Chapter 714 An Extraordinary Presence in the Industry

Charlotte could not believe a word when she heard from Lachlan last night that Joseph was the mastermind behind her abduction. She could not understand why she had suddenly fainted despite only having juice the previous night. Moreover, there were only her and Joseph in the private room.

On top of her doubts about what Lachlan said, hearing about Leanna's close call filled Charlotte with fear.

Leanna comforted her gently. "Charlotte, I understand it might be hard for you to accept right now, but it was indeed Joseph's doings."

As Charlotte heard this, tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably. She anxiously said, "But… Uncle Joseph has always been kind to me when I was little. He would never hurt me or do such things. Could it be a misunderstanding—"

"It's not, Charlotte. People change." Leanna gently explained, "Have you ever wondered why your grandfather and father never mentioned him for so many years? And even during major incidents in your family, he never showed the slightest concern or worry for them."

Charlotte's realization sank in as she absorbed Leanna's words. She attempted to speak but found herself unable to utter a single word.

Leanna continued, "Perhaps his feelings for you were genuine, and he never intended to harm you. But Charlotte, that doesn't mean he wouldn't harm others."

After rescuing Charlotte last time, Lachlan chose not to disclose the truth to her. Besides Aidan's account, which she found hard to believe, there was also the undeniable fact that Joseph always presented himself as a gentle and kind uncle in her presence, regardless of his actions.

He might have used Charlotte during the two incidents but had not caused her any direct harm.

Leanna was unaware of Joseph's experiences in Jamesdon ten years ago. However, she sensed that even within the heart of someone who had committed such heinous acts, a place of purity and tenderness could still exist.

For Joseph, that place belonged to Charlotte. She was the innocent and adorable little girl who believed in him unconditionally and relied on him. Even after ten years, she jumped for joy and excitedly called him 'Uncle Joseph' when she learned he was still alive.

As for her, she had been well-protected since childhood. Apart from the people she disliked, there were no absolute villains around her. She could not see the evil in Joseph, nor could she comprehend how bad he truly was.

The reason why Lachlan chose to disclose this to her now was that she had overly let her guard down regarding Joseph. She might have only fainted last night, but who could have predicted what would happen the next time?

Charlotte kept her head down, seemingly upset, but Leanna patted her head. "Oh, Charlotte. Many times, there is no absolute right or wrong in this world. If he has never harmed you, and your heart still finds him deserving of your trust, it's okay to hold onto your feelings for him. Because to him, you're a unique presence as well."

Charlotte raised her head with red eyes. "Really?"

Leanna replied, "Yes. Just remember that at the same time, he'll still go on to harm others, maybe even the people closest to you."

Confused, Charlotte sat there motionless.

"Joseph is just your uncle. Once you strip away that identity, he's a different person."

Charlotte finally understood.

Leanna asked her, "Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet…"

Leanna took out her phone. "What do you want? I'll order for you."

She believed she had said everything she could, and trusted Charlotte could discern right from wrong. Otherwise, Charlotte would not be upset upon learning that Joseph was behind this. She explained in the hopes of comforting Charlotte.



It was already noon when Zoe returned. She saw Charlotte and raised her hand to greet her, but Charlotte turned and ran away. Hence, she looked at Leanna in confusion. "What's wrong with her?"

Leanna pulled Zoe into the office before explaining, "She already knows Joseph was behind those things and feels ashamed to face you."

Zoe paused for a moment before chuckling. "That silly child."

Leanna asked, "Have you got your new SIM card?"

Zoe stretched lazily. "It's done. Took me a whole morning." With that, she added, "Are you feeling better?"

Leanna nodded. "Much better."

"Okay, you go ahead and work. I'll go do my job."

"Zoe."

Hearing Leanna calling her, she looked back. "Yes?"
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