Chapter 414: Chapter 414

The place is a bit rundown, but Charlotte Sheffield keeps it very clean.

Ronan Rhodes walked over to the sofa and sat down, carefully looking at the things in the house. It didn’t seem like a man lived there; whether it was the shoes by the door or the cups on the coffee table, it was clear she lived there alone.

Charlotte Sheffield put the contents of the black plastic bag she was holding into the drawer beside the TV wall. Watching the man sitting in her apartment, she felt somewhat uncomfortable and awkwardly stood there.

As if Ronan Rhodes were the host, and she seemed more like a restrained guest.

"Aren’t you attending school? Or are you working part-time during the summer?"

Charlotte Sheffield rarely talks about her private affairs with unfamiliar people, especially strangers.

Seeing her trepidation, Ronan Rhodes said, "Are you afraid of me? We’re at least half-friends now. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t have waited until now."

Charlotte Sheffield doesn’t think he’s a bad person, but senses he has ulterior motives.

As he was a guest, Charlotte Sheffield turned and poured him a glass of water.

Ronan Rhodes took the glass with a smile and sipped, saying, "Isn’t it unsafe for a girl like you to live here? What if tonight someone with bad intentions followed you home?"

Charlotte Sheffield glanced at him and coldly said, "Someone with bad intentions? Are you talking about yourself?"

Ronan Rhodes: "Of course not, I’m a good citizen."

Charlotte Sheffield: "Following a girl home late at night isn’t something a good citizen would do."

Ronan Rhodes: "Why did you go out so late? It’s scary even for a grown man like me when it’s dark."

Charlotte Sheffield: "Went out to buy some things, it’s getting late so you should head back."

Ronan Rhodes: "Can you lend me your phone?"

Charlotte Sheffield hesitantly asked, "Why?"

Ronan Rhodes: "I just need to borrow it."

After pondering over it, Charlotte Sheffield took out her phone from her bag and handed it over.

Ronan Rhodes pressed a few buttons on the screen, and then his own phone rang in his pocket.

Ronan Rhodes stood up and returned the phone: "Go get some rest early."

Charlotte Sheffield looked at the phone call log with that number, wanting to say something as Ronan Rhodes already opened the door and left.

Retracing his steps, he returned to the convenience store Charlotte Sheffield had visited earlier and bought a pack of cigarettes. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel⸺fire.net

After paying, preparing to leave, Ronan Rhodes asked the store owner, "Do you sell light bulbs here?"

The owner pointed in a direction and said, "Over there, see which kind you need."

Ronan Rhodes walked over to check without knowing the exact type of bulb he needed. The owner was kind enough to suggest he take it home to try out, and if it didn’t fit, he could return it for an exchange.

Ronan Rhodes bought the bulb and headed back to Charlotte Sheffield’s place, just in time to spot an iron frame resembling a stool in the stairwell on the first floor.

Using his phone flashlight, he stood on the frame, brushed aside the cobwebs, and compared the old bulb’s end with the one he bought—they matched.

Installing the new bulb, the dark stairway instantly lit up.

He installed bulbs floor by floor, until reaching Charlotte Sheffield’s level. Ronan Rhodes gazed at the rusted and tightly closed iron door, a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

Turning around to descend the stairs, even he questioned his actions—what was he doing? Now he found himself with free time to engage in these good deeds.

The next morning, Ronan Rhodes knocked on that iron door.

Charlotte Sheffield opened it with a puzzled look. Without waiting for her inquiry about his purpose, Ronan Rhodes shook the bag in his hand and said, "Breakfast. Let’s eat together."

Charlotte Sheffield furrowed her brows but still stepped aside to let him into the apartment.

She knew very well that Ronan Rhodes was interested in her.

She also knew what kind of person Ronan Rhodes was.

During her days working as a hotel receptionist, she witnessed his knack for changing partners.

He never appeared twice with the same woman.

More importantly, she had long since given up hope for anything like love.

She was aware of Ronan Rhodes’ intentions but chose not to expose them.

The breakfast he brought was varied, and some items were things she usually wouldn’t splurge on.

She planned to go to a flower shop in the afternoon for inventory; Ronan Rhodes would be busy with his work in the morning and then come in the afternoon to help her gather stock and set up the stall.

Charlotte Sheffield didn’t refuse his kindness, but she also didn’t intend to rely on him indefinitely.

She knew this was merely Ronan Rhodes’ momentary interest. Even if she refused, it would be in vain.

As long as he did not cross any boundaries, she would go along with his plan—the novelty would soon wear off.

By that time, he’d quickly forget she was ever part of his life.

In the afternoon, while setting up her stall, he was beside her helping with the heavy lifting.

Judging by his clothing and demeanor, Charlotte Sheffield assumed he was some spoiled young master and didn’t expect he could handle labor.

Having a free laborer at her disposal, Charlotte Sheffield indeed felt much more relaxed.

Not only helping with tasks, but he also assisted in attracting customers.

His persuasion skills far surpassed hers, and nearly everyone he beckoned ended up buying flowers.

"Why haven’t you been here for the past few days?" he asked during a lull.

Charlotte Sheffield replied, "Had other things to deal with."

Ronan Rhodes pursued further, "What things? Every time I ask, you say it’s just things and don’t clarify."

Charlotte Sheffield: "Went out with friends for fun."

Ronan Rhodes: "Male or female friends?"

Charlotte Sheffield: "Both."

Ronan Rhodes: "Have you never had a boyfriend or did you break up after?

Charlotte Sheffield glanced sideways at him: "Why ask these things?"

Ronan Rhodes: "Curiosity."

Charlotte Sheffield chuckled and jokingly answered, "Had lots, broke up many times."

Ronan Rhodes raised his eyebrows, saying, "That’s not how it seems."

Charlotte Sheffield continued wrapping the bouquets, smiling lightly, "See, I told you and you don’t believe, so why ask me?"

Ronan Rhodes leaned against a tree next to the stall, arms crossed, watching her carefully arrange the flowers, "I feel like you never open up. Whatever I ask, you never seriously respond. Either you’re being dismissive or lying, and you lie so obviously it’s easy to tell."

Charlotte Sheffield looked up and said, "Would you open up to someone you’ve known for just a day or two?"

Ronan Rhodes: "Fine, then I’ll ask you again in a while."

Charlotte Sheffield smiled helplessly and lowered her head to continue working.

In front of the stall appeared a pair of black leather shoes and a pair of champagne-colored high heels. At the same time, a low, hoarse male voice asked, "What are you doing here?"

Ronan Rhodes, who had previously been lounging around, immediately stood upright, greeting the couple, "Master Nate? Landon Sutton? What brings you here?"

Landon Sutton glanced at Shannon Quinn, who was standing beside him, holding his arm, and said, "She wanted to come."

Ronan Rhodes immediately said, "Master Nate, you should bring Madam to places more often. Forget saying old couples don’t need romance; old couples need it to maintain freshness in marriage. Right, Shannon?"

Shannon Quinn nodded approvingly, "See, Ronan knows more than you."

Landon Sutton’s tone was displeased, "He’s met more women, of course he’d know better."