As Loreen trusted his words, Charlie remarked, “Loreen, it’s gettingte. We should head out first. I’ll see you at the airport tomorrow.”


    Loreen gave a slight nod, then suddenly recalled something. “Oh, by the way, you just saved me again!” she eximed hurriedly.


    Charlie smiled back, saying, “The one who really needs saving isn’t you, but that little girl. I really had a close call. You shouldn’t have any major issues, but the little girl might pose a bit of a danger.”


    Loreen yfully pouted, her tone stubborn as she replied, “Well, I appreciate that too!”


    Charlie chuckled softly, “Alright, we need to get going, so I won’t keep you any longer. Just remember, don’t tell ire about this yet.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Loreen nodded in agreement, “Got it! I’ll keep it under wraps. It’ste, so we should both be on our way.”


    Loreen and her cousin parked their car in a nearby lot. Meanwhile, Charlie and Stefanie had just parked their vehicle in Sun’s courtyard, leading to a farewell at the edge of the ice rink since their paths diverged.


    Once they parted ways, Charlie let out a sigh of relief. It seemed like he had managed to navigate today’splications.


    After walking several dozen meters, Stefanie leaned in and asked quietly, “Charlie, why do you keep hiding your identity? If you revealed who you are, those people in Aurous Hill wouldn’t dare to bully you!”


    Charlie offered a slight smile in response, “I left the Wade family with my parents and ended up in Aurous Hill. To put it simply, I’m just an ordinary orphan now. Even if I revealed my identity, who would believe it?”


    Stefanie pressed on, “But after Uncle Wade and Aunt Wade passed away, you could have reached out to the Wade family to bring you back.”


    Charlie shook his head, dismissing the idea. “The Wade family situation wasplicated, far beyond my control at the time. Besides, my parents didn’t want to submit to the Wade family before they left Aurous Hill. Even though I was young, I carried their blood. How could they bow to the Wade family and return just to enjoy their wealth and status after their passing?”


    Stefanie’s eyes began to glisten with tears. She clung to Charlie’s arm, her voice choked with emotion, “I’m so sorry for everything you’ve endured, all the injustices you faced over the years. People looked down on you and bullied you…”


    Charlie gently patted the back of her hand, reassuring her with a smile, “That’s just how people are. We all have to navigate the ups and downs of life and earn others’ respect. Some may never understand the challenges and pains of the world. Unfortunately for me, I’ve experienced both the warmth and coldness of life since I was eight. These experiences will serve as valuable lessons for my future.”


    Stefanie nodded, tears spilling from her eyes.


    Her heart ached for Charlie, reflecting on the hardships he faced over the past ten years. Even though he spoke so calmly about it, each thought brought a lump to her throat.


    Once the young master of the Wade family, he now lived in Aurous Hill, struggling at the bottom of society. Stefanie couldn’t fathom how he managed to endure all those years.


    Though she was younger than Charlie, her desire to keep him in Eastcliff forever grew stronger as she contemted his past. She vowed to treat him well every day and to make up for the years of hardship he had suffered.


    At that moment, Charlie sighed and said, “I’m leaving tomorrow. We should see Stephen Thompson today!”


    Stefanie looked surprised. “Charlie, are you really going to see Uncle Thompson?”


    Charlie nodded affirmatively. “I need to discuss my parents’ matters with him in person.”


    Without hesitation, Stefanie eximed, “Then I want to go with you!”<fndbda> Chapters first released on find?novel</fndbda>