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Charlotte is the daughter of Charles’s late best friend. Her father, a man Charles deeply respected, died when she was just a child. On his deathbed, he entrusted Charlotte’s safety and future to Charles, making him promise to protect her no matter what. For years, Charles financially supported her and acting as a father figure, ensuring she had everything she needed.

But now, Charlotte has turned 18, and circumstances force her to step into Charles’s world. No longer a helpless child, she is a beautiful, intelligent young woman, and for the first time, Charles sees her differently. He fights against his emotions, knowing she’s too young, too pure, and most of all—someone he has sworn to protect. But Charlotte, unaware of his internal struggle, finds herself drawn to him, eager to prove that what they feel is real.

Torn between Duty and Desires

Chapter 5: A Dangerous Game of Teasing (Charlotte's POV)

Charlotte had seen Charles in many moods before.

Angry? Yes. Annoyed? All the time. Amused? Rarely.

And she wasn't going to let it go.

As the car sped toward the mansion, she leaned back in her seat, watching Charles out of the corner of her eye. He looked as composed as ever—one hand on the wheel, posture rigid, expression blank. But the slight tension in his jaw told her everything.

"You know…" she started, twirling a strand of her hair. "You didn't have to come all the way to my university just to pick me up."

"I told you," he said without looking at her. "We had business to discuss."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What business?"

A pause. A slight flicker in his eyes.

"I—" He exhaled. "I simply thought it would be more convenient."

Charlotte smirked. "Right. Convenient."

She could see it now—Charles, the cold, composed businessman, losing his cool over a silly crush. And he definitely had a crush. He just hadn't realized it yet.

But Charlotte? Oh, she realized it.

And maybe, just maybe, she liked teasing him a little too much.

"I think you were jealous," she said casually.

Charles visibly tensed. "That's absurd."

"Oh, come on." She leaned in slightly, grinning. "You saw Ethan flirting with me and decided to come swooping in like some overprotective knight."

His grip on the wheel tightened. "You're imagining things."

"Am I?" She tilted her head. "Because I distinctly remember you glaring at him like you wanted to throw him off a cliff."

Charles exhaled sharply through his nose. "Charlotte."

He finally glanced at her, and for a second, she swore she saw something dangerous flicker in his eyes. "If you keep testing me, you won't like what happens next."

But teasing Charles Williams was way too much fun.

She leaned in even closer, her voice light and playful. "Oh? And what exactly would happen, Charles?"

The car suddenly pulled over to the side of the road.

Charlotte barely had time to react before Charles turned to face her fully, his intense blue eyes locking onto hers.

"You really want to know?" His voice was deep, smooth, but there was something unreadable in it.

For the first time, Charlotte felt her heart stutter in something other than amusement.

Charles leaned in slightly, just enough for her to feel the warmth of his presence. "You're playing a game, Charlotte."

His gaze darkened. "You don't know the rules."

Okay. Maybe teasing him wasn't the best idea after all.

It felt like she was the one getting played.

chapter 5: A Dangerous Game of Teasing (Charlotte's pov)