Charlotte ended the call, a determined look flashing in her eyes. She got up quickly and walked into the walk-in closet.
The closet was filled with luxurious and elegant clothes. Her gaze swept across the racks before landing on a V-neck dress.
Even though she was now a dazzling star, constantly followed by cameras wherever she went, Charlotte didn't feel the need to sneak into the bar.
In her eyes, Andrew was like a god in the capital. His power and status made everyone respect him.
If the media caught photos of her and Andrew together, it would undoubtedly be her shortcut to a brilliant career.
In the entertainment world full of vanity and power struggles, even those capitalists who liked to control celebrities would have to think twice before touching her. After all, she'd have a towering tree like Andrew behind her.
She picked up the dress that perfectly flattered her curvy figure. A confident smile formed on her lips.
After changing into the dress, she put on a pair of sunglasses. The lenses reflected a mysterious light under the room's illumination, matching her ambitious and slightly excited mood.
Once everything was ready, she walked out with light but firm steps.
She headed straight to her car, got into the driver's seat, started the engine, and sped off toward Mocha Bar like an arrow.
Along the way, the streetlights flickered past the windows, just like her tumbling thoughts.
Charlotte's emotions surged like a tidal wave. She was so excited she could barely control herself.
Her mind had already started imagining what would happen tonight. If things went well and she brought Andrew home, tomorrow's headlines would surely be about "Andrew Spent the Night at Her Home."
When that happened, the public pressure would pour onto Andrew like a flood. To protect his and his family's reputation, he would definitely agree to be her boyfriend.
The more she thought about it, the brighter her smile became. That smile held both a longing for the future and the thrill of victory.
She already pictured herself standing at the top of the entertainment world, standing proudly beside Andrew.
But before she even arrived at Mocha, Andrew had already woken up.
Ethan looked at him in surprise, full of confusion. "You're not drunk?"
Andrew raised an eyebrow, replying with a slight sneer, "You think that's enough to get me drunk?" His tone was full of confidence and left no room for doubt.
Actually, Andrew had only fallen asleep.
Ever since that night with Katherine, his heart had been disturbed like a stone dropped into a still lake. He couldn't find peace. He even lost sleep.
Last night, he barely slept.
He didn't understand what was happening to him. Katherine's face kept appearing in his mind on its own.
He had this strong desire to sleep next to her, to feel her presence. This thought made him feel like he was losing his mind.
Trying to shake off the crazy ideas, he shook his head, as if trying to drive out the chaotic thoughts.
Then he got up, straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, and prepared to leave the booth.
Ethan quickly followed him, walking hurriedly, eyes full of confusion. "Andrew, you're leaving so soon? Not staying a bit longer?"
Andrew didn't stop walking. He replied calmly, "That's enough for today. I'm going home to sleep."
His voice carried a hint of exhaustion, the kind that came from sleepless nights.
Ethan pressed his lips together, looking a bit hesitant. But in the end, he said, "Andrew, Charlotte is coming. Why not wait for her?"
When Andrew heard the name "Charlotte," his expression immediately darkened. His eyes turned cold, and he stopped walking. Turning to Ethan, his voice carried clear annoyance. "Why did she come here?"
Ethan noticed Andrew's reaction and instantly had a bad feeling. A sense of dread washed over him—he must have misunderstood something earlier.
He scratched his head awkwardly and said, "Uh, I called her."
Andrew clenched his fists in anger, clearly wanting to punch Ethan a few times.
His brows furrowed tightly, and his tone was full of displeasure. "Why would you call her?"
Ethan looked wronged and muttered, "I just thought… you were in a bad mood, and maybe you had a fight with her."
Andrew shot him an angry look, clearly blaming him for acting without thinking. "I'm not in that kind of relationship with her. Don't drag me into anything with her again."
After speaking, he turned and started to leave.
Ethan grew anxious and called out behind him, "If you leave, what about Charlotte?"
Andrew didn't look back. He just said coldly, "You're the one who called her. You deal with it."
His figure quickly disappeared from the doorway, leaving Ethan standing there with a helpless expression, staring in the direction Andrew left, regretting that his good intentions had gone completely wrong this time.
Charlotte arrived at the door of Room 1708. She took a deep breath and gently pushed the door open.
But what she saw felt like a bucket of cold water poured over her, instantly putting out all the excitement she had built up inside. The room was mostly empty, with only Ethan sitting on the sofa. The lonely atmosphere made her heart sink.
She forced a smile and walked in with what seemed like a light and easy pace, but her eyes searched the room anxiously for Andrew. "Ethan, is it just you here? Where's Andrew?"
Ethan quickly stood up and walked over to her, his face carrying a hint of apology. He said slowly, "Charlotte, sorry… Andrew left."
"Left?" Charlotte's eyes widened, completely stunned. For a moment, she even thought she had misheard.
To her, it felt like a carefully built castle made of blocks had just collapsed in an instant. All her beautiful hopes turned into nothing.
Ethan nodded helplessly. "Yeah, he just left."
His tone carried a bit of awkwardness, unsure how to make the situation less uncomfortable.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Charlotte, how about I give you a ride home?"
Hearing that Andrew had left, Charlotte felt a rush of anger. Her expression nearly cracked.
She quickly adjusted her emotions, doing her best to appear calm and composed. After steadying herself, she spoke, "No need, Ethan. I'll go back myself. Goodbye."
When she was at the door earlier, she had already noticed reporters lurking outside.
At the time, she had felt lucky and purposely slowed her steps, hoping the reporters would notice her.
She had imagined leaving together with Andrew, letting the cameras catch an intimate moment between them.
But now, it was all a joke.
Charlotte bit her lip hard and turned around, walking out quickly.
Andrew, you knew I was coming. And you still chose to leave. What are you trying to say?