From Desk to Altar: The CEO's Irresistible Bargain

With a gasp, Charlotte's grip on the cup of water faltered, and it cascaded down, scalding both her hands and splashing onto Liam's trousers.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Parker!" Charlotte dropped to her knees, frantically trying to dab away the spill.

"How could you bungle such a simple task!" Chloe snapped, her voice laced with fury. "What if you had burned him? What amends could you possibly make?"

"The water spilled on the hem of his pants, not on him..."

"Backtalk? Acknowledge your mistake, don't argue in front of your boss!" Chloe's biting reprimand hit Charlotte like a physical blow, as she stood up in a fit of rage and flung the remaining water in Charlotte's face. Droplets trickled down Charlotte's cheeks as she closed her eyes.

The sting of humiliation and anger spread through her, but she was powerless to respond.

Chloe had threatened that once they reached Leiventale, Charlotte would regret her actions.

It seemed the torment had begun even before they arrived.

The water on her face made Charlotte's temples throb, and the room spun, nearly sending her to the floor.

She steadied herself by grabbing onto Liam's leg.

"How dare you clutch at him after all the trouble you've caused?" Chloe's anger flared as she reached out to grab Charlotte.

"Enough," Liam's icy voice cut through the chaos, putting an end to the spectacle.

"Liam, she was..." Chloe tried to continue her tirade.

Liam silenced her with a gesture, "Enough with the drama. Sit down!"

Chloe huffed and retreated to her seat, staring out the window in silent indignation.

"Thank you, Mr. Parker." Charlotte's eyes conveyed her gratitude, but she quickly lowered her gaze at the sight of his annoyed expression. "I apologize. I'll be more careful."

"Can't even serve a simple drink without incident. Aren't you ashamed?" he queried.

Charlotte was at a loss for words, her hand on his leg tightened and then released.

She wanted to defend herself but saw no point.

Releasing her grip, she stood slowly, "I'm sincerely sorry. I'll strive to do better."

Her humility seemed to inflate Chloe's ego. As Charlotte went to fetch some fruit, Chloe followed her.

"How does it feel to be drenched?" Chloe smirked, fixing her hair in the mirror while taunting Charlotte, "Without Thomas and Vincent's protection, you're easy prey. Leave Liam and save yourself some trouble." "And if I don't?" Charlotte retorted coldly.

No amount of pleading would appease Chloe.

Their enmity was beyond repair.

"Chloe, marrying Liam is vital for securing your standing within the Beaumont family, right? Especially after your disfigurement, no gentleman of decent heritage would consider you," Charlotte fired back, her voice ice-cold. Chloe's face turned stormy with disapproval.

"You taught me something quite valuable last night," Charlotte said, a hint of defiance in her voice. "Even if it's against all odds, it's worth fighting for what you don't want to lose."

She had initially wanted to keep Liam out of her schemes, to avoid using him as a pawn in her game.

But upon reflection, what could she really 'use' Liam for?

His heart wasn't hers to win, nor was his hand in marriage promised to her.

She didn't covet Liam's wealth or his influence.

Her presence by his side served a singular purpose, to be a thorn in Chloe's side, to disrupt the marriage arrangement that Chloe so desperately clung to.

Charlotte patted Chloe's shoulder, deliberately exposing the teeth marks etched into her neck.

"Are you flaunting this to me? Flaunting how Liam toys with you?" Chloe hissed through clenched teeth.

With a scornful chuckle, Charlotte replied, "Being doused in water isn't pleasant, which is why you should share in the discomfort."

Having said this, Charlotte delivered the fruit to Liam. The low table required her to crouch as she arranged the offerings.

Liam seemed to have just taken his seat, his chest heaving, fists clenched. Was he angry? But why?

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A wave of dizziness overtook her, stronger than before, and Charlotte found herself falling backward, unsteady.

In the midst of her disorientation, a strong hand grasped her back, steadying her.

"Not feeling well?"

Perhaps it was her imagination, but there seemed to be a glimmer of concern in Liam's eyes.

"Are you worried about me?" she wondered aloud.

But before she could delve deeper, Liam abruptly turned away, withdrawing his hand.

Charlotte crashed to the floor, just as Chloe returned to the scene.

"Oh dear, what a mess!" Chloe exclaimed with disdain, stepping over Charlotte's head with elevated grace. "It's cramped enough here without you blocking the way. Can't you be more aware of your surroundings?" It took Charlotte a few seconds to gather herself and rise, leaning on the nearest support, before she retreated to the preparation area.

After the plane landed and Charlotte managed to rest, her condition improved; at least the dizziness subsided.

At the hotel, Chloe excitedly pointed out the prime real estate to Liam, boasting about how she established such a grand establishment.

Meanwhile, Charlotte wiped and cleaned her modest room, the contrast between their circumstances stark and humbling.

"Liam, dear, I'm famished, but the thought of going to the dining hall is just too exhausting. Can we have someone bring up the meal so we can enjoy it with the river view?" Chloe suggested coquettishly. Liam's response was noncommittal. "Charlotte, fetch the dinner."

Pausing briefly, Charlotte put down her rag casually, "Sure."

Being unfamiliar with the area, she navigated a maze of corridors to bring back the elaborate meal Chloe had specified.

Without rest, she began setting out utensils, ensuring everything was perfect before calling Liam and Chloe to dine.

They were dining on exotic delicacies, really fancy and delicious food, while Charlotte was outside the door eating a simple boxed meal.

She considered herself a competent assistant, if not an outstanding one.

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Charlotte scurried to reheat the meal, bustling about until her own boxed lunch had lost its warmth.

After a brief respite that afternoon, Liam's crew was poised for a visit to their partner company's headquarters.

Trailing behind the group, Charlotte felt both a throbbing headache and a churning stomach.

She knew asking for time off would only invite trouble, so she soldiered on.NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

Barely making it to the partner's office, the crowd ahead came to an abrupt halt. Charlotte, slower to respond, bumped into the person in front of her.

Recognizing the familiar scent, she realized she had collided with Liam and quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Parker."

Liam turned, his helping hand retracting swiftly as his brow furrowed in reproof, "Be careful!"

"Young people these days are all the same, restless just like the interns at my company," commented a scholarly-looking middle-aged man as he approached and shook hands with Liam. After exchanging pleasantries, the man turned his gaze to Charlotte, eyes brimming with admiration, "The Parker Group truly leads the industry, even their assistants are breathtaking beauties." Charlotte slightly furrowed her brow, remaining silent.

She felt Liam's gaze sweep over her.

"Without enough education or skills, at least her looks are presentable."

"Mr. Parker, you're too funny," another chimed in.

The group moved towards the conference room.

Charlotte, not deemed fit to join, could barely keep her eyes open and succumbed to sleep in the lounge.

Awakening as the inspection concluded, Liam and Chloe were off to a welcoming feast, while Charlotte, as usual, was not entitled to attend and waited outside.

"Eh? What are you doing here?" came an unexpected voice.