Yvonne bit her lip. She was fuming, but she could not afford to offend anyone here. She took a step forward and apologized between tears, âIâm sorry, Ms. Lynch, I didnât mean it. I hope you can forgive me.â
Charlotte seemed not to have heard her.
As if he could sense her fear, Joseph patted her back in a soothing way. âDonât worry, Lottie. Iâm here. I wonât let anyone bully you.â
At that moment, a charismatic voice called out from behind the crowd, âMay I ask whatâs going on here?â
This familiar voice made Charlotteâs body turn stiff.
She did not dare to look up.
She had not heard the familiar voice for days. Why am I hearing his voice now?
She had hoped so desperately to take a look at Lochlanâs familiar face, but she did not dare to reveal her face.
She hid in Josephâs embrace like a timid mouse, wishing with all her being she could run away from reality.
Josephâs voice rang, his chest vibrating rhythmically as he spoke, âMr. Fraser, itâs been a while.â
It really is Uncle Lochlan! Charlotte bit her lip and remained motionless in Josephâs embrace. For some reason, his embrace felt warmer than Lochlanâs did.
Even though she did not know this man well, he had given her a hug when she needed it most.
The same happened back then as well when she thought she was going to die in the rain.
It was Joseph who saved her.
And it was Mrs. Field who had treated her kindly and adored her.
In the past, Charlotte would rush to hug Lochlan, but now, she hesitated.
Uncle Lochlan will definitely be scared of my face like the others, right? Will he call me ugly?
She did not dare to imagine the answer.
âWill, whatâs going on? You shouldâve called Mr. Fraser and me if you were here for a barbecue.â
When Charlotte heard Oliviaâs voice, her heart sank. Thereâs a woman with Uncle Lochlan?
She suddenly recalled what Mrs. Fraser said about how Lochlan went for a matchmaking session that dayâ¦
âYouâre not even married yet and youâre already siding with him?â Will said flatly. He greeted Lochlan, âHello, Mr. Fraser, please do join us.â
No, donât.
She did not want to see Lochlan at all. More accurately, she did not want to see his face of disgust when he saw her.
Iâm so uglyâ¦
Iâve already been gone for so long. Unexpectedly, Uncle Lochlan did not bother to look for me at allâ¦
Heâs even on a date with another womanâ¦
Charlotte felt terrible.
She was nearly in tears.
Seeing how things had turn out, Joseph knew that the party was a bust.
He was in no mood to drag the party on and he declared, âMy sister isnât feeling well, so Iâll be taking my leave.â
âMr. Joseph, what do you mean by that? Weâve just arrived, and youâre leaving?â Olivia grumbled.
She was a rich lady and most people would show her some respect.
Even if he is the son of Mr. Field, he still has no right to act this way.
âIâm sorry, Ms. Warhol. I really need to leave,â he replied and left with Charlotte.
The instant he turned around, however, Lochlan stopped Joseph and his gaze fell upon Charlotte.
âHold it!â
âWhat business do you have with me, Mr. Fraser?â Josephâs eyes narrowed.
Lochlanâs heart was racing as he stared at the woman in Josephâs arms. She had buried her face in Lochlanâs chest, but her smell and figure felt familiar.
He stared at Charlotte. Lottie, is that you?
He inquired in a quivering tone, âMr. Joseph, this isâ¦â