Hello there patient readers~ who's ready for a fun chapter with new plot hooks~ cause I sure am. this is gonna be fun for me so I hope you enjoy X'D as an additional thank you for your support I've started a Twitter where I'm going to occasionally post things like doodles of scenes from the story and building blueprints. To start us off I have made an offering of art showing Heisenberg in a suit. If you are interested in looking up, the Twitter account is FanNaticWriter. fair warning this is a more Charlotte-focused chapter but we'll be back to Karl/Charlote focus next chapter I believe.
Song Suggestion: Play With Fire by Sam Tinnesz feat. Yacht Money
Disclaimer: I own nothing u but I am having a darn good time with post canon plot what-ifs X'D know that at this point we are off the rails and I am making up everything more than usual. For those reading in the future. RE8 DLC / RE9 does not exist yet.
Time passed smoothly after this, it was peaceful and relaxing in its own right. Though it was hard for it not to be compared to a literal death trap. April turned to May and May to June. Charlotte smiled as she made her way to the board room for her next meeting. It had been almost 3 months since she brought Heisenberg back and the two had pretty quickly fallen into a routine. Wake up, have breakfast, Go to work, sometimes with Heisenberg, often without as he preferred to keep to himself. After work, she'd make her way home and they'd have dinner before working on his English a bit along with other things.
The luxuries of modern living made complacency a tempting option but in honesty, she was just having a hard time finding her lead in to get her plan started. She needed some sort of scandal. something the company could never come back from. She started making notes of any discrepancies she found in the reports offered to her, rather than correct them and so far, somehow. this stupid place was as clean as a whistle. there wasn't a trend that would point to laundering or anything shady in the works.
An annoyed huff crossed her lips as she pulled her phone out of her jacket pocket to see what time it was.
Tuesday, June 29th, 11:32 am.
She was going to be early but she preferred it that way. When she was there early and waiting for the board members it kept them on their toes. Charlotte smiles at this and pushes her way through the double doors only to jolt and take a step back as she sees an unexpected face.
Sitting at the far end of the board room meeting table was duke though it looked like he had somehow been shrunken to a smaller version of himself to fit in the chair. Still as portly and round as ever just scaled-down and wearing a modern suit.
"Miss Wiltse. It's been some time," He says with a smile while looking over a pastry from a few boxes that had been set up ahead of time by a secretary for the impending board meeting.
Charlotte takes a deep breath and closes the doors behind her as she walks into the room. "It has been a while hasn't it."
"I assure you that little trick of yours is not necessary," Duke adds with a hint of amusement in his tone. "I've come to congratulate you on your recent successes, and hopefully, make a deal."
"And what makes you think I'd be interested in such a thing?" She asks as she stands at the head of the room. This was her domain, not his.
Duke laughs heartily at the question. "Ever a woman of business," he says amused before taking a bite of the pastry and putting the rest down on a napkin so he could dust off his hands and produce a file seemingly from nowhere. "Your running around will catch up with you eventually Miss Wiltse. All debts eventually become due. When that time comes, you're going to need an ally to have your back," he says in return as he places the folder on the table and slides that over. "I require funding for my project. In return, I can provide that alliance."
Charlotte looks down at the folder and leaves it be "What debts, I paid your price in full."
"Not to me," He says before making a vague gesture to the area around them, "The world is a book of credits and debts. you cheated death... That comes at a hefty price." Duke says still calm casual and amused by this game. "I really should be thanking you, your contributions to my work have been immeasurable. I wouldn't have known it was possible if you didn't find a way to do it first."
It took her a moment to understand but she picked up the file and looked it over. "You used me," she says with a sneer. He wanted her to buy one of the lords and bring them back. make her do the leg work to see if it was possible...
"Such an ugly accusation," Duke replies shaking his head, "I merely provided the opportunity and observed. You came to your own conclusions after all. I see no harm in that."
