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.

The place of heartache was somewhere she never wished to return to in her life. Moreover… given what she had done to James that night, if it were ever discovered, he wouldn't let her off the hook. For the first time, Charlotte wanted to refuse the task assigned by her mentor. It was all because of the man who had made her feel lonely and broken countless times. However, 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. It was just a work-related trip; surely she wouldn't run into James, right? Even if she did, she could just avoid him. Giving up an opportunity for personal growth just because of a man… that wasn't her style.

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. Six years had gone by, she was back.

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?"

Charlotte instinctively looked over, but her smile instantly vanished.

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

It was James! Six years had gone by, she could still spot him in the crowd with a single glance! His sharp features were still handsome, but now there was an added touch of maturity, making him seem even more confident and commanding than before.

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

Charlotte unconsciously paused, her gaze fixed on James without her even realizing it. Today, James was clad in a black trench coat, accompanied by a woman in a pink gown—Daisy. They stood side by side amidst a crowd of reporters, a striking couple that drew everyone's attention.

Charlotte had known for six years, yet she couldn't help but stop and listen. 'His life without me must be going well,' she thought.

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 a little way off, unable to clearly see the small interactions between the two. She took them for a perfect couple, a quiet ache spreading in her heart.

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?

"Mom, don't you like them?" Andy, perceptive as always, noticed the strange look on Charlotte's face and shook her hand gently. "Then let's not watch anymore," he said.

Charlotte looked down to see Noah and Andy, their eyes focused on James, and a surge of unease washed over Charlotte. She replied, "It's just seeing how happy they are... I'm happy for them!"

Perhaps it wasn't hatred, but a lingering resentment. The love she had tried so hard to attain was freely given to another woman. She couldn't dwell on it anymore.

"It's time to go; Ava is waiting for us." Charlotte couldn't bear to think about how much of the conversation the kids might have overheard. She didn't give the two children a chance to refuse and hurriedly left with them.

Seeing their father prepare to marry another woman must have been a heavy burden for them. Noah and Andy kept glancing back, trying to commit James's face to memory—the man who looked so much like them and yet brought their mom so much sadness.

"Step aside!" 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 vast, with travelers coming and going. Charlotte's figure slowly faded into the chaotic crowd, leaving no trace behind.

A glimmer of hope faded from James's eyes, leaving only coldness behind. James murmured to himself with self-mockery, "What was I thinking?"

Charlotte was so heartless, even abandoning her own children... how could she possibly come back?