Chapter 2 Return

The mention of Eldoria brought back a flood of memories and grievances for Charlotte, like reopening Pandora's box.

She had never forgotten those things, and a flicker of struggle crossed her eyes as she met Brad's gaze.

"Can someone else handle this task?" she asked.

But Brad's expression was serious. "This is about the future of the research institute. I trust you more than anyone else."

Meanwhile, Noah and Andy were already leaning in, ears perked up, listening intently.

They exchanged a glance, barely able to contain their excitement. Wasn't their absent father in Eldoria?

Charlotte had tried to keep the past hidden, but Noah and Andy were too smart for that. They had connected the dots when they saw James's business empire on TV—they looked too much like James, almost as if they were simply copied and pasted.

At that time, Charlotte clenched her fists, eager to ask more, but Brad let out a deep sigh.

"I'm sending you back to Eldoria to focus on traditional herbal medicine," he continued. "It could greatly help with your current cancer treatment research and possibly help you break through the bottleneck."

Charlotte's lips pressed into a thin line at this, while Andy wrapped his arms around her left leg, his big, grape-like eyes gazing up at her. "Mommy, we want to see your hometown too. Let's go back to Eldoria together."

Noah hugged her right leg, speaking sweetly, "Mommy, don't worry. We won't cause any trouble."

A hint of struggle crossed Charlotte's face as she could never resist Noah and Andy's pleading.

Turning back to Brad's serious expression, Charlotte ultimately gave in, her eyes filled with helplessness and affection. She then said to the kids, "Alright, but you have to remember your promise today. No causing trouble. Deal?"

Noah's eyes turned into beautiful crescents as he nodded vigorously. "Mommy, we'll be good."

Charlotte forced a smile and sighed inwardly. 'James, will we meet again?'

Charlotte packed their suitcases with Noah and Andy and boarded the plane to Eldoria at noon.

Noah and Andy were especially excited, looking out the window the entire way.

The plane landed in the afternoon, and as Charlotte stepped into the airport, back on familiar ground, a wave of complex emotions washed over her.

She pulled the suitcase with one hand, looking down to remind Noah and Andy. "The airport is crowded. Stay close to me and don't get lost."

Andy nodded repeatedly, curiously looking around and pointing at a commotion not far away. "Mommy, what are those people doing over there?"

Hearing this, Charlotte instinctively looked up, but her smile froze instantly.

Even with the crowd, she recognized the man at the center of the circle immediately.

It was James!Six years had gone by, and he looked even more confident and imposing. His sharp features were as handsome as ever, but now with a touch of maturity.

If he had once been a sharp blade, now he resembled a sheathed sword, concealing his true edge.

He wore a black trench coat, surrounded by reporters, flashbulbs going off nonstop.

Beside him stood a woman in a pink dress—Daisy.

Her smile was gentle, and they looked perfect together, a striking couple.

A reporter eagerly asked, "Mr. Martin, there are rumors that you and Ms. Lynn are getting married soon. When's the wedding?"

Hearing this, Daisy appeared a bit shy, instinctively reaching for James's arm, but he subtly avoided her.

A brief flash of awkwardness crossed Daisy's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and replied politely, "Everyone, please be patient. James and I are still young; we're focusing on our careers for now, but we'll keep you updated when we have wedding plans."

James's expression remained cold and emotionless as Daisy handled all the conversation with the media.

Charlotte stood nearby, absorbing it all as a sour feeling spread silently within her.

Were they finally getting married?

Even abroad, Charlotte occasionally saw the news about James.

Every time he attended an event, Daisy was by his side.

They were hailed as the perfect couple, everyone waiting for their grand wedding.

However, Charlotte, who had been Mrs. Martin for three years, had never once appeared publicly with James.

Charlotte's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms as she exhaled slowly.

Having chosen to let go, why did she still feel a sense of lingering resentment?

Charlotte looked down to see Noah and Andy, their eyes focused on James, and a surge of unease washed over Charlotte. "Noah, Andy, let's go!"

She didn't give the two children a chance to refuse and hurriedly left with them.

Charlotte didn’t dare to think about how much of the conversation they might have overheard.

Watching their father prepare to marry another woman—how heavy a burden that must be for their tender hearts.

Noah and Andy kept turning back, making a conscious effort to remember James's face.

Meanwhile, James, tired of the media, felt a surge of irritation.

His eyes scanned the crowd and suddenly caught sight of a woman hurrying away.

His pupils contracted instantly.

That back, that figure, bore an uncanny resemblance to Charlotte.

His body reacted faster than his mind as James pushed through the crowd without hesitation, chasing after Charlotte.

But the airport was too vast, and by the time he made it outside, Charlotte had vanished from sight—only a chaotic crowd greeted him.

His eyes, once filled with a hint of hope, turned icy cold, revealing a gaze full of self-mockery.

What was he thinking? How could Charlotte suddenly come back?

She was so heartless that she could abandon her own children!