"I'm not getting involved in this any further," She says with a frown as she read the notes. To any casual viewer, the proposal was a simple request for a grant into biomedical research but she knew better. She helped him collected dozens of lycan fragments. he had the remains of the other 3 lords. maybe even Mirandas. If he brought them back, pieced them together with Lycan remains. he could potentially have the strength of a lord with the obedience of a lycan. a sentient, subservient weapon.
"Naturally, you would play no real role in this. I'll be hiring others for the leg work," Duke says hoping to give some peace of mind. "I just need the papers signed, so I can have the money for the rest of production and... resource gathering." getting the mold would certainly come at a price.
She didn't really care if the company assets went to waste or not but she knew signing this would be dangerous, it would be a solid link between her and the revival of hundreds of lyca- she paused and smiled. "I'll agree to your offer on one condition."
"I'll listen to your proposed amendment," Duke says with a short chuckle.
"I'll get your funding but I don't want my name on this. I won't be signing it. But I will get someone else to sign it." Charlotte offers and Duke smiles.
"A reasonable request, I have no personal connection to the document either," he agrees. "Very well. A signature and funding for an alliance. You have my word." Duke and while holding out a ring studded hand.
Charlotte hesitates for a moment but accepts the offered hand. "Then you have a deal."
"Once the funding is received," Duke confirms as he gives her hand a solid shake. "I look forward to working with you Miss Wiltse."
Charlotte nods as she takes her hand back to go over the papers again. This likely wouldn't be difficult to get her father to sign. He didn't know anything about the village. A short chuckle crossed her lips before looking up again "It's a pleasure doing bi-" she pauses as she found the seat was empty and Duke was gone. Concerned she looks around. how was that possible. she didn't see any movement or hear the door open for him to leave...
before she could give that much other thought the door opened and board members started walking in for the end-of-quarter meeting to plan for the next three months.
Super Natural Bullshit, She mentally grumbles.
The meeting went on, nothing too abnormal. she continued reviewing documents, making notes of discrepancies on her laptop without saying anything to correct them. 10 board members and not one of them was up to something. figures. After 4 hours of listening to them bicker about numbers, She closed up her laptop and hands the reports back.
"It seems we have our projection goals for the next 3 months. I look forward to seeing the promised results." Charlotte says before packing up. "You're all dismissed."
with that, the 10 stand up to leave, while a few stay long enough to grab an extra treat from the bakery boxes before heading out.
Once they were gone she picked up her laptop and Duke's file before heading out as well. She stops by her office to drop off her laptop and picks up the phone to dial the secretary of her father's office.
"Founder's office, how can I redirect your call," the secretary asks.
"When you have the time, let the founder know I'll be visiting shortly to go over the latest board meeting," Charlotte says in return with little reaction to the woman's initial dismissal.
"Oh! um yes, ma'am right away." the secretary says as she changes her tone to a more attentive one.
"Thank you, I'll be there in 10 minutes," Charlotte adds to try and transition to ending the call.
"Yes ma'am, see you then," the secretary replies nervously while steeling herself for what was likely another spat between the two.
"Bye," Charlotte hangs up. it always was annoying to her when people hang up without saying bye. she'd catch herself doing that a few times on occasion but it really was rude. She made her way to the elevator and up to her Father's office.
"Good afternoon sir, I have the new projections from the latest meeting," Charlotte says as she walks forward and drops off the requested document. and made sure Duke's file was in there with it. "Overall income is steady and projected to flatline it seems. but that's rather typical for going into the third quarter. so long as we maintain a course we should be well and prepared for a strong fourth quarter." she explained, though the man barely seemed to be paying attention.
"We shouldn't be flat-lining at all," he grumbles while reviewing the paperwork.
"taking time to level out is indicative of a healthy company it shows a new bottom floor overall and-"
"I know that already," the man says waving her off.
If he knew that then why was he complaining, Charlotte thought as she bit her tongue and waited. come on. find the hook.
