Bab 4: ANOTHER FLOWER

Natalie's eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed at Charlotte. "You didn't tell us about this?" she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

"I was trying to get at that because, Rachel...you know..." Charlotte's voice trailed off, her eyes darting to the window.

Natalie shook her head in disappointment, her gaze shifting to Rachel.

Rachel's face furrowed in a frown. "Don't look at me like that. I just said what was on my mind." She took Charlotte's hand, her expression softening. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."

Charlotte cut in, her voice firm. "No need to apologize. You're right; this is my mistake. I'll own up to it. If that's what you both want, I'll accept his proposal."

Natalie swiftly grasped Charlotte's shoulders, her eyes filled with concern. "Charlie, you don't need to..."

Charlotte smiled faintly, her hands gently brushing off Natalie's grip. "I must go, they're waiting for me."

As she turned towards the door, Natalie called her, "Wait!" She rushed forward, pressing a pair of glasses into Charlotte's hand. "You forgot these earlier. Be careful, and call me if anything goes wrong."

Natalie's gaze shifted to Rachel, her eyes narrowing in a stern warning. "We don't want anyone getting hurt while trying to own up to their mistakes."

Rachel shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "Good luck, Charlie."

-----

Charlotte sighed deeply, her eyes locked into the intern's beaming smile as she walked down the small stairs, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. "Miss Rose, right?" she asked.

Taylor's soft chuckle caught her off guard, and Charlotte's eyes widened slightly. "Did I get your title right? Sorry, are you married? You look young and..." Charlotte's words tumbled out in a flustered explanation, her eyes blinking rapidly. But before she could finish, Taylor cut in, her tone calm, "Please, come with us. The Vice President is waiting for you."

With a courteous nod, she signaled the driver, who swiftly opened the door for Charlotte.

"Okay," Charlotte murmured, stepping into the car. As she settled into the seat, the chilled air from the air conditioner enveloped her, sending a shiver down her spine.

Her gaze drifted to the front seats, where the driver and intern sat, their faces obscured by the privacy glass. Charlotte's eyes narrowed, her mind wondering where the Vice President was.

As the minutes dragged on and the car hasn't moved, her unease grew. "Hello?" she called out, her voice etched with concern.

The door swung open, and Taylor slid into the seat beside her, her presence catching Charlotte off guard.

"Oh!" Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. Her gaze fell upon the large suitcase Taylor had brought with her,

"What's that for?" She asked nervously.

With a deep breath, Taylor began to explain in a calm, measured tone, "I'm Taylor, your newly assigned assistant. The Vice President has a... let's say, a creative habit of addressing women with flower names, so that's why I am 'Pretty Rose'."

Charlotte dismissively scoffed, her head shaking in frustration. Typical, she thought, of a billionaire playboy.

Taylor's expression remained neutral as she continued, "Now, we'll need to transform your appearance to better suit the Vice President's... expectations." With a smooth motion, she opened the suitcase, revealing a selection of garments and accessories.

"What's going on? Where am I headed? And why am I being dressed up?"Charlotte's questions poured out in quick succession as she gazed at the suitcase, her confusion and alarm growing.

Taylor smiled warmly offering a reassuring contrast to Charlotte's unease expression. "You're attending a dinner date with Mr. Grande," she explained. "And don't worry, you won't be getting dressed here. We'll take you to our dressing room, and then on to Ember & Vine Steakhouse."

At the mention of the exclusive restaurant, Charlotte's jaw dropped in stunned silence. Ember & Vine was the epitome of luxury, reserved for the elite who possessed the black card. Her mind reeled, struggling to process the surreal events unfolding around her.

Taylor's fingers absently tapped her cheek, her lips moving in a whispered mutter. Almost immediately, the car glided into motion, leaving Charlotte staring at Taylor speechlessly.

******

EMBER AND VINE STEAKHOUSE

Sebastian checked his Rolex watch, wondering what was causing the delay. He crossed his feet, adjusting his collar, and surveyed the empty restaurant. He had rented the entire space to impress the first woman who had ever ignored him, and he couldn't help but think, "She'll be putty in my hands after tonight."

Just then, his phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Raymond, his best friend, calling to remind him of their plans at the club. Sebastian tapped his cheek, answering the call. "Hey, you forgot we had plans at the club today!" Raymond's voice boomed through the phone, accompanied by the thumping bass of loud music.

Sebastian apologized, "Sorry, bro, I'm going to have to pass. I have a dinner date." His gaze drifted to the front door, anticipation building.

Raymond's voice laced with amusement. "What flower is it this time? Daisy or Sunflower?"

Sebastian chuckled, "Actually, it's someone new... her name is..." His voice trailed off as he locked eyes with the woman entering the restaurant. His mouth parted slightly in awe.

"Oh my God!" he whispered, his words barely audible.

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