Skipped at the altar, Taken by his uncle Novel

Time Between Lost Worlds - Steven Bennett 17 Summary In Chapter 17 of "Time Between Lost Worlds," Carter grapples with anxiety and guilt after learning about Whitney's injury. He reflects on a moment from earlier in the day when he noticed her neck looked red, feeling regret for not paying more attention. As he processes the news, he questions why Whitney didn't confide in him, which adds to his frustration. The tension escalates when Sabrina tries to defend Emily, leading Carter to confront Uncle Klein about the unfair blame placed on her.

Klein's stern demeanor and pointed questions about Carter's neglect of Whitney amplify Carter's feelings of inadequacy. George's harsh words cut through the tension, highlighting Carter's failure to protect his fiancée, Whitney. As the family dynamics unfold, Carter's frustration grows, especially when he sees Emily's distress about facing Whitney again. He resolves to support Emily and reassure her, promising to help her pursue her dreams in the entertainment world, which brings a moment of joy amidst the chaos.

However, the looming dinner with Whitney creates a sense of dread for both Carter and Emily, complicating their emotions further. The chapter shifts to Whitney, who is immersed in her work, preparing for an important meeting related to the Harris Group merger. Despite her determination, she feels uncertain about her upcoming interaction with Calvin Malone, Klein's right-hand man. Whitney's focus on her professional responsibilities contrasts sharply with Carter's emotional turmoil, highlighting the different paths their lives are taking.

As the chapter concludes, Carter's attempts to reach out to Whitney go unanswered, leading to feelings of unease and frustration when he discovers he might have been blocked. This revelation leaves him feeling isolated and confused, setting the stage for further conflict and emotional exploration in their relationship. The chapter effectively captures the complexities of familial expectations, personal regrets, and the challenges of communication in relationships. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 17** Carter felt a tight knot form in his chest as the news washed over him.

A wave of anxiety surged through his thoughts. *Did Whitney get burned too?* The question echoed relentlessly in his mind, gnawing at his insides. He recalled the brief moment he had seen her in the office earlier that day. The way her neck had looked a bit red had struck him as odd, but he had brushed it off, attributing it to the heat or perhaps a simple irritation. *Why didn't I think more of it then?* he chastised himself. *If that's really what happened, why didn't she say anything herself?* The thought lingered, heavy and unsettling.

Sabrina, sensing the tension, chimed in with a nervous laugh, "Klein, Milly didn't even throw the coffee in the video. Wasn't it Whitney's sister who did it?" Her instinct to defend Emily kicked in, a protective reaction that came naturally to her. She had noticed James's expression darken immediately after Klein's words, and it worried her deeply. *What if James blames Emily for this?* she thought, her heart racing.

Emily, despite being adopted, had enjoyed a life of comfort and privilege, but that all changed when James uncovered the incident earlier this year that forced them to send her overseas. Carter's frown deepened, his mind racing. "Uncle Klein, Tina has always had a contentious relationship with Whitney. Milly was merely caught in their crossfire. Isn't it a bit excessive to place the blame on her?" His voice carried a hint of defiance, a need to defend those he cared about. Klein's tone had irked him more than he expected, igniting a flame of irritation within him.

*So that's why Whitney didn't confide in me. She just wanted to vent to Uncle Klein,* Carter mused. *No wonder she's a lawyer. She's always scheming.* The strength with which Whitney approached life often rubbed him the wrong way, and it frustrated him to no end. Suddenly, Klein's demeanor shifted, his face hardening as he locked eyes with Carter. The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down Carter's spine. "Carter, after watching this video, shouldn't your first thought be for your fiancée?" Klein's voice was steady, but the implication struck like a bolt of lightning.

Carter's mind raced, leaving him momentarily speechless. "I..." he stammered, grappling with the weight of his own negligence. George's glare cut through the air, his irritation palpable. "Enough, Carter. You really dropped the ball here. Whitney's your fiancée. She's about to be your wife in just two weeks! How could you be the last one to find out she got burned?" "If Klein hadn't told you today, you'd probably still be in the dark." George's words were sharp, slicing through the tension in the room. "Tomorrow, bring Whitney over for dinner.