"What's this?" He asks as he opens the file from Duke and looks it over.
"Is it not a projection file?" Charlotte asks as she pretends to be confused.
"No," he replies while reading it over.
"May I see it?" she requests and he hands over the file and looks it over for a second even though she knew well enough what it was. "Ah, my apologies this was a proposal for funding that accidentally made its way to my desk," Charlotte explains. "I was going to have this filed away as a reject. I don't see much value in it, to be honest," she says as she closes the file.
"No value? Ignorant child, give that back," her father says as he motions for her to hand the file back so he could look at it further. "Any proposal can have value. surely I taught you that much."
Charlotte hands the file back while internally smiling. She was putting a fair amount of stock in her father's interest in expanding to the European markets. Hell, it's why she even used that excuse with her own proposal before. Since she wasn't the one making the suggestion though maybe he'd bite.
"Looks like a chance to invest in an existing pharmaceutical company in Europe, what part of this says it's not a good value?" her father asks annoyed.
"It seems like a highly experimental operation, With the additional factor that not all medications in Europe end up approved in the states, the risk factor would require more in-depth analysis before signing off on-" She spoke slowly to give ample time to be cut off which she was.
"it's pharmaceutical of course there's a risk factor, but it pays for itself in droves when it works," her father counters "If you won't sign it I will."
"Very well sir, I'll have your approval sent to the accounting department for funding," Charlotte says while internally cheering that the hook was set. Hell if this works she might even get Duke while she was at it. no need to be greedy now and count eggs before they hatch.
Charlotte's father signs the papers before closing the files and handing them back to her. "See to it that it's funded. I'll be keeping a close eye on this investment."
"Yes sir," she replies and accepts the offered files and heading out to do what she was told. Perfect.
'*'*'*'*'
"Hey Karl," Charlotte calls up to his loft. "We need to head out are you ready?" she asks as she shoulders her purse.
"yeah sure," he agrees as he walks down wearing the brown suit from before just without the jacket. Summer in the city was unbearable. The difference a few trees made was clear and noticeable to him after spending so long in the Romanian forests.
"You sound excited," She says jokingly.
"Yeah thrilled to be working with that Lawyer who talks a big game when you're gone but he's spineless as shit," Heisenberg says as he stops in front of her.
"The sooner this gets done the sooner you can go back to your preferred hermit lifestyle," Charlotte replies with a slight smirk.
"Pretty sure he stopped working on it a few weeks ago. it's been the same questions the last 4 times I visited." Heisenberg says with some note of frustration.
"I'll see if I can't check in on that then, make sure he's not slacking," Charlotte agrees. COME ON just get in the car. she was getting a bit antsy. If she was going to surprise him with this she needed to get him out of the house.
"Sure," he replied with a bored tone as he followed her to the car and got in. 3 months of this and it was getting old really quickly. He missed his factory. but he couldn't exactly go back without this paperwork since there was an ocean in between him and his factory. It was an obnoxious position to be stuck in. He appreciated that Charlotte was helping him but it didn't make it any less frustrating.
Charlotte tried to force a partial smile. She could hear the frustration in his boredom. Hopefully, this would help though. the two drove in silence for the more part until they made it into the city. "So what do you think you'll want for lunch?" Charlotte asks. "I'd offer to go with you somewhere and show you more of the city but I have meetings all day again."
A frustrated growl crossed his lips. "You're kidding right?" He asks to voice his frustration. of course, she did. Fucking hell, was this what it was like for her when she was stuck in the village? Sitting around waiting for permission to do anything? She at least had something to work on during the day that wasn't sitting in a chair.
"Sorry, I really need to work on this to keep my father off our tail," Charlotte says with a forced frown, Please buy it. "He's still pissed about that paperwork a few months ago."
Heisenberg gave a short laugh as he leaned back in his seat slightly. "Good, the guy's an ass. He can stay mad."
