Chapter 2 A bewitching moment

Chapter 2

A bewitching moment

Charlotte smiled with the perfect demeanor of a devoted daughter. "Dad, for Mom's sake alone, I'd prefer to spare your life-unless you're determined to throw it away by making an enemy of me. But you should know better than to pick the losing side. Is opposing me really worth it for their sake? Is this truly the right choice? So, will you do as I say or not?"

Dakota Hurley stared at the documents before him, then finally gave a firm nod. "Fine. If it means survival, I'll comply. You win. But mark my words-this is temporary. If the Conley family retaliates, you'll regret this. And when that happens, the Dakota family won't let you off either."

"Tsk. Dad, you're so naive." Charlotte lips curled into a chilling smirk. "Take a good look around-whose game is this now? I hold all the cards, and I'm not leaving any room for comebacks. Don't say I didn't warn you: choose your side wisely. Now that you've agreed to work with me, loyalty is non-negotiable. Betray me, and I'll make sure you live to regret it." Her voice was velvet over steel.

He opened his mouth, then exhaled heavily. "Fine. I know what to do next. But Charlotte, don't get too cocky. The tables could still turn."

"That chance doesn't exist." She leaned back, fingers steepled. "Keep our little secret well-hidden, Dad. Because knowing Anita as I do? She'd stab you in the back first, and Dakota Charles would be right behind her. I'm the only one who can protect you now. Go home and think hard-whose side are you really on?" With that, she returned to her seat, the picture of composed dominance.

"You're playing with fire. If the Conley family discovers your true colors, do you think Young Master Conley would tolerate such deception? The Lus might-"

"Or perhaps," she interrupted, eyes glinting like honed blades, "they'll value my capabilities enough to welcome me? That I could be the asset Young Master Conley actually needs? Tell me, Dad-when that day comes, who will the Lus choose? A useful ally like me, or a worthless husk of the Dakota family?" Her laugh was crystalline. "All those years groveling under Anita must have rotted your brains."

Dakota Hurley felt the future collapse before him, leaving only the silhouette of war.

Clenching his fists until his knuckles whitened, he ground out, "I hope you won't regret this." Then he turned and left.

The door slammed open as Bailing stormed in. "President Dakota! How could you reveal your hand so easily? You can't possibly trust him!"

"That's precisely why I did it-because he'll betray me."

Bailing froze. "I... don't understand."

A humorless smile played on Charlotte lips. "No one knows him better than I do. Three years ago, I knelt begging him not to institutionalize me-he turned me away. For three years, I pleaded for just one meeting-he refused. A man that cold and calculating would never submit willingly." She examined her manicure. "He'll play along while plotting his move. And I'll counter with a deception so flawless it becomes truth. So tell me-what exactly should I fear?"

The unshakable certainty in her voice left no room for doubt.

Seeing her confident demeanor, Bailing let out a sigh of relief. "President Dakota, I thought you'd suddenly grown a heart of gold. You really had me worried for a second there."

"A heart of gold?" Charlotte lips curled into a cold smile. "That died along with the Charlotte from three years ago. All that's left now is revenge. Is everything prepared?"

"Yes."

"It's Conley Crack."

The abrupt statement left Bailing momentarily confused, but realization dawned on her the next second.

"You-you mean the person helping us behind the scenes is Conley Crack?"

"Him," Charlotte confirmed coolly. "And he was quite upfront about telling me I've been sleepwalking."

Bailing's face paled instantly.

"Don't look so nervous," Charlotte waved a dismissive hand. "Margret Sonia is on our side. Now that we've confirmed I have a sleepwalking condition, we've dodged this bullet. But from now on, we need to be extra careful in everything we do." She rose from her seat. "I'll head back now. Tomorrow night at Grandfather's birthday party-let the show begin."

"President Dakota," Bailing lowered her voice urgently, "if Young Master Conley is as sharp and calculating as they say, this might just be the beginning of our troubles."

Charlotte paused mid-step, her brow furrowing in silent contemplation.

"We should still be cautious," Bailing pressed.

Charlotte gave a measured nod. "I know where to draw the line."

After her departure, Bailing remained seated, her expression grim.

Conley Crack... Perhaps it was time for a thorough investigation. No one-absolutely no one-could be allowed to jeopardize their plans.

Charlotte hurried back home before Margret Sonia could leave.

No sooner had she sat down on the bed than she heard the long-absent scolding from Margret Vivian. "What on earth is going on? I was only gone for a few days, and the young master fell this ill? Do you even know how to take care of your own husband?"

Pouting her red lips, Charlotte replied pitifully, "But my husband promised he'd take care of me."

"You-Dr. Margret, how is Young Master Conley?"

"Don't worry, Margret Vivian. He's just physically weak and exhausted, so he fainted from overexertion. He's been asleep for quite a while now and should wake up soon."