You and Emily both need to apologize to her." Carter's voice rose, frustration spilling over. "Dad, why do I have to?" James, who had remained silent until now, slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing in the charged atmosphere. "Because she's your future wife!" Carter's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger, his emotions swirling chaotically. Emily mirrored his flustered state, her own discomfort evident. After the way Whitney had spoken to her that day, the mere thought of facing her again tomorrow filled Emily with dread.

And now, to add insult to injury, she had to apologize? The notion sent her spiraling further into distress. Emily's fingers curled tightly into her palms, her lips pale and trembling. Carter noticed her distress and felt a pang of sympathy. *I hate seeing her like this,* he thought, his heart aching for her. Sabrina, ever perceptive, recognized the brewing storm. She shot Carter a warning look, her voice low and firm. "Carter, just do what your dad said." Taking a deep breath, Carter replied, his tone subdued. "Got it, Mom." With that, the tempest of emotions began to settle.

James let out a derisive snort. "Carter, aren't you going to thank Klein? If it weren't for him, you'd be clueless about the whole situation." Carter felt a surge of frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He pressed his lips together, forcing out a begrudging, "Thanks, Uncle Klein." Klein took a leisurely sip of his coffee, his demeanor cool and detached. "No need. If your gratitude isn't genuine, it holds no value. I suppose things have really changed in the five years I've been away." With that, Klein stretched his legs and made his way upstairs, leaving a charged silence in his wake.

James snorted, following him up, his annoyance palpable. Once they had vacated the dining room, George turned his attention back to Carter. "Carter, you need to take a long, hard look at yourself. You think you can stand up to Uncle Klein now?" With that, he too headed upstairs, leaving Carter feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Sabrina, worried that her son might dismiss the situation, picked up the phone and called Whitney herself. Carter looked down at Emily, concern etched across his face.

"Emily, I'm really sorry you had to deal with all of that." Emily shook her head softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry for getting you scolded again today, Carter." Being yelled at didn't bother Carter in the least. What truly gnawed at him was the way his family treated Emily. And now, his frustration with Whitney had reached a boiling point. "Don't worry, I'll be right there for you tomorrow. She won't dare mess with you while I'm around," Carter reassured her, affectionately running his fingers through her hair. "Didn't you always dream of joining the entertainment world?

I've gathered a top-notch team to create a tailor-made album just for you. Think of it as my way of making up for these last couple of days." In an instant, Emily's gloom lifted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Really, Carter?" "Of course," he replied, his smile warm and genuine. "Everyone is going to see how incredible you are, and they'll all fall in love with you." Sabrina called Whitney to invite her over for dinner at Harris Manor the following evening, but Whitney had already made plans to dine with some colleagues from Harris Group, prompting her to decline.

However, Sabrina was unusually persistent, simply rescheduling the dinner for the day after tomorrow. Emily felt cornered and had no choice but to acquiesce. In James's study, George remarked, "Klein, don't let that brat get under your skin. I'll make sure he gets straightened out." Klein nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "I wouldn't waste my energy getting angry with him. But Carter really doesn't know when to quit. We have to maintain appearances and adhere to the rules. I don't want people gossiping about the Harris family.

What do you think?" Though George was twelve years older than Klein, in their interactions, he often seemed more like the younger brother, always looking up to Klein's wisdom. "Absolutely, Klein, you're right. I'll make sure to keep an eye on Carter," George replied, his tone earnest. Just then, Sabrina walked in with coffee for them. "Hey, I just got off the phone with Whitney. She has a company event tomorrow night, so we agreed she'll come over for dinner the day after tomorrow." "Alright, that works," James said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Klein maintained his stoic demeanor but raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He stood up, his tone casual yet purposeful. "I have another appointment, so I'll be leaving now. I'll be back for dinner the day after tomorrow." James had wanted to corner Klein about his matchmaking prospects for tomorrow, but now Klein was slipping away again. "Well, he's dodging me again," James muttered to himself, a frown creasing his brow. He waved Klein off dismissively. "Go on, then. Just take it easy on the drinks at your dinner. It's bad for your stomach." Klein inclined his head slightly.