"Yeah well if he's mad that means he's on my case more which means I have less space to move around and set up for taking the place down," she says in return. That was unfortunately not a lie, He had been much more demanding than usual to keep her busy and making her work more hours to try and keep her in the office. Luckily for her what Karl didn't know is that she schedule to take the day off. The only person that would know that would be HR when they process her paycheck at the end of the week.
"You're clever, you'll figure something out," Karl replied with a frown, while he offered to help he wasn't sure what he'd really be able to do aside from shank the guy.
"Just do what you can to rebuild your strength, We'll need you back in decent form with your powers for what I have in mind," Charlotte admits as she pulls into the parking garage.
Heisenberg nods. "sure easy enough let me just wave my hand and get my powers back," he says sarcastically. "If we could get our hands on that kid from before I might be able to charge back up." He had managed to make some progress over the last few months, he could pick up a single kitchen knife and move that around well enough but it was pathetic compared to what he used to be able to do with ease.
"We're not kidnapping a child," Charlotte says shooting the idea down. "Besides we don't even know where she is or if she survived."
"She survived," Karl says confidently. "She'd visit her dad some times while I was in that mold void."
"We still don't know where she is, and we're not kidnapping a child," Charlotte reiterates as she parks the car in her usual spot.
He grumbles at this as he gets out of the car. What other options did he have, this was going to take forever if they went with the 'wait for them to come back', plan. The paperwork was already taking forever.
"Look I'm trying okay," Charlotte says shaking her head as she gets out of the car as well. "Just try not to kill the lawyer we need him still."
"no promises," Heisenberg replies as they make their way out of the parking garage.
"Karl," she says in a chiding tone.
"Fine!" he replies with a frown. God this was boring.
"Better," she replied as she led the way into the building. It took a few minutes but she got him set up with the same lawyer as always before heading back out and making her way to the garage again. After getting back into her car she digs her phone out of her purse to check the time.
Thursday, July 8th, 10:13 AM
[One missed call - 15 minutes ago]
Charlotte smiles as she starts the car then clicks around and redials the missed call putting it though the car's speaker system.
"Home Depot installation services how can I direct your call?" says a woman on the other line.
"Hi, I just received a call from this number about 15 minutes ago," Charlotte replies as she starts to leave the parking garage "I'm expecting an installation team for a twelve by twenty by ten and a half foot shed and foundation."
"Right, what name is that under?" The woman asks as clicking could be heard from her working with a computer system.
"It should be under Wiltse." Charlotte replies as she re-enters traffic to start making her way out of the city again.
The clicking continued for a moment. "Alright well, I'll redirect your call to the team and see if that's who called. one moment please," the woman says before a dial tone picked up again.
"Hello?" asks a man's voice instead.
"Hi this is Charlotte Wiltse, I think I missed your call," Charlotte says in response.
"Ah yeah, that was me. My name is Bob, I'm here with the installation team but it seems no one is home." He explains. "I just need permission to start working."
"You have permission," Charlotte replies. "How long do you think the installation will take?"
"We should have it done by 1 pm at the latest, hardest part is going to be digging out the holes for the concrete posts to support the foundation," Bob explains casually. this was pretty routine for him.
"Perfect, I'll try and be back by then, I have a few appointments to take care of first," Charlotte admits in return.
"Alright, well we'll get started and see you when you're back to make sure that it's set up properly." the man replies.
"Alright see you then, Bye." Charlotte says with a smile as she makes her way back out of the city. it took an hour and a half to do that much but she managed to do so and started running around to different stores to pick up more supplies. it was fun running around like this, it felt like she was getting away with something even if she wasnt really doing anything wrong.
She chuckled at this. by 12:30 she had a good selection of alcohol, a mini-fridge, a decent amount of Cigars, a few Ashtrays, trash cans, and a large workbench kit in her car. She made a few more calls as she drove back to the house by 1 pm to find that the construction team was cleaning up and preparing to leave. "Okay, I'll see you at 2 then, bye," Charlotte says as she hangs up and gets out of the car.
