Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”Don’t get too close to him.” Atlas Hallow’s voice seemed to carry a hint of warning, maybe even a trace of bitterness, and Charlotte Miller smiled without answering.

Was he still worried about her getting close to other men at this time?

She was no longer the Charlotte Miller of the past. Dean Hallow couldn’t harm her, and even if behind Gael Hallow there was an old fox like Flix Hallow, she would still be able to walk away unscathed.

She didn’t like anyone targeting Atlas Hallow. If anyone ever wanted to target him, that person could only be her.

This feeling was quite amusing, but it made her uncomfortable.

”Not every man in this world will like me.” Over the years, many men had appeared around her. Some could become confidants, others close friends, but none could become lovers.

She had her quirky temperament, and it seemed like the only one persistently saying he liked her was this man in front of her?

”No matter what, it’s impossible.” Still as domineering as ever, Charlotte wanted to laugh upon hearing this; he was truly beyond saving.

Whether she would always be with him was still an unknown. Even if there was some misunderstanding back then, those nightmare-like days had already stopped her in her tracks with this man.

And with Atlas Hallow, she always had a rebellious mentality; she liked doing exactly what he forbade her.

”Gael Hallow only has one child.” Atlas Hallow murmured, as if speaking to himself and also to Charlotte.

”Then he won’t get that eight percent of the shares, right? But many people don’t even know their real birthday because if they were born at a time considered inauspicious by astrologers, or for other reasons, their parents would change their birthdate.” Charlotte had heard of such things.

Regardless of that eight percent, he had to destroy Flix Hallow’s thirty percent. Just killing him would be too easy; he should taste something different.

Leaving the Hallow Clan, Charlotte looked up Gael Hallow’s number. In her work contacts, he was saved as Leon Hallow.

Turns out he had such a deep connection with Atlas Hallow; no wonder she felt something off when she first met him.

”Miss Miller, I really didn’t expect you to call me. I’ve reached out to you several times, and you always said you didn’t have time.” The voice on the other end had a hint of surprise; Gael Hallow had asked Charlotte out more than once or twice.

The last time they were to discuss the Hallow Clan’s shares over dinner, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be Justin Hallow’s birthday, which he barely remembered until Snowy Lopez urged him to return quickly.

”I heard you’ve returned to the country, and it just so happens I have some matters to discuss with you.” Charlotte laughed heartily, her voice over the airwaves revealing no anomalies.

”Why don’t we have dinner together then? I’ll be waiting for you at the Glass Palace tonight, Miss Miller.” On the other end, Gael Hallow promptly set the time and place for their meeting, seemingly eager.

Yet again, it was that restaurant at the Glass Palace, which was not a good place to talk business—too romantic.

Moreover, she didn’t like that place at all. Last time, Atlas Hallow had arranged to meet Eleanor Davis there, which resulted in Mia being exposed and causing so much trouble.

Even now, the storm hadn’t wholly subsided. Going back to that Glass Palace really was annoying.

”Since it’s my meeting with Mr. Hallow, I should be the one to host, and I’ve already picked the location...” Charlotte selected the restaurant in town known for its most authentic official cuisine, as this meeting was about business, not a date, making it much more suitable.

Having arranged to meet Gael Hallow, Charlotte had a hint of a smile in her eyes. Calling him Mr. Hallow earlier felt somewhat awkward.

Three days later, the Hallow Clan would hold a board meeting, likely to formally announce the change in leadership.

By then, it was sure to cause stock price fluctuations. Many held shares, trusting firmly in Atlas Hallow’s profit-making ability. But if someone else took over, it was another story, whether they could maintain high dividends and bonuses, whether the continued stable rise in performance could be ensured.

The shares she had acquired would undoubtedly depreciate, but now cutting losses was undoubtedly best. If she didn’t transfer them in time, Atlas Hallow might force the stock price to crash.

Charlotte never truly witnessed the extent of his power. She always felt that Atlas Hallow’s previous ruthlessness towards her was just the tip of the iceberg, and this time he was genuinely ready to act.

