"It's only a proposal, not a marriage! As long as he's not married yet, I still have a chance, don't I?" Charlotte looked at her brother expectantly, hoping that she could gain his support.
Lionel frowned, "Charlotte, you mean you are going to sabotage the relationship between Dylan and Savannah? Don't think about it! The daughter from the Rowe family can never be allowed to become a third party! Mom and dad will scold you if they know. No other good men in the world? Why should you fight with another innocent girl for Dylan?"
"There are many good men in the world, but I like only Dylan!" Charlotte blurted out, annoyed that her brother wasn't on her side, "what's more, I'm not a third party. I said, Dylan and Miss Schultz haven't got married yet, and their relationship isn't steady! Can you call me a third party? Lionel, why do you insult your own sister like that? Why do you always help Savannah?"
Lionel frowned, and his mouth pressed into a thin, hard-line. He closed his eyes momentarily and said without missing a beat, "I'm not helping her. I just want you to know it's not worth it to take another girl's man. You're the daughter of the Rowe family, and there are so many men lined up to please you. Why make yourself so wronged?"
Charlotte gritted her teeth, "no, I don't feel wrong, I'll only be sad when I can't have the man I like! As long as I can be with Dylan, I don't care how tired or painful I have to be."
Lionel's mouth lifted slightly in a wry smile. He didn't expect that Charlotte had so many feelings for Dylan. Actually, she had not seen him for so many years; even if she admired him, the feelings should have faded… But she still thought about Dylan and never put him behind her.
As her brother, he didn't want to see either of his sisters get hurt.
No, he couldn't let that happen.
For the peace and harmony of the Rowe family, he had concealed Savannah's existence from his stepmother selfishly, and now she still didn't know her own daughter was alive in the world.
He would feel guilty if Savannah couldn't live a happy life, and he couldn't see his kind stepmother Joanne sad when she knew her two daughters fought for a man.
Thinking of this, his expression hardened, and he raised his voice, "In other words, you must give up! There are so many good men beside you. Why do you choose Dylan, who has already had a woman? They'll soon get married. As the daughter of the Rowe family, you can never be so humble to take another girl's man! If you dare to steal a man or hurt Miss Schultz, I'll send you back to Chicago to accompany grandma! And I'll never let you come to LA again!"
Although Lionel looked elegant, kind, and gentle, he was a man of his word. It was even more difficult to change his mind than her father's. If she did not obey and insist on going against his will, he might really send her back to Chicago, and at that time, she would not be allowed to see Dylan again.
With that in mind, Charlotte swallowed down her unwillingness, rolled her eyes, and murmured, "I'm just unhappy. How can I take another girl's man?"
Lionel softened his voice when he saw his sister look so hurt, "Charlotte, I'm sorry, but I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to be so upset. Promise me that you won't sabotage the relationship between Dylan and Savannah."
Charlotte secretly clenched her fists, but her little face was unmoved as if she had really worked it out. She nodded and promised, "I won't."
Lionel smiled with satisfaction at her attitude. He touched her head and said, "okay, come downstairs for dinner."
His sister was just disappointed in love. He was sure that she would come out from the frustration soon.
"Well, you go and eat first. I'll change my clothes and go downstairs later," Charlotte said.
Lionel nodded and left.
Charlotte's expression darkened as the door closed.
Obviously, her brother was partial to Miss Schultz, fear that his own sister would take Dylan away from her and hurt her.
Why? She really didn't understand! If Lionel liked Miss Schultz, he should be happy if she could break them up!
Why did Lionel care about Miss Schultz so much but want to see her marry another man?
Charlotte was really confused.
* * *
In the early morning, soft sunlight flooded Bellomont and streamed into its biggest suite.
Savannah woke up to a kiss from the man. She opened her sleepy eyes and realized that he had wrapped his arms around her and held her all night long. She felt so safe and so comfortable in his arms. Turning her face into Dylan's chest, she inhaled his unique scent and nuzzled him, but immediately she tensed. His growing erection pressed against her lower belly. Savannah flushed. It was such a turn-on knowing that it was her body, making him feel this way.
"Dylan... Don't..." She wiggled slightly and murmured.
Sometimes she really laughed at herself for being so shy in front of him.
She was not that kind of shy person, but she blushed every time Dylan was too close to her like a little girl met her first love.
First love... Her heart constricted to the words. Who was his first love? The most unforgettable woman in his life would never be her.
But she knew it was a bad time to think of that girl again.
She closed her eyes and tried to pull her thoughts away.
He was with her now, that's enough.
Then she thought selfishly, maybe he'll never meet that girl again.
Even if that memory was beautiful and great, it would eventually fade, and he would forget the girl one day.
"What you are thinking?" His voice was warm and husky like dark melted chocolate fudge caramel, then he kissed her lightly.
"You," Savannah murmured and flushed again.