"Charlotte!" Margret Vivian snapped again.

"Margret Vivian, what's all the shouting for?" Conley Crack sat up, his face darkening.

"Charlotte clearly doesn't know how to look after you!"

Unfazed, he paused before asking, "Did you change my pants for me?"

*Boom.* That simple question carried layers of implication, dripping with suggestiveness.

Margret Vivian's face flushed with awkwardness. Had they already reached *that* level? So... intimate?

Charlotte grinned and nodded. "Mhm! Wasn't I amazing?"

"My wife is *incredibly* amazing."

In an instant, she climbed onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Husband, you really scared me! Thank goodness you're okay-what would I have done if something happened to you? Promise me you'll take better care of yourself, alright? I don't ever want anything bad to happen to you."

"Get down from there this instant!" Margret Vivian barked again.

"You plan on sticking around while I flirt with my wife?"

Margret Sonia took the hint and left promptly, though Mrs. Margret lingered with obvious reluctance. "Young Master Conley, your condition doesn't permit such activities," she protested.

"Mrs. Margret, do you want to be permanently barred from the Conley household? Is this really the hill you want to die on?"

"I-"

"All I need is Charlotte by my side."

He really was bewitched by that simpleton, Charlotte.

"Very well, Young Master Conley. But you must focus on recovering. If the master inquires about your health at tomorrow's birthday banquet, it's Charlotte who'll suffer the consequences. That woman is utterly ridiculous." With that, she stormed off.

Just you wait, Charlotte. Tomorrow will be your reckoning.

"Did you just see me naked again?" Conley Crack asked abruptly.

*Cough, cough.* Did this man have to make everything sound so indecent?

"Was I supposed to leave you lying there stark naked? Anyway, I'm starving. I'll make you some noodles," she replied, blinking innocently.

The man's mind immediately went somewhere far less innocent.

"Let me handle the cooking. You've already exerted yourself enough."

"Of course! I'm a super-strong powerhouse!"

"Why did you call Margret Sonia here?" he suddenly asked, his tone icy.

Testing the waters?

*Knock knock knock*

"Come in."

Kate You stepped inside, shifting uncomfortably. "Young Master Conley, Aunt Margret asked me to wake you both."

"It was Kate You-Kate You called Dr. Margret!" Charlotte blurted out.

"You called Dr. Margret?" Conley Crack arched an eyebrow, his piercing gaze fixed on Kate You.

Splash of Desire

Kate You had worked at home for many years and was completely trustworthy.

Conley Crack waited for her response.

"Yes, it was me who called Dr. Margret," she answered deliberately, word by word.

In an instant, the man's lips curled into a faint smile. "We'll get up right away."

Kate You closed the door, muttered something under her breath, and left.

Charlotte finally exhaled in relief-her suspicion had been cleared.

Once dressed, Conley Crack led her downstairs.

Everything was calm.

The next day.

The Conley Residence.

"How did it go?"

"Don't worry. They definitely won't show up at the banquet tonight."

The man waved his hand dismissively, and the other quickly took his leave.

Conley Sage's birthday celebration kicked off in full swing.

Yet, as guests gradually filled the venue, there was still no sign of Conley Crack or Charlotte.

Conley Pan's face darkened as he turned to the person beside him and snapped, "Enough with the excuses. Tear this city apart if you have to, but find them. Understood?"

"I never expected him to skip Grandpa's birthday. First, he marries that imbecile and drags the Conley family name through the mud. Now, this blatant disrespect-what's next? Is he even a Conley anymore?" Conley madison voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Elder cousin, my brother's health isn't great. What's the harm in him being late? If you can't even show patience for an ill man, no wonder your business ventures keep failing. Maybe it's time you reevaluated how you handle people," Conley Pan retorted sharply.

"Times are tough in business now. You think-"

"Back when my brother was in charge, the Conley family got whatever it wanted. Now that it's your turn, suddenly everything's 'difficult.' Talent speaks for itself, cousin. And yet, you managed to lose the 'Hua'an' project. Frankly, I'm worried about where the Conley family is headed next." Conley Pan deliberately steered the conversation this way.

Conley Sage's brow furrowed. "You lost a major project like 'Hua'an'?"

"Grandfather, there were complications, but I assure you I'll resolve them soon," Conley murray hurried to explain.

"If 'Hua'an' slips through your fingers, perhaps it's time for new leadership in the Conley family. You're no match for Conley Crack three years ago. What a shame..." Conley Sage sighed heavily.

"Grandfather, the reason we lost 'Hua'an' ties directly to the rumors swirling around our family. Marrying that fool has damaged our reputation beyond repair. And from what I hear, she's been stirring up trouble. The Dakota family approached me, demanding justice. This matter is too significant for me to decide alone, so I directed them to you. Bring Miss Dakota in," Conley murray called out loudly.

