Chapter 20

Before she could react, Charlie released her, the worry in his eyes vanishing instantly.

"Be careful, Miss Bennett," Charlie said coldly.

"Thank you," Lauren replied, nodding politely.

Seeing the alienation and politeness in her eyes, Charlie's face hardened. "I was just worried you might destroy my sand painting," he said.

Lauren was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry. I'll pay attention," she said.

Lauren didn't believe Charlie had been worried about her. They had only met once and were not friends; they were barely acquaintances. If not for Leo, they probably never would have crossed paths.

The sand painting was finished, but Charlie seemed to have lost his patience. Though silent, his irritability was palpable. Finally, unable to remain, he stood, looked at Lauren, and said angrily, "I can't believe this!" His voice trembled violently, as if he could barely contain himself. He forced himself to calm down. "Miss Bennett, I just can't believe you."

He stared intently at Lauren, searching her face for any emotional reaction. But she remained perfectly calm, gazing back at him quietly.

Finally, Charlie gave up, letting out an angry laugh and a sneer before turning and leaving.

After he left, Lauren examined the sand painting. The woman depicted resembled her, but was younger. A cursory glance might suggest it was Lauren, but closer inspection revealed different temperaments. One was delicate and affectionate; the other, indifferent and cold.

As Charlie exited, he encountered Daphne, who was arriving with fruit. Seeing his gloomy face, Daphne didn't dare speak. A longtime maid in the Frank family, she recognized the depth of his anger. She stepped aside, holding her breath, hoping to avoid his wrath. Only after he had gone did she gasp for air, wiping the sweat from her brow. She didn't even deliver the fruit, returning directly to her room. She hadn't seen Charlie so angry in a long time.

She recalled his last outburst—four years ago, when he returned home with Leo. She didn't know what had happened, but she sensed a growing strangeness in his behavior. He was inherently cold, difficult to approach. When angry, the air around him seemed to thicken with tension, inspiring fear.

During that time, Daphne had avoided him, minimizing contact. Today, she experienced that same oppressive feeling.