CHAPTER 288

Chapter 288

Seeing Charlie’s shocked expression, Debra realized he still hadift been able to let go of Claire. Reflecting on this, she reiterated, “She isn’t married yet.”

Charlie’s eyes widened even more, and he tried to speak but found himself too choked up to form words. “W–Why?” he finally managed to ask, his voice hoarse and strained.

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Debra sighed and guided him into the room, handing him the file she had brought. Charlie took the documents and began reading them urgently. However, after only a short while, he found himself unable to continue. He looked up at Debra with a blank expression, his mind racing, ‘Is there a mistake in the file? Did we get it wrong? The sole heir of Jones Group… Is it the same Jones Group I know? No way. That’s impossible! Claire is just an ordinary girl, cheerful and adorable, with an ordinary background!‘

Seeing the confusion and turmoil on Charlie’s face, Debra knew how much this was affecting him. Though she shared his concern, she said, “Her true identity is a bit… complicated. Chuck, what if her family is beyond our reach? They’re urgently trying to find her a husband so she can quickly provide heirs, but she’s been unwilling to marry. I’ve been thinking about this for a while and can’t help but wonder if it’s because there’s still a place for you in her heart.” Debra couldn’t help but reach out to pat Charlie’s head and added solemnly, “Chuck, if that’s the case, there might still be a chance for you. While marrying her might be unlikely, there could be an opportunity if you’re willing to make some sacrifices and marry into her family.” Charlie was at a loss for words.

Seeing his dazed expression, Debra considered it for a moment before saying, “If all else fails, the Carter family can offer a ten–year warranty. After you marry into her family, if any issues arise within ten years, you can be sent back to us for servicing. Of course, we have our limits. At most, it’s a warranty with no returns. You must make it clear that our family isn’t to be taken lightly, and the boundary cannot be crossed.”

Charlie was left speechless upon hearing this. He wondered, ‘Is she really my mom? Am I adopted?‘ Despite his incredulity, Debra’s playful banter had significantly eased his sadness.

After sending Debra out of the room, Charlie returned to his own space. He opened the file and carefully reviewed the information within. After thoroughly going through the materials, Charlie turned on his computer to search for news about Jones Group. However, he couldn’t find a single photo of Claire. Feeling a pang of disappointment, he knew the information his family had gathered was accurate. He wondered, ‘Is Claire really the sole heir of Jones Group?‘ His mind buzzed with questions, and he struggled to calm himself. After thinking for a long time, Charlie stood up and began pacing the room, repeating to himself, ‘Claire isn’t married yet. Does that mean… I still have a chance with her?‘

Despite his many years as an actor, Charlie couldn’t control his emotions at this moment. After a prolonged period of thought, he couldn’t help but collapse onto his bed, pulling the blanket over his head and laughing maniacally. Charlie laughed for a while, but eventually, the laughter gave way to tears. Alone in his room, there was no need for pretense. He cried quietly, with tears flowing continuously. After his tears subsided, his mood began to lift. Charlie thought, ‘I’m going to find Claire and ask her if there’s still a chance for us, no matter the reason for our breakup or how small the possibility might be. I don’t want to give up. Determined to act immediately, he couldn’t wait a moment longer and quickly took out his phone to book a flight.

The plane was set to depart in two hours. Charlie booked the ticket and packed his things immediately. He simply packed a few clothes, informed his family, and left in a hurry. Everyone was initially puzzled, but soon they understood what he was planning and silently wished him well. However, Claire, or rather, Kelly’s current identity was not someone Charlie could

meet at will.

After Stacey informed Hayden of Charlie’s actions, he fell silent and then sent a message to Charlie. Upon landing, Charlie eagerly checked the file on his phone. He saved the information Debra had sent him and could see Claire’s current appearance whenever he checked his phone. Claire had matured considerably and looked much colder and more serious than before. Despite this, Charlie’s mind couldn’t help but recall how sweet and cute she had been in university. As he reminisced, a silly smile spread across his face. After he was done, Charlie immediately turned off his phone, disregarding

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Chapter 288

the other notifications. He couldn’t wait any longer and was eager to head straight to Jones Group to see Claire again.

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The capital city of Yowhayton was vast. After leaving the airport, Charlie took a taxi for over 40 minutes before finally reaching his destination. Standing before the imposing gates of Jones Group, he took a deep breath and wheeled his suitcase forward. However, Charlie was stopped by the security guard at the entrance. He quickly tried to communicate in Yowhaytonian, but his face showed signs of growing distress as the security guard refused to let him through. Charlie became increasingly worried, thinking, ‘What should I do?‘

Back at Hoggard Villa, Hayden checked the time repeatedly and noticed that Charlie hadn’t responded to his messages despite having been off the plane for a while. He wondered, ‘Has he not seen my message?‘ After waiting for another hour with no response, Hayden decided to call Charlie directly.

At the entrance of Jones Group, Charlie was still trying to figure out how to get in when his phone rang unexpectedly. He was momentarily stunned and irritated but stepped aside to check the call. Seeing that it was Hayden calling, Charlie was slightly surprised but quickly realized that Hayden’s call was likely related to his situation. After all, the Carter family’s swift discovery that Claire was Kelly was thanks to the Hoggard family’s assistance. Without Hayden’s help, it might have taken them much longer to uncover this information. With this realization, Charlie’s impatience vanished. He stepped aside and answered the phone.