Chapter 111

• As they sat down for breakfast, one of the house helps approached them. "Ma'am, there's a visitor," she said,prompting Charlotte and Chase to exchange glances.``Who could it be?" Charlotte asked, getting up to answer the door. She was surprised to see her parents standing there, their faces stern.
• "Mom, Dad?" Charlotte said, her voice laced with surprise. Her mother, Mrs. Thompson, walked towards her, anger etched on her face, and delivered a stinging slap to her cheek. Chase moved towards her, his eyes flashing with anger, but Charlotte waved him off, her hands raised in a calming gesture.
• "What's going on, Mother?" Charlotte asked, her voice steady.