"Charlotte, who are you talking to?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Charlotte's phone slipped from her hand, the call with Donald still live, as she froze, her world crashing down around her.

Charlotte's voice was caught in her throat as she struggled to find a convincing excuse. "I-I was just... uh... talking to someone from the press, Antonio. They're helping me prove your innocence."

Antonio's gaze narrowed, his eyes piercing through her deception. But to her surprise, his expression softened, and he nodded. "Thank you, Charlotte. That means a lot to me but there's no need to do this. You know I can handle it myself."

She rushed...