Ian's words immediately directed everyone's attention towards Charlotte.
Chris was the first to inquire, "Charlotte, what's happening?"
Aaron and Diana also approached her, their concern and curiosity evident in their eyes.
Feeling uneasy under her siblings' scrutiny, Charlotte nervously clenched her fingers, hesitant to meet their gaze.
Should she voice her suspicions? The person really did resemble Kingsley.
But how could Kingsley be here at this moment? If she did mention it, would it lead to extensive investigations into Kingsley's whereabouts? Wouldn't that only complicate things for him?
"Charlotte, you need to be honest with us," Ian urged, his expression serious. "The person we just saw is no ordinary individual. Their hacking skills are comparable to mine, indicating significant backing. Someone of such caliber showing up at Diana's recital and targeting you is concerning. This isn't something to take lightly."
Ian's words brought Charlotte back to reality. If there was a powerful entity involved, it closely aligned with Kingsley's profile. But if Kingsley had been keeping a low profile, did that mean he didn't want attention drawn to him?
Charlotte bit her lip, her eyes reflecting inner turmoil. To speak up or remain silent?
"Charlotte!" Chris's voice cut through, commanding attention.
Charlotte's eyes welled up with tears. It was the first time her family, who had always doted on her, had confronted her like this. Chris's stern tone weighed heavily on her.
Defeated, Charlotte looked up, tears streaming down her cheeks. Chris's next words caught in his throat, and Ian seemed momentarily lost for words, panic flickering across his face.
Aaron, distressed, stepped forward, shielding Charlotte. He cast a disapproving glance at Chris and Ian. "Stop pressuring her! If the clues are scattered, we'll piece them together. If the internet video was deleted, we'll find a way to recover it!"
Diana joined in, embracing Charlotte. "Exactly! Chris, Ian, you're being too harsh. If that man left peacefully after the concert, it's likely he meant no harm. Charlotte knows him and trusts he won't hurt her. Stop making this harder for her."
Faced with their family's united front, Chris and Ian reluctantly abandoned their interrogation.
"Okay, I won't push the issue. Charlotte can talk if she wants, and it's okay if she doesn't," Ian stated.
Chris also spoke up, his usually cold demeanor softening with a hint of helplessness. "No more tears. I was wrong. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
Charlotte sniffled, feeling a bit embarrassed, her cheeks flushing. She didn't blame them for being harsh; she just struggled to control her emotions and reacted defensively.
Stepping out from behind Aaron, she met Chris and Ian's gazes, her serious expression reflecting in her sky-blue eyes.
"Chris, Ian, I know you're concerned for my safety, which is why you're so anxious. I believe I recognize the person who visited this time, but I can't disclose his identity. Please forgive me. You don't need to worry; he means no harm, and I'll take care of myself."
Ian nodded. "I trust you."
Charlotte sighed in relief, a small smile appearing on her face.
Unnoticed by her, Chris's eyes held a pensive gaze. "Charlotte, if you know him, why can't you tell us who he is?"
Charlotte frowned, remaining silent.
Seeing her reaction, Chris persisted, "Charlotte, I'm doing this for your own good..."
Before Chris could finish, Charlotte interrupted firmly, "Enough! You always claim it's for my own good, my safety, and well-being. Since I was found, I've had no privacy; you want to know everything I say and do, control my daily life. I understand your fear of losing me again because I was lost as a child, but I've grown up! I need my own space, my own life. I don't want to be forever sheltered like a helpless bird under your wings!"
With those words, Charlotte grabbed her bag and stormed out of the room.
Behind her, Chris stood frozen, while Ian's eyes darkened.
Aaron moved to follow her, but Diana held him back. "Right now, she needs space," Diana said with a sigh.
"But I'm worried..." Aaron's expression showed concern.
"Just discreetly assign some people to protect her," Diana suggested.
Exiting the hotel, Charlotte glanced back, relieved to see no one following her. She took out her phone and immediately started messaging Carl.
Kingsley was definitely around; there was no way Carl wouldn't know.
At the concert, Kingsley must have seen her, which explained why he stared at her a few times, right?
At that moment, Charlotte couldn't wait to meet him.
She didn't know why, but her heart raced whenever she thought of Kingsley.
The message was sent, but there was no reply. Charlotte didn't hold back and sent her location directly to the other party via WhatsApp, along with another message expressing her desire to buy Carl and Kingsley a drink. However, all her messages seemed to meet with no response.
Charlotte's mood sank, and she sat alone in the bar, looking somewhat dazed.
The sky darkened, the moon peeked out from between the clouds, and the neon lights of the city began to flicker amidst the bustling traffic.
Charlotte sipped her margarita, wondering how long she had been at the bar, her mind in turmoil.
Was Kingsley coming? Why hadn't Carl replied? Various questions swirled in her mind, leaving her feeling dizzy.
Unbeknownst to her, there were eyes quietly watching her from a corner.
After a while, Charlotte staggered to her feet and attempted to leave, only to be accosted by a man reeking of alcohol.
"Hey, pretty girl! It's late. Where do you want to go? Why don't you come home with me?" He looked at Charlotte with lustful eyes and reached out his hand to pull her closer.
Before his hand could touch her, it was seized by a pair of strong hands. The man gasped in pain as he was swiftly thrown aside.
"Are you alright, Charlotte?" Strong arms wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her away from danger.
Meanwhile, the bodyguards lurking in the shadows discreetly retreated.
Charlotte's ears buzzed with the sound of rapid heartbeat as she raised her eyes to meet a familiar and handsome face. She stared at him, a mix of disbelief and surprise evident in her gaze.
The one who had rescued her was Kingsley.
His eyes were still tense and fearful, almost consuming in their intensity. Charlotte froze, her mind going blank as she drew a soft breath.
Kingsley's cool, pleasant scent enveloped her, igniting a stirring sensation within her body. Her blood seemed to quicken, her heart pounding like thunder.
She gazed at him blankly, her eyes drawn to his thin, sensual lips, an inexplicable desire spreading through her heart.
She wanted to kiss him.