"Sure thing, Dad." *** Whitney immersed herself in research, determined to uncover every possible detail about Harris Group. She knew that securing the agency for this merger was no simple feat for PrimeBridge Law Firm. The individual Ivan had arranged for tomorrow's meeting was Calvin Malone, the one spearheading the entire project. Whitney had already done her homework on Calvin. He was the Vice President of Harris Group's overseas division, having just returned with Klein. Essentially, he was Klein's right-hand man.

Calvin had a reputation for being all business, but Whitney felt a twinge of uncertainty since she had never interacted with him before. Yet, deep down, Whitney reassured herself. *As long as Ivan is with me, I have nothing to fear.* She had prepared for the inevitable heavy drinking session tomorrow, stocking up on hangover pills and antacids, knowing full well that she wouldn't escape without indulging. Once Carter returned to his room and the house settled into a quiet stillness, his thoughts drifted back to Whitney's burn.

He sat in contemplation for a long moment, torn between pride and concern. Ultimately, he decided to reach out, letting the drama fade into the background for now. Carter: [Hey, how's your neck? Is the burn still hurting?] But after an hour, he noticed the message remained unread, a pang of unease settling in his stomach. Carter frowned, sending a message to his group chat filled with his wealthy friends. Carter: [Is WhatsApp down for you guys too? Can you see my messages?] The lively banter that had filled the group chat moments ago fell into an eerie silence.

*Could it really be down?* Carter wondered, a hint of anxiety creeping in. Finally, one of the guys replied, [Carter, looks like you just got blocked.] Frustration boiled within Carter. *Blocked? What the hell? Why would Whitney block me?* Conclusion In the aftermath of the emotional turmoil that unfolded in the Harris household, Carter found himself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of his actions and the consequences they bore on those he loved. The realization that he had been oblivious to Whitney's distress gnawed at him, igniting a fierce determination to make amends.

As he sat alone in his room, the silence amplifying his thoughts, he understood that his negligence had not only alienated him from Whitney but had also cast a shadow over his relationship with Emily. The tension that had simmered throughout the chapter culminated in a moment of clarity for Carter; he recognized that his role as a future husband demanded vigilance and care, especially towards Whitney, who had always approached life with fierce passion and ambition.

Meanwhile, Emily's own journey of self-discovery intertwined with Carter's, as she battled her insecurities and the fear of facing Whitney again. The prospect of an apology loomed large, yet Carter's promise to stand by her side offered a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. As he texted Whitney, seeking to bridge the gap that had formed between them, the emotional arc of the chapter converged on the theme of accountability and connection.

The emotional stakes are high, and the impending dinner at Harris Manor looms over him like a storm cloud. With Whitney refusing to respond to his messages, Carter's anxiety will deepen, leading him to question the stability of their relationship just weeks before their wedding. Will he confront her about being blocked, or will he let his insecurities fester? The uncertainty of Whitney's feelings will hang over him, pushing him to confront not only his own shortcomings but also the dynamics of his family and their expectations.

Meanwhile, Whitney's professional ambitions will collide with her personal life as she prepares for a crucial meeting with Calvin Malone. The pressure of securing the merger for her firm will weigh heavily on her, and her internal struggle will be palpable. As she navigates the complexities of her work and the emotional turmoil stemming from her relationship with Carter, readers will witness her resilience and determination. Will she find a way to balance her career aspirations with the demands of her personal life, or will the mounting pressure lead to unforeseen consequences?

The chapter promises to be a gripping exploration of ambition, love, and the choices that define us. Dex Morgan Dex Morgan works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.