Charlotte hesitated, her eyes darting around the study as if searching for an escape route. Her legs felt wobbly as she bit her lips and grasped for breathe.Antonio, seated behind his desk, noticed her unease and raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong, Charlotte?" he asked, his tone gentle, worried.

Charlotte's hands twisted in her lap, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to discuss something with you, Antonio, but I'm afraid you might get upset with me."

Antonio's expression softened as he leaned forward, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Charlotte, you can ask me anything. I promise to answer all your questions, no matter how difficult they may be."...