Chapter 48: Charlotte’s POV
Chapter 48: Charlotte’s POV
I answer the phone with caution and press 5 to accept the collect call. I hadn’t found him a lawyer and his carefully thought–out plan of financial support from Leo’s father had crumbled.
“Charlotte, I haven’t heard from you.“his tone was daunting. He was furious.
+25 BONUS
“Hello father, I’ve been busy trying to find you an attorney but none are willing to represent you at the moment.” I lie about being busy. I had looked and contacted about every attorney in the state and not one was willing to work
on this case.
“What about Leo’s private team of attorneys? Surely, he could lend them to you in an effort to save your father.” I hear his cold sardonic voice and catch my breath.
“They’re not willing too and Leonardo’s mother has made haste in sharing her opinions of me to him. She’s asked me to leave.” I admit to my father – in front of Francisco.
“How dare that vile woman try to pry you from our financial safety net!” Safety net? Had he forgotten Leo was the love of my life when he created this plot? The same plot that led Leo to leave me entirely and marry another woman?
“Your financial safety net.” I correct him carefully. A slight showing of my annoyance.
“No, ours. If it wasn’t for Leonardo, the company would have failed, we’d have been bankrupt and you’d be broke. I did this for you.” He hisses out. This was all lies.
“That’s not true.” He would be ruined by his own financial infidelities. Our reputation would have been ruined but I still would’ve had Leo.
“Charlotte, tread lightly. I’m still your father.” A warning laced with threat.
“Yes, father.” I knew it would be better to agree. He always got his way. He made sure of it.
“You will stop wasting time on whatever it is you’re doing and win Leonardo over. Once you do, I expect to see his team of attorneys at my defense. My hearing is approaching and I will not be made a fool of by showing up with a public defense attorney. I don’t care how you do it – just do it!” He raises his voice and I feel the vibration of anger coming through the phone.
“Yes, father.” I say as I look down towards the floor. My hair falling over my shoulders in shame.
“That’s better. You’d better have some results next time I call. I love you Charlotte, but you know that I refuse to tolerate betrayal.”
“I understand.” I hear the line disconnect and sigh in lustration. My father hadn’t always been vile. He was loving, kind and generous but he needed to be in control. And right now, he wasn’t. He was desperate and it had caused him to lose his collected demeanor and show his dark natures – even against me.
I feel Francisco’s hands wrapped around about my waist as he peered into my eyes.
“Mon Cher, don’t be upset. Let’s have fun tonight and take care of the girl tomorrow.” He smiles slightly in an effort to lift my mood.
I lean in to kiss him and decide to make use of this time for my own pleasure.
My father could wait a little longer. Besides, it was him who had me wait years for Leonardo. After the stunt he pulled today, I was no longer in a rush to save him.
