Chapter 71

• Charlotte’s chest was pressed firmly against Howard’s, the heat of his body radiating into her with an intensity that left her breathless. Their faces were just inches apart, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a mixture of anger and something more vulnerable beneath the surface. The air around them crackled with tension, every small movement charged with unspoken emotion.
• Howard’s voice was a low growl, rough with frustration. “Why are you here, Charlotte? You don’t belong in this part of my world.”
• Despite the sharpness in his tone, Charlotte felt a flicker of warmth where their chests met, a reminder of years past when closeness was different—softer, filled with hope instead of pain. Her voice shook slightly but held steady. “I didn’t come to fight. I just wanted to give you the files..."