Before the storm hit, she needed to retreat safely. But she couldn’t sell these shares to others, while some could be sold on the market—time was tight; she had nearly over five percent of shares in hand, not including nearly four percent of original shares still under negotiation.

She didn’t want to sell these shares and cause another’s ruin, as the stock market turmoil was caused by Flix Hallow, and the losses should surely be borne by him.

Driving back to the Foster Family’s courtyard, Charlotte got out of the car and walked into the cobbled alley, hearing Mia’s laughter.

The swing in the yard was well-installed, very safe and comfortable. The Foster Family’s Butler Kent still delivered afternoon tea every afternoon, with Mia’s share being specially made.

Upon entering the yard, she saw her mom feeding Mia some snacks.

”Charlotte, have some too. We’ll have to thank Mr. Foster in person if we get the chance.” Freya Morgon sighed; the host was so thoughtful, taking care of things so thoroughly without missing a beat.

Mia was eating a bowl of osmanthus lotus root starch, especially suitable for children.

The adults received stewed bird’s nest. The housekeeper specifically mentioned that children could eat a little bird’s nest, but not too much, so a separate lotus root starch was prepared; the Foster Family was very particular about food.

”Mia...” Seeing her daughter, Charlotte’s eyes softened like spring water.

”Mommy...” Seeing Charlotte return, Mia excitedly wriggled her little bottom off the swing, hugged Charlotte, and gave her a peck, leaving a sweet, fragrant trace of lotus root starch on her cheek. She wiped it off with a smile and picked Mia up, sitting on a chair in the yard.

”I heard Mr. Foster doesn’t see female guests.” Since they’ve been disturbing here for some time, Charlotte mentioned to Atlas about thanking Mr. Foster, but Atlas said there was no need, as Mr. Foster never saw female guests.

”Such a nature is really rare.” Freya Morgon found it odd, but since he said he wouldn’t meet female guests, it was truly impossible to thank him in person, though his thoughtful care made one feel quite uneasy.

”Mommy, don’t dwell on it. Atlas Hallow is Mia’s father, it’s only right he repays this favor.” Charlotte held Mia in her arms, comforting her mother.

”I have a social engagement tonight, so I won’t be having dinner at home. After some time, we can move into our house, so we won’t have to keep moving around.” She had ordered furniture and the like, gradually moving them in. Even the most non-toxic furniture had to sit for a while. Once everything was settled, it would be perfect to move into their home.

Thinking of this, the thought was comforting, making her feel that all her efforts hadn’t been in vain. However, living in the Foster Family courtyard was truly comfortable, perhaps because it was a large area with few people in and out, offering peace and tranquility.

When Charlotte hefted Mia in her arms, she felt she was a bit heavier, her little face seemed to have gained some flesh. Freya Morgon happily remarked, ”Did you notice? Our Mia has gained a bit of weight recently, almost two pounds heavier.”

”Really?” It’s been quite a while; Mia was only growing taller without gaining weight, so the news of her gaining two pounds truly was a joyous occasion for the entire family.

”She was just weighed this morning. At this rate, Mia will soon be ready for kindergarten. Charlotte, you should pay attention. Though we have plenty of time and energy to care for her, Mia ultimately needs to go to kindergarten to have many little friends to play with.” Freya Morgon was most reluctant to see Mia go to school, but a three-year-old would have to eventually.

”I know, I’ve been keeping an eye on it.” Charlotte nodded, playing with Mia in the yard for a good while, until the sky darkened a little, then hurriedly went to change clothes.

Beautiful women always have a slight advantage in doing business, so tonight she had to make sure to leverage her beauty. The men of the Hallow Family were actually all quite lustful, including Atlas Hallow. Exploiting their weaknesses might seem a bit despicable, but they didn’t have good intentions from the start, did they?

Even if there was nothing between Atlas Hallow and her, he was still her child’s father. How could they bully her like this?