arlotte’s concern was clear in her voice. She worried that Georgia might be pushing herself too hard just to earn money. Seeing that genuine worry in Charlotte’s eyes, Georgia felt a flicker of warmth inside–a rare comfort amid the cold realities
of her life.
Not wanting to cause Charlotte any more anxiety, Georgia answered quietly, “Charlotte, he only asked for a kiss.”
Charlotte blinked, surprise flickering across her face. “A kiss? Just that?” But then silence fell A kiss? Could it really be that simple?
Charlotte had witnessed far too many men who wore masks of politeness in public but revealed darker, more twisted desires behind closed doors–especially here at Vetro Club. Many werewolves took cruel pleasure in toying with humans, delighting in their submission. And this man, who could have any woman he desired, had singled out Georgia and handed her twenty thousand dollars.
was
Charlotte studied Georgia carefully. It wasn’t contempt she felt–only the stark impression that Georgia was unlike the kinds of women most men desired. Very few men would ever genuinely want someone like her..
J“Just a kiss?” Charlotte repeated softly.
“Yes,” Georgia réplied.
That quiet confirmation deepened Charlotte’s silence. A customer that generous, asking for only a kiss–it didn’t seem as straightforward as it appeared.
“Don’t see this man again,” Charlotte warned firmly.
She was convinced his intentions were dangerous. Though she couldn’t name exactly what he wanted from Georgia, the unease clenching her gut told her it wasn’t good. Charlotte would not let Georgia expose herself to this stranger any
further.
Chapter Unlocked, Enjoy Reading! Her eyes shifted to Georgia’s, who sat silent
ded on Georgia’s forehead. Without warning, she reached out and swept Georgia’s bangs aside, exposing a fresh wound.
“What happened?” she asked sharply.
Georgia scrambled to cover the injury, panic flashing in her eyes. “I fell and hit my head. I’m fine now.”
Charlotte’s voice hardened. “What do you mean by that? You didn’t take leave because you were tired?”
She pulled out her phone and leveled a serious look at Georgia. “You don’t have to tell me what happened, but if I’ll call Mr. Hill right now.”
Georgia’s face paled. “Charlotte, Mr. Hill won’t care about me.”
This time, Charlotte believed her.
“I can call your manager instead,” she offered.
you
don’t,
Georgia’s eyes widened in alarm. “Don’t call Elaine.”
Charlotte froze for a moment. Georgia’s fear was palpable.
‘Charlotte, please don’t call Elaine,” Georgia pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elaine’s dislike for Georgia was no secret: If Elaine chose to expel Georgia from the department, how could Georgia ever hope to earn money and repay her crushing debts?
1 fell on a doorknob,” Georgia lied.
Charlotte frowned, clearly unsatisfied. “How did that happen?”
Georgia wavered, then explained, “It rained suddenly that day. I got soaked, felt dizzy and sick. She left out the truth about.
Laura’s cruelty.
She wasn’t protecting Laura–she simply didn’t want more enemies. She was afraid. Preston had already made her life a
<Chapter 45
torment. The thought of more hatred terrified her.
Charlotte scrutinized Georgia’s face, searching for signs of deception. After a long pause, her expression softened.
“The wound hasn’t healed yet. You need to rest. Come back only when you’re fully recovered. I’ll inform your manager.”
“No,” Georgia said firmly, defying Charlotte for once.
Charlotte rubbed her forehead in frustration. “You’re not well, and those stitches aren’t even out yet.”
“If you care about me, then give me more work, Georgia challenged.
Charlotte sighed. “Go home now.”
She knew her protests were likely futile, Georgia would find some way to keep earning.
After Georgia left, Charlotte’s gaze lingered on the check resting on her desk. Without hesitation, she transferred twenty thousand dollars from her own bank account into the one Preston had given Georgia. Then, carefully, she locked the check away in her safe.
High above in the Los Angeles branch, perched atop a towering skyscraper, a man sat at the head of a gleaming conference table. His phone vibrated sharply, drawing his attention.
A shadow crossed his face as he read the incoming message–a notice from the bank confirming the transfer. The amount registered clearly. Surprise flickered briefly in his eyes.
He rose and paced to the floor–to–ceiling windows, phone in hand, and dialed.
The call connected after two rings.
“Who gave her the money?” The voice was icy, laced with suspicion.
Back at Vetro Club, Charlotte listened carefully to the voice on the other end.
Her surprise gave way to understanding. Since she had sent the money to Georgia’s account–registered under Preston’s name–the bank’s notification would have automatically alerted him,
“A new customer,” Charlotte replied, refusing to hide the truth.
“What did she do this time?” the man pressed.
The question sounded odd, but Charlotte grasped the meaning beneath it. He wanted to know what Georgia had done to earn such a sum–what she had traded for it.
Charlotte hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the details.
Impatience crept into the man’s tone. “What are you trying to cover up for her?”
70