"Miss Wiltse?" asks one of the workers.
"Bob I presume?" she asks in return and the man nods.
"Well, the shed is set up at the location you marked. did you want to give it a quick look over?" He asks and Charlotte nods in return. "Alright so we have a work shed installation with optional vent and double door upgrades." the man explains as he walks around the decent size shed and points out the features. He opens the double doors for her to look inside. "inside there are 4 outlet ports here, here, here, and here," he says as he points out two on the far wall and one on each of the shorter walls. "Now you also asked for a section of Chainlink fencing if I read your order correctly that was attached off to the Right side of the shed making a 12 by 12 area with an entryway on the same side as the double doors was that correct?"
"Yep," Charlotte says happily. "this is perfect thank you," she says as she looked it over. it was bare and much, much smaller than the factory but giving Heisenberg his own space to work would probably help a lot with how bored and frustrated he's been. He's a tinkerer he needs projects to keep himself from going insane. She wished she could have offered this sooner but, well it was kinda expensive so she needed to save up for a bit. Not to mention it took a lot of planning to get all of these moving parts to show up on the same day.
"Alright well that's all settled then," Bob says and offers Charlotte a clipboard, "If you could just sign here we'll be on our way." Charlotte accepts the clipboard and signs the document saying she approved of the work that was done and hands that back. "Have a nice day ma'am.
"Thanks, you too," Charlotte says as she heads back to the car to start getting everything out. While she waited for the next portion of the setup crew to arrive she worked on putting together the work table she bought in the shed. Luckily she'd gotten better with using tools over the last few years. She chuckles a bit at that before moving to push the workbench into place against the Short wall to the right of the building, away from the double doors.
2 pm rolled around and an electrical team arrived and set up a power line to go to the shed so it would have lighting and the outlets would work. Charlotte tested the light switches to make sure they worked before signing off on the electrical work as well.
by 4 PM the more of the tools from the garage that Heisenberg bought before, had been moved into the shed and set up and a small delivery of assorted metal scraps were dropped off and placed into the fenced-off area next to the shed. it filled maybe a 4th of the area but it was at least something for him to work with for now until he could go with her and pick parts to collect.
Charlotte smiled as she looked around at her handy work. Or. Well, the handy work that she had other people do on her behalf. "Hopefully he doesn't start living in here instead." she muses to herself with a chuckle as she sets the Cigar box on the workbench. With the final touches in place, she started making her way back to the car.
[Incoming call - Karl]
Oh boy... Charlotte picked up the phone as she got into the car.
"Where the hell are you?" Heisenberg asks clearly frustrated.
"Hey sorry about that, I left some documents at the house, had to run back and get them," Charlotte says with a smile as she starts the car. "I should be there in an hour or two depend's how traffic behaves."
"Seriously?" He asks annoyed. she just left him here? what the actual shit.
"Sorry, I'll make it up to you I promise," She says in return only to hear him hang up in response. She gives a tired sigh as she starts driving back. if he did run off at least all she'd have to do is follow the sounds of terrified screaming to figure out where he went.
It took about an hour and a half but she eventually makes it back to find Heisenberg standing outside of the building with a cigar. "There you are," he says still clearly annoyed.
"How did it go?" Charlotte asks in return as his expression contorts slightly. "That well?"
"Yeah, I love being asked the same questions for the 5th time," He says in return as he walks over to join her.
"Hm, well the police aren't here so I'm assuming he's not dead so good job on that," Charlotte offers as she starts walking back to the parking garage.
"... What about the paperwork..." Karl asks with a raised eyebrow.
Shit. "Oh that. I just scanned it while I was home and emailed it over. figured that would be faster."
