Charlotte picked up Sebastian's call, her fingers tightening slightly around her phone as his voice came through.
"Red... can we meet? At the Winemaker? I have something to say to you."
There was a long pause before she replied, her voice soft but confident, "Love to... at 7 PM?"
"Okay, Red. Bye..."
She ended the call, staring at the dark screen for a moment, heart pounding more than she wanted to admit.
He promised me he wouldn't meet me again after the Winemaker became mine... she thought, biting her lower lip. But still... I kind of like the idea of meeting him.
She sank down onto the velvet armchair in her sunlit living room, the silence thick with her conflicting emotions.
Oh my gosh, what is happening to me lately? Her fingers drifted over the rim of her teacup. But somehow... I feel better now. Lighter.
David was behind bars. That alone should've satisfied her.
Her sister Melody's life, though—was shattered. Once the pride of the Rosel Opera, she was now relegated to working backstage, invisible to the very stage she once owned. Scandal had tainted her so deeply that no amount of wealth or legacy could cleanse it. No director dared to cast her. No audience wanted to applaud her. Even though she still legally owned the opera, Charlotte now had full authority over it—calling the shots, curating the shows, shaping the future of something once completely out of her reach.
And now, she smiled to herself, as a bonus, I own the Rosewood Winemaker too.
Her empire had grown. Her name commanded respect. Her house—her own house—stood as a symbol of the independence and power she had fought for.
But even with everything she had gained, something gnawed at her insides.
Vincent.
The thought of him made her blood boil. He had been her fiancé... and yet behind her back, he had an affair with Melody. He had played both sisters—betraying not just a promise, but her dignity. He didn't even have authority over his family's business anymore, which meant there was little legal ground to expose him for fraud. He had already slipped through the cracks of justice.
But I could still ruin his reputation. The idea whispered temptingly.
She had tried. Even hired the best detective she could find. But nothing stuck. He was slippery—careful. Always just out of reach.
Maybe I should forgive him. Let it be. Live in peace. She rubbed her temple. But why—why does seeing him happy make my stomach twist in rage?
Charlotte stood up, brushing those thoughts away.
Forget him. Tonight's not about Vincent. It's about Sebastian.
She stepped into her walk-in closet, fingers skimming over her carefully arranged dresses. Eventually, she chose a stunning white gown—elegant, fitted, and soft to the touch. It hugged her curves like it was made just for her. She paired it with satin white gloves, glossy heels, and a delicate clutch bag to match. Her hair fell in soft waves around her face, her lips painted in a shade of rose that made her look both powerful and vulnerable.
She arrived at 7:30 PM at the Rosewood Winemaker. The moonlight spilled over the vineyard, giving the entire estate a silver hue. Lights twinkled softly, and the scent of grapes lingered in the air.
Inside, Sebastian was already waiting, looking devastatingly composed in his tailored suit. His eyes lit up the moment she entered.
"Hello, Sebastian," Charlotte said with a calm smile. "Long time no see. I haven't seen a glimpse of you for months. Where were you?"
Sebastian took a step closer, his hands in his pockets. "I was traveling. Many trips. Out of the country... for you. And for peace. In simple words—I was trying to get over you."
She blinked, caught off guard. Before she could say anything, he continued.
"But forget that. I have more important news. Something that will affect you, Red."
She tilted her head. "What is it?"
"Let's do a collaboration," he said, a spark in his eyes.
Her brows furrowed. "Huh? I mean, I'm open to it... but why? Why now?"
"Because," he said quietly, "I want to see you more often."
Charlotte sighed and smiled faintly. "Sebastian, just to meet me, you can't risk your reputation. You know that, right? The Winemaker was nearly doomed when David went to jail. It took everything I had to recover it in three months. And it's still not what it was before."
"I don't care about that," he said, stepping closer. "Please, Red. Collab with me. Please."
There was something so honest, so raw in the way he said it, it made her breath hitch.
"If you say so..." she smiled. "I'm ready."
He lit up. "Yes! Then let's sign the papers at a collaboration celebration—in front of all the media and guests?"
She nodded. "Sure. When should we hold the party?"
"Next week?"
"Fine."
"And Red..." he hesitated, "we can meet more often now, right? Since we have to organize everything?"
She bit back a smile. "Well... yes."
A pause. Then she excused herself. "I need to use the restroom. I'll be back."
"Okay, Red. I'll wait."
Inside the restroom, Charlotte stood before the mirror. Her reflection stared back, too beautiful, too confused.
What the hell is wrong with me? she thought, gripping the sink. Why do I like being with him? Why do I want to talk to him, hear his voice?
She touched her cheek, then looked into her own eyes.
The way he looks at me. The way he says my name. His voice, his eyes—God, I just... I just like it so much.
Her pulse quickened.
I think... I think I love him. I think I love him too much now.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
What if this time, love doesn't ruin me? What if this time, it saves me?
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