him come in, she squinted sleepily, then stretched her arms out toward him like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She looked every bit the spoiled little princess waiting to be pampered.
Anthony couldn’t help but smile. He bent down, scooped her out of the tub, wrapped her up in a towel, and carried her into the bedroom.
A maid had already brought up a fresh set of clothes and a steaming cup of ginger tea.
Anthony handed her the tea, then helped her get dressed, slipping each piece on carefully, like he was taking care of a kid.
“Jackson and Adonis are here,” he told her, switching on the hairdryer to gently dry her hair.
Charlotte nodded, drinking her ginger tea a little too fast.
Her hair was barely dry when she slid out of his lap, her voice a little rough. “I’m going to see them.”
Charlotte quickly and skillfully drew a sample of Patricia’s blood, handed it off to Jackson, and asked him to take it back to the lab for a full analysis.
The results would take three days.
“Charlotte, here’s the medicine,” Adonis said, offering her a medical case.
“Thanks.”
Under the watchful eyes of the other doctors, Charlotte opened the case and pulled out a handful of small, white pills, their names a mystery. She crushed them, mixed the powder with other colored reagents, and sealed it all inside a capsule.
One of the doctors finally spoke up, unable to hide his concern. “This isn’t exactly standard procedure. Are you sure it’s safe?”
“Quiet.” The medical professor who had once been proven wrong by Charlotte shot the doctor a sharp look. “You have no idea. Charlotte isn’t just anyone. Do you really think she has to follow the rules?”

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