Chapter 6: Enemies in Love Are Particularly Jealous

But even if she was wrong, she couldn't turn back now, could she?

"Michael's been holed up in the study since yesterday afternoon and hasn't come out. If you have any conscience left, go check on him," Nova said flatly before walking away.

Charlotte was stunned. He didn't go to work?

Given her current notoriety, anyone aware of their relationship would mock him.

Alexander followed her upstairs to her room. Charlotte tossed the first aid kit to him and then headed to the study.

The room wasn't very large but had a cozy vibe. Apart from Sophia, this was the first time he'd been in another woman's room. There was a faint scent of flowers in the air, the wardrobe was filled with clothes, the vanity was covered in makeup, and the bookshelf in the corner held numerous trophies. Several plush bears of various shapes adorned the not-so-large bed, giving the whole room a neat and warm feel.

"She seems to be doing well. The Harris family must treat her pretty well," Alexander muttered to himself before heading downstairs.

The already tense atmosphere grew even more serious with Alexander's presence. Sixteen eyes met, and Robert couldn't hold back any longer.

Meanwhile, things weren't going smoothly for Charlotte. She knocked on the study door for quite a while, but Michael wouldn't open it.

"Michael, I know I messed up. Please come out, okay?"

"I'll do anything you want if you just come out."

"I really know I was wrong. I let down Mom and Dad and you. I won't do it again. Please open the door," Charlotte pleaded desperately.

"I swear, if you come out, I'll do anything you want..."

Before she could finish, the door suddenly opened. Michael, at twenty-seven, stood before her, looking at her with cold eyes. "Then divorce Alexander. Immediately. Right now."

The exhaustion on Michael's face pained her. It seemed she had dealt him a heavy blow. He no longer had the handsome and dashing appearance he once did. His face was haggard, his once bright eyes were now dull, there were dark circles under his eyes, his lips were dry, and stubble covered his chin. He looked as if he had just returned from a grueling ordeal in the desert.

Charlotte's eyes stung with tears. His appearance broke her heart. Normally, she would have pushed him straight to the bathroom without a second thought, but now she lacked the courage.

It was all her fault, all because of her. How could she scold him now?

"Michael, I was wrong." Charlotte reached out and tugged at his sleeve, using a familiar, helpless gesture.

Whenever she did something wrong, she would use this look and this action to seek his forgiveness. Back then, no matter how angry he was, he would always surrender.

She had always controlled his weakness so tightly. The frustrating part was that he still shamefully missed this helpless demeanor.

The thought of her doing this with Alexander made him both angry and heartbroken. He admitted he was insanely jealous and wanted to tear Alexander to pieces.

Charlotte, oh Charlotte, why don't you understand my heart?

Michael yanked his sleeve back, looking at her with pain in his eyes. “Is he the man you love?”

“What?” His voice was so soft she couldn't hear him clearly.

“I asked if the man you love is him!” He couldn't help but shout. It was the first time he had ever raised his voice at her.

His voice was so loud that it startled the four people downstairs. Alexander frowned and stood up to go upstairs.

“Yes, I love him.” Charlotte lowered her head, not daring to look at him. His gaze was too frightening. It was the first time he had ever gotten so angry at her.

“You knew he had a fiancée. Don't tell me you didn't know. I told you to give up, but you wouldn't listen. Or did you really become the other woman for him?”

Their eyes met, and Charlotte took a step back in fear. His gaze was terrifying.

“I didn't.”

“Then how did you end up marrying him? Are you lying to me? It's not real, right?” Michael shook her shoulders so hard that Charlotte felt dizzy.

“It’s real.” A strong voice interrupted. Alexander stepped forward and pulled Charlotte behind him protectively.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze. The coldness in their gazes contrasted sharply with the earlier intensity.

Charlotte kept her head down, unable to see their expressions, but she felt the temperature drop. It was summer, yet she felt a chill.

“I’m Alexander, brother-in-law. How have you been?” Alexander's face was serious, emphasizing the term "brother-in-law."

Michael looked at him and then let out a cold laugh. “I don't deserve that title. You’re addressing the wrong person.”

“You’re Charlie’s brother. Whether you deserve it or not, you’ll have to accept it.” Alexander sneered.

Charlie? That affectionate nickname drove him mad.

Charlotte also shivered involuntarily. How could he still be so affectionate at a time like this? Was he deliberately trying to provoke Michael?

“Charlie, go downstairs. Michael and I have some things to discuss.” Alexander spoke before she could say anything.

"But—"

"I won't hurt him, don't worry."

