Chapter 78

Lena stepped back into the house, still processing Ethan's words, when she froze in surprise.

Charlotte was already seated in the living room, arms crossed, staring at nothing.

Lena quickly composed herself, smoothing down her dress, and walked over with a bright smile.

"Charlotte!" she said in a cheerful tone as she sat beside her. "What's going on? You look… off."

But Charlotte ignored her question. Instead, she turned to Lena with narrowed eyes.

"What did you and Ethan talk about outside?"

Lena shifted uncomfortably but quickly regained her composure.

"Nothing much," she said lightly. "He just told me to, you know, calm you down a little."

Charlotte studied her face for a few seconds before nodding slowly. "Oh… okay. I thought it was something else."

Lena immediately let out a silent breath of relief.

"No, of course not," she said with a small laugh. Then she quickly changed the subject.