Stella's face darkened. Her men had told her that Jason was holding Charlotte's hand with a protective face.

Taking advantage of the moment she was thinking, Charlotte seized the initiative. "If you can play along and clarify in public, with Mr. Langley's indulgence toward you, he won't take it to heart."

She purposely complimented Stella so that things would go a little smoother.

But Stella didn't fall for it and chuckled. "Ms. Charlotte, do you really think I'm a ...