From Desk to Altar: The CEO's Irresistible Bargain

Charlotte had no choice but to make her exit on foot.

The cobblestone path was lined with luxury cars, but she moved against the tide, her chestnut locks in disarray across her brow. Her eyes, pools of blue, held back tears in a fierce yet delicate defiance. She was preoccupied with Liam's cold dismissal until a car pulled up abruptly before her, forcing her gaze upwards.

"Hey, gorgeous," the man in the car called out, winding down the window, his eyes alight with awe and avarice. "All alone? Who's done you wrong to leave you so crestfallen?"

Charlotte took two steps back, asserting, "Sir, you're blocking the path."

While cars honked behind him, the man was undeterred. "We both know how the game is played. Name your price for the night."

The clientele of this restaurant were either wealthy or noble, and many women lingered in anticipation of a lucrative encounter.

He mistook Charlotte for one such woman.

He smirked, "Look how upset you are. Did the lady of the house catch you? Darling, I'm single and generous. If you play nice, money is no issue."

His brazen scrutiny made Charlotte's brows knit together in disgust.

"I'm not who you think I am, sir. Goodbye."

As she turned to leave, he caught her wrist, prompting an immediate and disgusted recoil.

"Feisty, I like that!" he taunted, trying to pull her into his car.

"Let go!" she demanded.

Trained in Muay Thai, with a strong physique, she shook him off easily. The road was blocked; she vaulted over the car hood and didn't look back. "Spunky, my favorite!" His excitement grew as he exited the car and caught up with Charlotte, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

"The more you resist, the more I want you. Damn it, you'll be mine tonight!"

"Let go!" she shouted, elbowing him, causing him to double over in pain. He shouted back, "You'll regret refusing a kind offer! Somebody grab her!"

Several men emerged from the trailing cars, their intentions clear as they moved towards Charlotte.

Charlotte was burning with anxiety. Having been by Liam's side for a while, she'd heard about the wild ways of the rich kids in their circle, and there wasn't much they wouldn't do.

"Stop pretending, it's your lucky day!" His hands roamed inappropriately over her as she took a deep breath, then spun around and delivered a kick that sent him sprawling.

The onlookers quickened their pace to surround her, but despite her resistance, she was overpowered and pinned to the ground, her face stained with the soil.

At her most vulnerable, headlights pierced the darkness, and a familiar male voice, "Charlotte."

Liam.

With sheer willpower, she looked toward the light, hope etched in her eyes.

"Liam," she called out his name, "Save me."

Hearing his name, the man's grip loosened momentarily.

"...Mr. Parker," the instigator stammered, trying to smile through the pain. "I didn't realize she was yours... my mistake, Mr. Parker. I'll leave right now!"

He hastily pulled Charlotte to her feet and pushed her toward the car, eager to prove his innocence.

Relief washed over Charlotte, and tears fell freely as she gazed gratefully at the tall figure in the light.

"Liam, thank you..."

But Liam stood silhouetted against the glare, his face devoid of concern, observing her from on high. "You stepped on Chloe's dress. You haven't apologized yet."

Had Liam turned back not to rescue her but to demand an apology for Chloe?

Charlotte couldn't believe he'd appear for such a ludicrous reason.

Apologize, and then what?

Would he leave her to her fate, to be further tormented?

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she struggled to stand.

At that moment, she wished Liam had never turned back.

Without him around, she could handle things on her own, but him showing up and talking like that just painted a bigger target on her back for those rich troublemakers. Perhaps... that was his intent? To humiliate her in a bid to curry favor with his fiancée?

"I'm sorry," Charlotte said dazedly, "I shouldn't have stepped on Chloe's dress. Please convey my apology to her, Mr. Parker."

Through the crowd and the blinding lights, she met Liam's gaze with tearful eyes: "I'm sorry for troubling you with this trifle, Mr. Parker."

Seizing the moment while his presence still held sway over the crowd, Charlotte pivoted and fled from the scene.

Unaided by Liam, it was down to her to be her own savior.

Unexpectedly, Liam called out to her once more, his voice like a cold blade. "Remember your place. Cross Chloe again, and I'll have you thrown out of Parker Group." Paralyzed by his words, Charlotte watched as Liam climbed into his car with Chloe beside him, leaving the chaos behind them.

Chloe casually waved at Charlotte from the passenger seat, a mocking gesture that seemed to jeer at Charlotte. "Damn, I thought she was Mr. Parker's mistress or something," a man muttered, then seized Charlotte's wrist again. "Dreaming of a man like Mr. Parker? All you want is money, right? Make me happy, and you'll have plenty of it!" "Let go," Charlotte commanded, her voice icy.

Just a heads up: is the only place to read the complete version of this book for free. Don't miss out on the next chapter-visit us now and continue your journey! The man paused, taken aback, then his anger flared. "What's this act? Chasing after a man who's engaged, you shameless thing, and now you're acting all high and mighty?" He raised his hand as if to strike her, but Charlotte stood unflinching.

"I am Mr. Parker's assistant. If you wish to hire me, discuss it with Parker Group's HR."

"You think you can use Parker Group to intimidate me?" he retracted his hand, sneering. "I won't let you off so easily."

"I'm right here," Charlotte said, unfazed. "Do as you please."

Her face was smeared with dirt; she looked like a mess after being cornered and abandoned, yet she stood tall, her posture unyielding, as if she could never be broken. Intimidated by her resolve, the man backed down.

"I'll be waiting for the day you're kicked out on your ass from Parker Group," he threatened venomously. "Then you'll come crawling to me!"

With that, he and his entourage got into their cars and left, exhaust fumes splattering Charlotte's face.

The breeze through the taxi window cleared her head.

Liam was always proud; she had lied to him, and he had seen her with Vincent. His anger was not unwarranted.

It was all a misunderstanding.

There was nothing to be upset about and no reason to dwell on it.

Misunderstandings could be clarified.

To make amends, Charlotte bought Liam's favorite soup, knowing he had barely touched his meal at the restaurant and must be hungry by now.

Upon returning to the two-bedroom apartment complex, she spotted several small trucks parked downstairs, brandishing the logo of a moving company.

Carrying the soup, curiosity overcame her usual restraint, and she asked the mover, "Sir, is someone moving out?"

The mover replied, "Yes, we're clearing out everything. The place is being emptied to make way for a doghouse."