After a few drinks, Charlotte’s cheeks were flushed.
Louis poured her another glass of wine.
“I can’t drink too much tonight—”
“Charlotte!”
Before she could refuse the drink, Sherlyn came over to toast her.
At once, Charlotte rose to her feet. “Lady Sherlyn, I should’ve been the one to toast you at your table.”
“We’re a family; no need for the formalities.” The corners of the duchess’ lips quirked into a smile as she said sincerely, “I hope that the kids can have a happy and healthy childhood and that you and Louis will be blissful together. That’s all.”
Guilt crept up Charlotte’s heart at her words. After all, Sherlyn adored her children greatly.
The duchess had always prioritized the kids no matter what, so she was grateful for her help, regardless of the grudges she harbored toward the older woman.
“Cheers!”
“Thanks, Mom.”
The three of them downed their glasses.
Sherlyn patted Charlotte’s shoulder affectionately and reminded her. “Don’t drink too much. We still need to watch the show.”
“Yes, Lady Sherlyn.”
Charlotte was about to sit down when she accidentally bumped into the table.
Louis went over to support her hastily, showering her with concern.
Diana, who waited on them at the side, watched their entire exchange. Her eyes betrayed her mixed feelings.
“Louis, take good care of Charlotte,” Sherlyn told her son. “I shall keep the kids company.”
“Yes, Mom.” Louis’ gaze never left Charlotte. “Do you want some water, Charlotte?”
“Sure.” Charlotte bobbed her head.
With that, he promptly ordered someone to get a glass of water for her.
Soon, Diana arrived with two glasses of purified water. She handed one to Charlotte.
“Wait,” Lupine piped up suddenly, “give it to Sir Louis. He must be thirsty too.”
Diana stiffened at her words.
Without waiting for a reply, Lupine grabbed the glass from her and offered it to Louis. She then gave the other glass to Charlotte.
Frowning, Diana stared at Louis as if hesitating to speak.
“Ms. Diana, you’re blocking our view,” Lupine uttered deliberately.
“Sorry about that.” Diana hung her head low as she shuffled away reluctantly.
Louis paid no heed to her and drank the glass of water without hesitation.
Charlotte, on the other hand, did not touch the glass of water Diana brought. That was because Lupine had already exchanged it with a new glass of water secretly.
She was quick enough not to be caught by others.
When Sherlyn looked over her shoulders, she saw Charlotte and Louis drinking water, and a strange smile hovered on her lips.
After a series of opening shows, it was finally time for the mysterious magician’s performance.
The children whooped excitedly and inched nearer to the stage for a better view.
Both Robbie and Ellie could not keep their eyes off the magician on the stage.
“Charlotte, have some fruit,” Louis offered.
He was still being really considerate.
“Thank you.” Charlotte accepted the fruit. Weirdly, the wine she drank tonight seemed a little strong, for she felt tipsy after drinking only a few glasses.
“Sir Louis, Ms. Lindberg.” A maid arrived with an order from Sherlyn. “Lady Sherlyn wants you two to toast Dr. Felch.”
“Oh, yes. I nearly forgot about him.”
Louis scrambled to his feet with his wineglass, not forgetting to help Charlotte up.
The maid refilled half of Charlotte’s glass.
Charlotte then followed Louis to give Dr. Felch a toast.
Dr. Felch had a great night and was a little intoxicated by then.
He was drinking the liquor he brought from C Nation as he was not fond of foreign liquors.
Both Charlotte and Louis came to him and raised their glasses. “Dr. Felch!”
The doctor rose to his feet. “No need with the formalities. We’re friends, right?”
“I have to.” Charlotte was brimming with gratitude. “You were living in seclusion on the mountains and had a peaceful life until I came to you. It’s all because of me that you have to travel from H City to Erihal before coming to F Nation. Thank you for helping me!”
“Silly girl, that’s nothing.” Dr. Felch smiled. “I owe your father a favor, so I’m merely repaying it now. Besides, it’s fun to travel around the world with you!”
