It was no surprise that he couldn’t locate the pebble after that day; he had let it slip from his grasp! Ironically, or perhaps unfortunately, Loreen had picked it up…


    How could he even exin this? Damn…


    Charlie bit his lip, trying to appear nonchnt as he replied, “What do you mean? It’s just a regr pebble.”


    Loreen locked eyes with Charlie, her expression serious. “Don’t lie to me! Zachary already told me that this pebble belongs to you—it’s the rare and unique peace and wealth pebble!”


    Charlie pressed his lips together and nced away, mentally cursing Zachary for spilling the secret!<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    With Loreen having the definitive proof, Charlie had no choice but to admit, albeit reluctantly, “Alright, I’ll confess that I was the one who helped you at the Aurous Bistro, but I was just passing by when I saw you! Please, don’t tell ire!”


    After his confession, silence fell between them, creating an ufortable tension.


    Charlie felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him; he was unsure how to face Loreen now that his efforts to hide his identity had been uncovered.


    Meanwhile, Loreen was battling a storm of emotions inside. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and turmoil.


    Loreen fixed her gaze on Charlie, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find the right words. After a moment, she summoned her courage, stepped closer, and stood just a fist’s distance away from him.


    “Charlie, I… I like you!”<fn0b03> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find_Novel(.</fn0b03>


    Charlie’s eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively took a step back. “Loreen, I’m your best friend’s husband. You can’t—”


    Loreen clenched her jaw and replied, “So what? I know you and ire don’t truly care for each other! Your marriage was just a formality due to her grandfather’s wishes. So, I’m not stealing my best friend’s husband—technically, I’m taking her fake husband.”


    She then took his hand, cing it over her heart, and said with deep passion, “Charlie, I’m just as beautiful as ire, and my body is just as enticing. Plus, I’m the eldest daughter of the Thomas family. I love you more than she ever could, and I’d do anything for you.”


    Charlie jerked his hand away, still reeling from her words. “Loreen, it’s simply impossible for us to be together. I can’t betray ire. I believe this is just a fleeting impulse. Don’t waste your feelings on me; it’s not worth it.”


    Despite his rejection, Loreen insisted, “No, I thought about this all night. Charlie, I fell for you the first time you saved me, and my feelings have only grown stronger since!”


    With determination, she shouted, “I like you! I love you! If you choose to be with me, I’ll make sure no one looks down on you! I’ll be the partner who stands by your side and supports you forever!”


    Charlie managed a bitter smile at her deration.


    What Loreen didn’t realize was that he was not just her savior; he was also the chairman of Emgrand Group and the young master of Eastcliff’s Wade family. If he wanted to avoid being looked down upon, he could easily reveal his identity, and the world would bow before him.


    Yet, that kind of life was thest thing he desired.


    Moreover, he couldn’t voice his true self without causing Loreen unnecessary pain or risking unintentional exposure.


    Loreen held a steadfast and affectionate gaze, saying, “Even if you reject me now, I won’t give up. I’ll show you through my actions that I love you more than ire, and I’m a more suitable partner! I’d follow you forever, even if it means being your secret lover!”


    With a sigh of resignation, Charlie replied, “Loreen, you’re not thinking clearly. Please reconsider your feelings. I need to go home and cook. Goodbye.”


    He swiftly hopped on his electric scooter and sped away, as if escaping from a dangerous situation.


    He figured that Loreen was still reeling from the recent traumatic events, which might have clouded her judgment. After a couple of days apart, she would likely forget about her feelings.


    However, Loreen watched him leave with unwavering determination in her eyes, whispering to herself, “Loreen Thomas, don’t give up. You can do this!”