Broken Bond: Claimed by My Ex-Husband's Alpha Billionaire Uncle-Chapter 23: Rejection

Did she hear it wrong?

Charlotte was not sure if she was hallucinating or if Carmen was truly apologizing to her.

Wasn’t Carmen supposed to hate her? Disgusted by her?

But why ... Why was she suddenly standing by her side?

Charlotte stared at Carmen, her thoughts spinning in confusion. She had prepared herself for hostility, for a scream or a slap, but instead, she was met with something unexpected, a heartfelt apology.

No one had ever apologized to her before.

Julian always insisted that her pain was her own fault. He’d remind her time and time again that she had chosen to marry him, and it was her weakness that kept her trapped in a failed marriage.

His mother had been no better, constantly manipulating her into believing she was overreacting, making her feel as though her struggles were trivial and unworthy of attention.

But Carmen ... Carmen had done what they never did. She was the first to say the words Charlotte had desperately longed to hear. A real, genuine apology.

"I failed to raise one of my daughters and, in doing so, turned her into what I despise most," Carmen said with a weary sigh. "Someone who stands by the abuser."

Charlotte looked down, struggling to find the right words. "I ... I don’t know what to say. I thought you’d hate me."

"Hate you?" Carmen shook her head firmly and placed a comforting hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. "No, dear. I could never hate you. After all, you’ll soon be my daughter-in-law."

Before Charlotte could respond, Carmen reached into her purse and pulled out a sleek tablet. She handed it over to Charlotte with a faint smile. "This is my apology gift to you."

Charlotte furrowed her brows in confusion as she powered on the device. Her jaw dropped as page after page of incriminating information about Julian’s business appeared on the screen.

"This ..." Charlotte’s voice was barely above a whisper. "How did you get all of this?"

"I have my ways," Carmen replied.

The screen displayed detailed information about Julian’s business background, the manufacturers he used, where he bought the product materials, and the information about the product’s scandal.

Scandal?

Charlotte had never heard of his company’s scandal before.

[Toxic Truth: Customers Expose Hidden Dangers in Noire Bloom Perfumes!]

Some of the customers shared their stories of using Noire Bloom perfumes.

"My skin burned after just one spray of their ’Eternal Rose’ scent," wrote one user.

Another commented, "I trusted Noire Bloom to be luxury, but they’re using harsh chemicals!"

[Stolen fragrances? Noire Bloom allegedly copied a small perfumery’s formula!]

A small perfumery, Aroma Haven, had accused Noire Bloom of stealing their signature scent, Moonlit Reverie.

The indie brand claimed they had pitched the formula to Noire Bloom two years ago during a collaboration proposal, only to have it rejected and then copied without their permission.

"I don’t understand," Charlotte said, clearly confused. "With news like this, how is Julian’s business still thriving? I don’t see any reports about customers boycotting his products."

Carmen sighed and explained, "If you’re wondering where your money went, here’s your answer. Julian spent a fortune suppressing bad press about his products. That’s the only reason his company is still standing today."

Damon said, "He can suppress the news now because only a few media portals cover it. But if I spread the story to major media outlets, Julian won’t be able to bury it."

After being in showbiz for many years, Charlotte knew better than most how quickly the media could ruin someone’s life.

A single story could tear down even the most carefully constructed reputation in seconds.

If someone like Damon played a part in bringing down his company’s reputation, then Julian didn’t have a chance to fix it. freewebnøvel.coɱ

However, achieving such a result would require a significant investment from Damon. It wasn’t a small gamble, it was a calculated risk that came with a hefty price tag.

Is it worth it for him?

The one who truly stood to benefit from all this was Charlotte, not Damon.

But did she really deserve it?

"See? We can solve every problem if we work well together." Mona nudged Carmen playfully on the arm, a smug grin on her face. "I’m proud of you, Carmen."

Carmen clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Oh, shut up." She started walking toward the manor, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. "If you have nothing to talk again, I’m going to my room."

"I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in days because some annoying person insists on having conversations all the times."

Mona trailed after her, clearly unbothered. "I never forced you to wake up, though. Just admit it, you like talking to me, too."

Carmen gave a sharp glance over her shoulder but said nothing, her pace quickening as Mona continued to tease her.

Their voices slowly faded as they walked to the second floor, leaving Charlotte alone with Damon.

"Damon," she called to him. "Do you want something from me?"

Damon raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Charlotte took a deep breath before saying, "You have done a lot for me, but I have never repaid you. That’s why I ... I can offer something else."

"What else?"

She lowered her head and bit her lips. "You’re my mate, but we’ve only had sex once. I ... I don’t mind to---"

"Stop," Damon interrupted firmly, his tone laced with disbelief. He leaned closer, his gray eyes locking onto hers. "Are you saying you want to pay me back by having sex with me?"

Charlotte’s head lowered further as she nodded.

Damon exhaled deeply, running a hand through his dark hair. "Then I reject your offer."

Charlotte’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with confusion. "What? Why?" She suddenly panicked. "Is it because my body can’t satisfy you?"

A bitter thought clawed its way into her mind. Or was it because she wasn’t beautiful enough in his eyes?

Charlotte knew it.

She shouldn’t have eaten so many muffins in one day.

"That’s ... not the reason, Charlotte." Damon could see a hint of panic in her face, so he softened his tone. "There’s nothing wrong with you."

He reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek in a tender caress. "I just don’t see you as a transaction, or something to be used. And honestly ..." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I don’t think you’re ready."

Charlotte’s breath hitched as his thumb traced soothing circles against her skin.

He continued, "We did it once because it had to be done, but now you have no obligation to satisfy me."

What? What did he say?

Was he serious?

What kind of man would refuse a woman’s temptation, especially his mate?

Julian had always forced Charlotte to have sex with him whenever he wanted.

Charlotte looked away. "But ... I have nothing else to give you. You’ve done so much for me, and I feel so ... useless."

"Then don’t think about what you can give me," Damon said, "You’re my mate, Charlotte. I take care of you because I want to, not because I expect anything in return."