"Who will hurt who is still up for debate," Michael sneered, his eyes dangerous.

"Okay, I'll go. Just talk it out, no fighting, please." Seeing their standoff, Charlotte had a terrible feeling.

As Charlotte's footsteps faded, Michael lunged at Alexander, pinning him against the wall, his eyes glaring. "What have you done to Charlotte?"

"Michael, long time no see!" Alexander ignored his hostility, a smirk playing on his lips.

"You'd better let go of Charlotte, or I won't let you off easily!" Michael's eyes were sharp, filled with a desire to tear him apart.

"I'd like to see how you plan to do that." Alexander's smile vanished, replaced by a cold stare. He whispered in Michael's ear, "You'd better drop your dirty thoughts. Charlotte is my woman."

Michael froze. Did he see through him?

A wave of bitterness washed over him. If an outsider could see it, why couldn't Charlotte? Or was she pretending not to?

"I don't know how you made Charlotte like you for so many years, but as long as I'm alive, I won't give up on her. I'm determined to have Charlotte!" Michael's eyes were chillingly cold.

Alexander laughed. "Benjamin tried to compete with me back then and lost. You're not even half as good as him. What makes you think you can compete with me?"

He would never forget how Michael had helped Benjamin Wilson pursue Sophia, nearly causing him to break off his engagement. The humiliation they brought him would be repaid in full.

Charlotte, huh? I'll make you understand the pain of seeing the woman you love heartbroken over someone else.

Michael smirked disdainfully. "Losing once doesn't mean losing forever. For all we know, Sophia and Benjamin might be living it up somewhere in the world right now!"

"Good for them. What I don't want, Benjamin treasures. Right now, Charlotte is my woman, and you're just my wife's brother." Alexander's eyes were cold, and his hand in his pocket clenched into a fist.

Benjamin, huh? Just wait.

"Charlotte is a great girl. Plenty of people like her. Even if it's not me, it won't be you!" The thought of Charlotte and Alexander being married pained him deeply.

"Of course, she's a great woman. I have to say, Charlotte's quite a catch." Alexander's eyes narrowed as if savoring the memory, infuriating Michael.

"You..."

"I'm warning you, don't have any more inappropriate thoughts about my wife, or you'll regret it!" Alexander's voice was icy as he turned and went downstairs with a smug smile.

Michael's eyes burned with anger. If it weren't for the people in the house, he would have made Alexander regret it right then and there.

Alexander, I'll find a way to make Charlotte leave you!

Charlotte and Nova were in the kitchen preparing lunch. Though they didn't talk much, Nova seemed less angry. Charlotte, knowing she was in the wrong, tried to do everything herself, her smile captivating.

Michael soon emerged, looking well-dressed again, though the dark circles under his eyes were still evident.

The family gathered for lunch. Alexander occasionally nudged Charlotte's leg, trying to get her to serve him food to provoke Michael, but Charlotte pretended not to notice, which left Alexander quite displeased.

After lunch, Henry left to handle company matters. Charlotte wanted to stay home, but Alexander insisted on going out.

"If we go out now, I'll be in big trouble. Don't you think my reputation as a homewrecker is bad enough?" Charlotte couldn't help but blurt out.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You're right. I think your reputation isn't bad enough."

"Alexander, you're insane!" Charlotte was at a loss for words. Weren't men supposed to be more magnanimous? Why did Alexander change his mood faster than flipping a switch?

Indeed, he had been all smiles during lunch, but now his expression was colder than ice.

"Yes, I'm crazy. What are you going to do about it?" Alexander pushed her onto the bed, quickly unbuttoning his shirt.

Charlotte was startled by his actions. Did this man know what he was doing?

"What are you doing?" Charlotte stammered, trying to escape.

Alexander had already taken off his shirt, revealing his muscular physique. She was momentarily stunned by the sight of his chiseled abs before she tried to run.

Alexander grabbed her waist, pulling her back onto the bed and pinning her down.

"What am I doing? What married couples do." His hands roamed over her body.

"Let go of me. We agreed this was just a marriage of convenience."

Alexander chuckled, whispering in her ear, "Did you forget how passionate you were last night?"

Charlotte froze, her face suddenly turning red. She couldn't remember anything from last night after getting drunk.

And last night? She had chalked it up to youthful indiscretion and a drunken one-night stand. But Alexander...

"I was drunk last night, and you took advantage of me. I haven't even confronted you about it yet. Now, get off me!" Charlotte trembled at his touch, her face flushed, only further igniting Alexander's desire.