Chapter 13 He Can't Have Kids

Frank was fuming as he grabbed her design sketches from the desk and ripped them up. "You think just because you're cozy with my uncle, you can do whatever you want?" "What's gotten into you? If you want to lose your cool, go outside. You're in my office." Frank sneered at her. "Oh, I get it. You're still bitter I left you and married Lorraine. I can't believe I didn't see how mean you were." Charlotte looked at him, unimpressed. "Bitter? Please. You're not even good at the basics. What's there to be bitter about?" Frank's face turned red with anger. Charlotte was the only one who knew his embarrassing secret. Lorraine was too young to understand these things. But Charlotte bringing it up made him feel really bad. He changed the subject. "So, you like Luke better, huh? I bet you cheated on me with him." Charlotte wasn't going to let him get to her. "I met my boss after I got this job, so keep your wild guesses to yourself. Not everyone's like you, cheating in your marriage when you can't even perform? You must be one of a kind." "What are you talking about? I've already been treated." "Really?" Charlotte looked at him skeptically. "Do you even believe that?" Frank tried to hide his guilt with a tough act. "It's partly your fault. When we were together, I didn't feel anything. You didn't have the charm I expected, so how could I have any reaction?" Charlotte gave a sarcastic laugh. "Maybe I should show you that video of you begging me to marry you. It might jog your memory about the past." "I don't have these problems with Lorraine. We even had a baby last year, though there were some issues." Charlotte's patience was wearing thin. "So, with all those issues, you still think you've fixed everything? That's just sad, Frank. You never look at yourself when there's a problem." "What should I be looking for? You were the one who cheated, not me. And if you spread lies to Lorraine, you'll regret it." Charlotte had heard enough of his false accusations. "Please leave. I have work to do." Frank sneered at her. "Don't think you can use your relationship with Luke against me. I'm done with you. Stay away from me." Charlotte slammed her hand down on the desk with force. "Listen to your own advice and stay out of my business. Why are you so obsessed with bringing this up? Is it because no one else knows you can't have kids?" "Shut up!" Frank glared at her. Charlotte knew all his deepest secrets, posing a real threat to him. He would rather claim she cheated than admit his own problems, which was a massive hit to his ego. "You're clearly scared," Charlotte retorted sharply. Frank had been pestering her since she returned. He had come by every few days to cause trouble, and Charlotte was sick of it. 'He claims he wants nothing to do with me, but here he is again, warning me. Why is he scared now?' Frank inhaled deeply. "I'll give you that villa if you can get Luke to continue our partnership. If not, it'll be bad for both of us." Charlotte responded icily, "I can't do that. Luke's choice to not work with you has nothing to do with me. Maybe you did something to put people off. Why do you always blame everyone else?" Frank shouted, "What did I do wrong? All of this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you!" The employees, drawn by the noise, crowded around Charlotte's office, eager to catch a glimpse of the heated argument. Luke opened Charlotte's office door and confronted Frank sternly, "Frank, we settled this in my office. Why are you here causing more trouble?" Standing by the door, Luke's presence quickly dispersed the curious employees. Frank was defiant. "I just wanted to ask Charlotte why she's still after me after all this time." Luke maintained his composure. "You're well aware of what happened back then. She's going to be your aunt, yet you show no respect. I'm deeply disappointed." "I meant no harm, Luke." Luke was clearly angry. "I'm telling you now: I won't do business with you now or ever again. Don't bother Charlotte anymore." Frank glared at Charlotte resentfully. "What do I need to do for you to let me be?" Luke moved to stand protectively in front of Charlotte. "I made these decisions on my own. If you have issues, take them up with me. Bullying a woman is cowardly." Luke's tall presence provided a protective barrier for Charlotte, her tears freely flowing now. She had endured so much due to Frank's actions. Without Luke's unwavering support, she couldn't fathom how she would have managed today. 'Why is it fair that he gets away unscathed while I shoulder all this pain?' Frank was desperate. "We would've finalized our agreement if she hadn't meddled. Why are you backing out now, Luke? You can't treat me like this. You can't just go back on your word, even in a deal with a stranger." Luke regarded him with a calm, stern gaze. "Are you attempting to instruct me on my business decisions?" Frank tried to appear humble. "Of course not. I just want a clear understanding of this situation, instead of being left confused." "I'll explain it once more: this situation has nothing to do with my girlfriend. Had you not created this mess today, there might have been a chance for discussion. But now, that's completely off the table." Luke's voice remained calm and controlled, deftly handling the tense situation.