Defiant Love 26

Charlotte’s POV: 

“You can open your eyes now,” Alexander’s deep voice resonated. 

I cautiously opened my eyes, and the sight before me caused my brain to short–circuit momentarily–he had emerged with only a towel wrapped around his waist! His upper body was completely exposed, and his abs were clearly defined. I could feel my face transforming from white to pink, finally turning red like a ripe apple. 

While drying his wet hair, he enjoyed my flustered expression and teased, “Feeling shy? Why don’t you turn away?” 

“I’m not shy!” I stubbornly argued. “When I go to the swimming pool, guys wear even less than you.” 

“Then why are your ears so red?” he continued to provoke me. 

“I–I’m just hot!” My eyes blinked rapidly as I made this flimsy excuse and turned away, no longer daring to look at him. His deep laughter followed me as I retreated. 

I walked to the water dispenser in the living room and found Victoria there as well. We both froze momentarily, silently filling our cups as the air grew so still that only the sound of the water machine could be heard. 

Victoria filled her bottle and screwed on the cap, then suddenly addressed me: “Once you leave, don’t come back. There’s only one lady of the Kingsley household, and that’s me. You’re too inexperienced to compete with me. We can maintain a surface–level peace, but if you get greedy and try to monopolize Kingsley Tech Group, I won’t let it go.” 

I listened in complete confusion: “…What exactly are you talking about?” 

“Playing dumb?” Victoria smiled sarcastically. “Aren’t you trying to step on my head and take over Kingsley Tech Group all for yourself?” 

Holding Alexander’s water cup, I looked at her frankly: “I’ve never thought about fighting for any lady of the house‘ title. And regarding Kingsley Tech Group–that belongs to your Kingsley family, not me. I’ve never intended to compete with you for anything. Don’t let your persecution complex deceive you.” 

“Charlotte, have you forgotten what you said when you bullied Karen?” Victoria countered. 

“I bullied her?” I pointed at myself, incredulous. 

Victoria explained: “You flaunted your power in front of Karen and claimed you’d take the title of Kingsley family matriarch. What, not willing to admit it to my face?” 

Being someone who needs to clear up misunderstandings immediately, I grabbed Victoria’s arm: “We need to get this straight. I finally understand why you’ve been so hostile toward me lately. Someone’s been driving a wedge between us.” 

With determined eyes, I said: “I swear to you, I’ve never exchanged more than a few words with Ms. Karen Barrett. If I’m lying, may I drop dead. Please tell me, what did Karen say to you?” 

Victoria studied my serious expression, and something seemed to dawn on her as her face grew complicated. 

“That day when you returned home…” Victoria asked, “That afternoon, what did you say to Karen that made her cry?” 

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I was the one who sought her out that day,” Alexander’s voice came from behind us. 

Alexander had appeared behind us, though I wasn’t sure how long he’d been listening. He emerged from the shadows and said to Victoria: “Victoria, on the day you’re referring to, I was actually the one talking with Karen.” 

Victoria looked up at the tall Alexander, surprised: “How could it be you?” 

“What I told Karen that day was to stop wasting her time on me,” Alexander explained. 

I glanced sideways at my husband and added: “Yes, I remember Richard asked me to deal with her that day. After I persuaded Richard to leave, I gave you two some time alone.” 

Victoria blinked rapidly in disbelief: “It was you?” 

Alexander answered candidly: “Why would I lie to you? I overheard parts of your conversation just now, and I know what you’ve been worried about. Tonight, I can tell you clearly that what you’re concerned about will absolutely never happen.” 

Learning that Alexander and Karen weren’t involved was as shocking to me as it was to Victoria. I poked Alexander’s waist curiously: “You don’t like Ms. Karen?” 

Alexander questioned me back: “What made you think I liked her?” 

I had mistakenly believed Karen and Alexander were a couple, which is why I privately called him a “jerk” for marrying me while having a girlfriend, and a “coward.” Even that accidental kiss not long ago was difficult for me to accept. 

Alexander and I locked eyes momentarily before I awkwardly averted my gaze. Then, I said to Victoria: “You should go back and think carefully about whether someone might be orchestrating all this.” 

The next morning, the atmosphere at the breakfast table was unusually calm. 

That morning, Victoria remained silent. 

After breakfast, as we prepared to leave, a sleek McLaren pulled up at the Kingsley residence. Soon after, a butler rushed in to announce: “Sir, Young Master, Madam, Young Master Jason has returned!” 

“My son is back,” Victoria’s face lit up with a smile as she hurried to the entrance to greet him. 

Richard turned to me: “Jason was traveling abroad when you and Alexander got married, so he couldn’t attend. This is a good opportunity for you to meet him.” 

I nodded, expressing my curiosity about Victoria’s son. 

From outside came Jason’s voice: “Mom, Dad, I’m back! I brought gifts for you too!” 

In the sunlight stood a young man with brown hair, wearing earrings and rings, with a tattoo on his thumb. He radiated the vibrant energy unique to youth, his eyes forming enchanting crescents when he smiled. 

Victoria, both delighted and nostalgic upon seeing her son, patted his back: “Come inside, your grandfather is waiting.” 

“By the way, your uncle got married, and his wife is inside too,” Victoria reminded him. 

“What? Uncle Alex is home?!” Jason’s first reaction wasn’t about Alexander’s marriage, but rather that Alexander was 

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present! 

Since childhood, everyone in the family had doted on him except his stern uncle. Fear of Alexander had become Jason’s conditioned response. 

“What are you afraid of? You haven’t done anything wrong this time,” Victoria reassured him. 

Inside, I fell silent upon hearing the familiar voice outside. That voice–I could never forget it. 

“Jason… that’s Jason Kingsley, right?” I asked tentatively. 

Richard nodded: “Yes, you both attend the same university.” 

I blinked rapidly, my expression turning peculiar. 

“Your uncle got married, and you should meet your new aunt. They’re about to move out,” Victoria urged. 

“Uncle had a flash marriage?” Jason exclaimed loudly in the courtyard. 

Inside, I lowered my head, feeling awkward. Not only was it a flash marriage, but it was with me. 

I just hoped Jason wouldn’t be too shocked by me. 

My unusual behavior aroused Alexander’s curiosity, and he observed me discreetly. 

Jason was very curious about what kind of woman could have captured his business–savvy uncle’s heart and decided to go inside to see. 

Walking through the hallway, Jason entered the Kingsley family living room. 

“Hi, Jason, I’m your new aunt, Charlotte!” I greeted him sweetly with a meaningful smile. 

“AAAAAAAHHH!” Jason screamed in a series of shrieks upon seeing me, as if he’d encountered something terrifying. 

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