Chapter 39: Liam, just hold me.

Charlotte's blood boiled with indignation as Chloe's disparaging remarks about Annie echoed in her ears. After retreating to the bathroom, it dawned on her that Chloe hadn't the slightest intention of being helpful; she was still clueless about Liam's favorite items. Drawing on her familiarity with Liam, she decided to trust her instincts and gathered a selection of items she thought he might need into his luggage. As she descended the stairs with the packed belongings, Chloe was also making her exit, playfully clinging to Liam's hand, hinting coyly for a personal escort. The creak of the stairwell caused Liam to glance back, and upon spotting Charlotte, he swiftly withdrew his hand, putting a deliberate gap between himself and Chloe. "Liam, dear!" Chloe chided with a giggle and a stomp of her foot, "Why the shyness? Charlotte's just your assistant, not a stranger, after all," her flirtatiousness on full display. Charlotte chose to ignore the display, her focus unshaken as she app