In a moment of urgency, Charlie gently set Stefanie down and raced after a little girl who was spiraling out of control. Just as he was about to collide with Loreen, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her!


    Loreen blinked in surprise, realizing that Charlie had intervened just in time to save the wild little girl from a mishap. A mix of happiness and frustration filled her.


    On one hand, she felt joy knowing that Charlie always seemed to appear like a knight in shining armor during critical moments, shielding her from harm;


    On the other hand, her anger simmered because, despite her countless attempts to express her feelings and her hopes of being his secret lover, he had consistently turned her down with firm resolve, leaving her empty-handed.


    What truly surprised her was the revtion that he had quietly found an underground lover in Eastcliff!<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    At that moment, Charlie was oblivious to Loreen’s presence.


    His focus was entirely on the little girl, understanding that a collision could result in serious injury for her, while an adult might escape with merely a bruise. A child, he knew, faced a higher risk of needing medical attention.


    Fortunately, the little girl was only shaken up and hadn’t sustained any real harm.


    As she opened her eyes and realized Charlie had saved her from a crash, she breathed a sigh of relief and eximed, “Thank you, uncle, thank you…”


    Charlie offered a gentle smile, cing her back on the ice. “Little girl, remember to take it slow while you skate.”


    The girl nodded vigorously, replying, “Thank you, Uncle! I will…”


    After that, she waved cautiously at Charlie, saying, “Goodbye, uncle.”


    Charlie watched her glide away before feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Just as he was about to turn back and find Stefanie, he spotted a familiar face staring at him with intensity.


    “Loreen?! What are you doing here?” he asked in surprise.


    Loreen scrunched her nose yfully and retorted, “Heathbrook isn’t yours, so why can’t I be here?”


    Charlie was unaware of Loreen’s irritation at that moment. Noticing her somewhat feisty demeanor, he chuckled, “I didn’t mean it that way. I just find it surprising to bump into you here in such a big ce like Eastcliff.”<fnefd9> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel</fnefd9>


    Loreen rolled her eyes and replied, “As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a secret that can’t be uncovered! I’ve beening to Heathbrook every winter for skating. I’ve spent this year in Aurous Hill, and since I’m leaving tomorrow, I thought I’d enjoy some fun before I go. I didn’t expect to run into you!”


    As she spoke, Loreen nced over at Stefanie approaching and added, “If I hadn’te, I wouldn’t have known you have a little lover in Eastcliff!”


    Charlie quickly realized that Loreen had misunderstood his rtionship with Stefanie. “Loreen, you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t have a lover. Please don’t say things like that.”


    Loreen smirked, “Come on, we’re adults here. Are you really worried that I’ll tell ire?”


    Charlie replied earnestly, “Loreen, you truly have the wrong idea.”


    Just then, Stefanie arrived and noticed Charlie talking to a stunning woman. She took Charlie’s arm affectionately and asked, “Charlie, is thisdy your friend?”


    Charlie nodded, “She’s my college ssmate.”


    Upon hearing that, Stefanie looked around, realizing it was just Loreen and her sister nearby. Out of courtesy, she took off her mask and smiled as she extended her hand to Loreen. “Hello, I’m Stefanie Sun!”