Chapter 10 I Was the One Being Used Ive never even met Thomas.
Hed probably need a moment to figure out who I am.
How could he possibly step in for me? But if its not Thomas, then who could it be? Who is your higher-up? Charlotte asked, her brows knitting together.
Richard stared at her, disbelief written all over his face, as though she was deliberately mocking him.
However, Charlotte only grew more exasperated with him.
Sensing her irritation, Franklin quickly stepped in and ushered Richard out.
As the meeting room fell silent, Charlotte flipped through the contract Richard had left behind.
As expected, it was exactly as Franklin had described.
Her temples throbbed.
Franklin returned a moment later, his excitement barely contained as he noticed her confusion.
You really pulled it off, Franklin said, nudging her arm.
Apparently, Richards skeletons have been dug up by a lawyer, someone whos been holding them over his head.
The guy basically forced Richard to apologize to you.
If he refused, the lawyer threatened to sue him.
Franklin leaned closer, his tone growing conspiratorial.
Its a big-name lawyer from Javerton.
Undefeated in court.
The guys last name is also Zimmerman.
Charlottes eyes widened slightly.
Could it really be Tom? Still, she cautiously asked, Whats his first name? Tom, Franklin confirmed with a grin.
So, it really is him.
Charlotte fell into a contemplative silence.
Youve got no idea how hard Richard is to deal with, Franklin continued, practically buzzing with excitement.

And yet, he went out of his way for you.
Richard must have been absolutely crushed.
The guys usually so insufferably arrogant.
Charlotte remained silent.
Franklin mocked, Now hes like a scared little kitten.
He continued, Char, come on! Tell me how you know Tom.
If youre connected to him, well be unstoppable! Franklins voice brimmed with curiosity.
Before he could dig any deeper, Charlotte smacked him lightly with the contract.
Mr.
Franklin, get back to work.
Stop wasting time, she said, keeping her tone firm and her secrets intact.
Franklin rubbed his nose, grinning sheepishly.
Youre so harsh… Charlotte didnt bother responding and walked back to her office.
… Inside her office, the blueprint she had been working on remained half-finished.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldnt focus.
Somehow, she had ended up owing Tom more than once now.
Theres no such thing as a free lunch, she thought.
Nobody does something for nothing.
And three days ago, she hadnt just ignored Tom, she had outright dismissed him.
She never expected him to show up in her life again, let alone like this.
Taking a deep breath, Charlotte scrolled through her WhatsApp contacts in frustration.
Toms contact was still sitting in her blacklist.
Should I unblock him or not? Charlottes temples throbbed.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.

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The screen displayed an unfamiliar number.
This was Charlottes personal phone.
Very few people had this number, as all work-related matters were handled through Franklin.
Whose number is this? After a moment of hesitation, Charlotte answered just before the ringtone ended.
She didnt speak first.
Neither did the person on the other end.
Hello, this is Charlotte, she finally said, breaking the silence.
Its me, came a deep, magnetic voice.
Charlotte immediately recognized it.
Tom.
She stayed silent.
It made sense.
Richard had just apologized, so Thomas calling shortly after wasnt surprising.
Charlotte wasnt naive enough to ask how Thomas had gotten her number.
Richards information was undoubtedly thorough.
Logically, she owed Thomas a thank-you.
Her red lips parted slightly, ready to speak, but Thomas playful voice interrupted her.
So, your name is Charlotte? He clearly already knew, but this was the first time he addressed her by name.
He realized then her name sounded quite pleasant.
Charlotte remained silent.
Alright, fine.
The words shed been about to say were swallowed back down.
She realized Thomas had a knack for cutting conversations short.
Charlotte, if I hadnt called, were you planning to just let the earring go? Thomas suddenly shifted the topic.

Charlotte was taken aback upon hearing his words.
So the earring is with Thomas.
Now that he mentioned it, Charlotte didnt bother pretending.
I want it back.
Unblock my WhatsApp contact.
Ill send you the location, come get it yourself, he said bluntly before hanging up.
Charlotte is at a loss for words.
How rude.
She fumed silently for a moment but still grudgingly unblocked Thomas contact on WhatsApp.
A message popped up.
It was Thomas, sending his location.
And there was also a transfer of 1,100 attached.
Charlotte immediately understood what the 1,100 was for, but she didnt open it.
The chat notification blinked again.
Thomas texted, Take the money.
If you dont, dont bother coming for the earring.
It was a blatant threat.
Charlotte looked angrily at her phone, frustrated.
But when replying to Thomas, she kept her tone impeccably polite, her fake smile almost palpable.
Charlotte replied, Mr.
Tom, this is really too generous of you.
Thomas said, Youre giving me the distinct impression I was the one being used.
Charlotte stared at the message.