Moments later, Dakota Charles entered, sobbing dramatically.

Conley Pan's expression turned stormy.

He *had* considered collaborating with Dakota Charles to drive Dakota Catherine out of the Conley household-but never like this, never in front of Conley murray.

If this scheme came to light, it would spell disaster for Conley Crack, himself, and their entire branch of the family.

"Today is Grandfather's birthday. Must you bring this melodrama here? Truly impeccable timing, cousin," Conley Pan fired back, seizing the offensive.

(Note: The translation incorporates natural English cadence, strategic paragraph breaks for tension, and amplifies nonverbal cues like "face darkened" and "voice dripped with sarcasm." Cultural substitutions are avoided where specificity matters (e.g., "Hua'an" as a proper noun), while idioms like "drag through the mud" and "talent speaks for itself" maintain equivalent impact. Dialogue reflects modern speech patterns, and power dynamics are emphasized through verbs like "snapped" and "fired back.")

Before Conley murray could speak, Dakota Charles quickly wiped away her tears and dropped to her knees with a thud. "Grandfather, I didn't want to disturb you, but what my sister did is just too much. I... I'm too ashamed to even mention it."

"If you're too ashamed, then don't," Conley Sage retorted sharply.

Huh? That wasn't how this was supposed to go.

Seizing the rare opportunity, Dakota Charles wasn't about to back down. "Grandfather, my sister cheated on Conley Shaoye."

A bombshell dropped.

"What?" Conley Sage's face darkened instantly.

"My sister had an affair with her ex-boyfriend. I know family scandals shouldn't be aired in public, but she schemed to take my place in marrying into the Conley family, then turned around and hurt our family. She's completely lost her mind. If she's allowed to keep causing trouble, it'll only bring shame to everyone. Please, Grandfather, have her sent to a hospital for treatment. It's for the good of the Conley family, the Dakota family, and my own household." Dakota Charles pleaded pitifully.

"Do you have proof?"

"Yes. I have photos of them together-both from their past relationship and recent secret meetings. Grandfather, I wouldn't dare make such accusations without evidence, and I'd never falsely accuse my own sister." She handed a USB drive to Conley Sage.

"Disgraceful! Even a fool dares to betray the Conley family? Do they think we're all dead?" His rage was palpable.

"Grandfather, I think this is the perfect chance to kick Conley Crack out of the family too. For three years, he's been nothing but a wreck-willing to marry a fool, no less. How is coddling him doing any good? Shouldn't we toughen him up?" Conley murray suggested coldly.

"But Brother's health is so fragile..."

"We can take care of his health, but what if his mind is already broken? Besides, marrying a fool has dragged the Conley family's reputation through the mud and cost us the 'Hua'an' project. Are you sure he didn't do this on purpose? I say we expel both him and Charlotte from the family," he insisted.

"Grandfather, my brother is innocent," Conley Pan interjected in defense.

"Kicking them out of the Conley family was just an excuse. My real intention was to send Charlotte back to the hospital and let Conley Crack experience firsthand how cruel the world can be. Sometimes a little shock therapy is exactly what he needs to snap out of it. Maybe then, the old Conley Crack we all knew would return. I genuinely believe this could work. Conley Pan, your endless coddling is only making him more lethargic. Look at him now-he can't even be bothered to attend Grandfather's banquet. Don't tell me that's not deliberate?" Conley murray shouted angrily.

The other members of the Conley family began murmuring among themselves.

*Ahem.* "I had no idea I left such an impression on my dear cousin," came Conley Crack's voice, punctuated by a cough. Leaning on Charlotte for support, he slowly made his way into the room.

"Brother, why are you only arriving now?" Conley Pan asked, visibly tense.

Charlotte stepped forward and handed an exquisitely crafted box to Conley Sage. "Grandfather, this is a longevity charm my husband personally went to the temple to pray for. Because he insisted on doing it alone despite his weakened condition, it took a little longer. We hope you live a long and healthy life."

Conley Sage was visibly moved as he accepted the gift. Among all his grandsons, Conley Crack had always been his favorite, and even now, that fondness hadn't entirely faded.

"Then you should rest properly," Conley Sage said, his tone noticeably gentler.

"Sis, I saw you cheating with Scotfield Mark. I witnessed it with my own eyes-"

"Did you remember everything your husband taught you in the car?" Conley Crack cut off Dakota Charles mid-sentence, turning to Charlotte with a questioning look.

She blinked, pausing to think for a moment before nodding confidently. "Husband, I'm not stupid. I know exactly what to do."

With that, Charlotte walked up to Dakota Charles.

"Sis, you and Scotfield Mark-"