Chapter 2

CARTER POV It felt like time stopped. All I could hear was my racing heart, the ticking of the wall clock, and the door closing as Austin left to give us some privacy. I didn't know what to say or do. I just stared at the woman who had caused so much trouble in my life two years ago. I had imagined this moment countless times. I thought I'd confront her, ask her why she did what she did, or maybe just break down in front of her. But now that it was happening, I was speechless. She took a step closer, the sound of her heels echoing in my office. I swallowed hard. She hadn't aged a day. If anything, she looked even younger and prettier than I remembered. "Hi," she said quietly. Her voice sounded familiar, but there was something different about it this time. I sensed desperation and frustration in her tone. "If you knew what I was thinking, you wouldn't be here," I replied, keeping my voice steady. She took another step closer, swallowing nervously. "I... I don't know where to start," she began, then sighed. "But I guess I should apologize..." "What do you want?" I interrupted, knowing she wasn't here to apologize. If she truly wanted to, she would have done it two years ago. Women like her only come back for a reason. She swallowed again. "Okay, you want me to be direct? You always liked that." She ran her hands through her blonde hair, something I used to admire. "Fine. I'm here because... well... I..." Silence hung in the air, making my heart pound harder. Stay in control, Carter. Stay in control. She spoke up again. "Carter, I really need your help, and—" "I figured that out pretty quickly," I scoffed, interrupting her. I stood up, keeping my distance from her. Leaning against my desk, I crossed my arms over my chest. "What's the deal? Did you blow through the 19 million you stole from me? Need more?" "Carter—" "Answer the question or get out," I said calmly, though I could feel my buried pain and anger resurfacing. "I'm in debt and on the run. I know what I did two years ago—" "We all know," I cut her off. Another awkward silence followed. "My point is, it was wrong. I know you don't want to hear my apology, so I'll get straight to the point. I'll repay the 19 million dollars by working for you for free until it's paid off. And if you accept, I'll work off the rest of my debt to you the same way. No salary or favors, just complete loyalty." I shoved my hands into my pockets. "Go on." I raised an eyebrow at her. "You have no shame, do you?" I asked. "Please, Carter, I wouldn't be here if I didn't need your help. I have no one else to turn to. I know we didn't part on good terms—" "We didn't part at all. You left without a word," I interrupted. She looked frustrated, but I didn't flinch. "I know what I did, Carter, and I know why the police haven't arrested me yet. I'll repay you. It's a fair deal. I'll work for you without complaint, I promise," she begged. "Please, this is a matter of life and death... You know these people, Carter." "I don't know anything," I replied. She sighed, biting her lip. I forced myself to look away. "I'm sorry, Carter." "I don't need your apology," I snapped. "You can leave now," I said, turning away and indicating the door. "What I did was wrong," she blurted out, stopping me. I turned to face her. "I know I hurt you, played you, and stole from you. My actions were unforgivable. My brother's life is in danger, and so is mine. We're talking about men with guns, Carter. I just need some money to keep them at bay. We can make a deal on paper. I promise I'll be loyal. I don't care how long it takes to pay off the debt, even if it's twenty years. I'll do anything you ask. Please, Carter, don't turn me away. You're the only one I can ask." My heart swelled with emotions I couldn't deny. She still had my heart after two years, maybe even more. "Damn it," I muttered under my breath. What did I do to deserve this punishment? I was considering her plea, though I shouldn't have been. But here I am, considering it. "Okay, I've heard you," I said. She let out a sigh of relief. "But I sense a 'but' coming." I nodded. "But first, you have to answer a few questions." "Anything you want." Two years ago, I had so many questions. Now, I could only think of a few. "Did you ever love me, like you said?" She swallowed, guilt in her green eyes. "No." I nodded, feeling a sharp pain in my heart. "So, our meeting, everything—" "It was all planned. I'm sorry," she admitted. "You didn't feel anything for me at all?" I asked, needing confirmation. "No, Carter. I never loved you. The plan was to keep the game going for a few months, but then you proposed. You wanted to get married quickly. I had to leave abruptly. I wanted to break up normally, but I ran out of time. I'm sorry, I deceived you. You didn't deserve that." Hurt and hatred burned inside me. "Is Charlotte even your real name?" She hesitated, avoiding my gaze. "Not exactly. I changed my name from Selena to Charlotte years ago. And my last name isn't Patterson. I changed that too." "What else about you is fake?" I asked. She sighed. "Carter, this isn't necessary. I'm Charlotte Patterson now—" "If we're going to work together, I need to know the real you," I insisted. "Okay. I was born in Mexico City, Veracruz. I never knew my parents, but I knew my brother and I were Mexican, not Irish like I told you. We moved from foster care to foster care, all over. My hair isn't really blonde but dark brown, and I hate pizza," she confessed. She once told me she loved pizza. How could I have been so foolish? "You really fooled me, didn't you?" My tone was cold. "I'm sorry," she said. I shook my head, unable to handle my emotions. "You'll work for a month. After that, I'll give you the money, and we'll have the paperwork for the deal ready by then." Her eyes widened. "A month? That's too long, Carter. I might not have much time." "It's a month, or no deal," I insisted. She hesitated, thinking it over before nodding. "Okay, I'll manage. Thank you." "I don't need your thanks. You need to be here before six in the morning, before my other employees arrive." "Okay. What will I be doing?" she asked. "Your job is to do whatever I ask without questioning or complaining," I replied. She nodded. "If you're even a minute late, the deal is off," I warned. "Got it," she said uncomfortably. "One more thing," I added. "Yes, Carter?" she answered eagerly. "Don't call me Carter. It's Mr. Richardson or Sir," I instructed firmly. She nodded. "Yes, sir." "Sounds good, Miss Patterson," I said with a glare. This was just the beginning. I was only accepting this because I wanted to get my revenge. I'll break her so bad, just like she broke me.16 You don't know what you just signed up for Charlotte. You don't.