Heisenberg could feel his eye twitch. "and you couldn't have just waited and done that once we were both home?" he points out.
"Slipped my mind," Charlotte replies with a shrug as she gets back into the car. She'd been driving pretty much all day but if this worked it would be worth it.
"Would it kill you to let me know next time?" He asks annoyed.
"Okay, I'll text you before I leave next time," she says while internally laughing. this was going to be fun. She drove them back and occasionally glanced over at him as she smiled. Eventually, the house and new addition came into view.
"The hell is that?" He asks confused. that was not there this morning.
"What's what?" she asks in mock confusion as she moves to park the car. He glared at her in response. "Oh that!" Charlotte says amused. "Well maybe let's check it out." she offers with a short laugh.
Once the car was turned off he looks around the garage to find it oddly empty. "The fuck did you do with my tools?" he asks as he gets out of the car now very concerned. why were they gone? that was not good.
Charlotte was openly laughing as she got out of the car. "Oh my gosh you man child just go look in the shed," she says as she walks over there with him. he opens the doors and looks around surprised to find all the tools out of their boxes and set up properly in a workshop. it was smaller than he was used to but it was still a decent amount of space.
Cautiously he walks in and looks around finding the box of cigars on the table and a small fridge under it that was well stocked with various bottles and cans. One wall had a cork board with empty push pins and there was a chair off to the side for him to sit in. Tools lined the walls on hooks.
"It's not exactly a factory but... Surprise," she says with a gentle smile. "There are some scraps in the pen outside that you can tinker with. not sure if their any good or no-" she was cut off as Heisenberg had made his way back over to her, put an arm around her and pulled her close to kiss her and used his other hand to close the doors.
'*'*'*'*'
A little over a week had passed since then. Heisenberg was notably much happier now that he had an outlet to work with and personal space to just exist how he was used to. He almost did move his bed into the shed but Charlotte protested enough that he relented and left it alone. He would usually work late into the night until Charlotte would come out to get him and tell him it was time for bed. that same trend happened this night as well.
Charlotte knocked on the open doorway. "Hey forge master. Time for bed," She says with a bit of a smile as he was elbows deep in another project. "Come on, we have to see the lawyer again tomorrow."
"Do we though?" He asks in return with a wincing frown.
"If you want to get back to your actual factory and not this mini-factory? yes." Charlotte pointed out. She honestly wouldn't mind going back at this point either but she needed to get things settled with taking down her father first.
"Killjoy," he says shaking his head as he puts down what he was working on.
"So, what is that one going to be?" she asks curiously while gesturing to the collection of parts.
"not sure," he admits. it was weird. for as long as he could remember he worked on building an army. he didn't need one now though... what was he supposed to build?
"You'll figure it out," she offers in return as they walk back to the house together.
Just as she said, the next day they got ready to head into the office and talk to the lawyer about the process.
"Miss Wiltse, Mister Heisenberg," The lawyer says with an attempt to hide his exasperation. 3 months of this.
"Good to see you as always, how goes the paperwork?" Charlotte asks as Heisenberg moves to take his usual seat.
"Well I believe we finally have some good news," the Lawyer says as he slides a file forward. "I was able to get citizenship paperwork from Romania so we're able to move on to the next step now which is getting Mr. Heisenberg on our official payrolls since that paperwork seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle and we can also move on to the green card process,"
"How long is that going to take?" Charlotte asks with a slight frown. 3 months and that process was never started until today? suppose that made sense he would need to be a citizen somewhere before he could work on moving.
"I'm afraid green cards are difficult to acquire aside from a few small exceptions... this could take years," the lawyer says defeated. he didn't want to work on this for that long either but this was the reality of it. "There are 5 different categories for Immigration via Green card. Family-based, Employment-based, The Green Card Lottery, Investment and Special exceptions." the lawyer listed off. "Right now we're working with Employment-based which is one of the more difficult sections to go through."
"Okay so what's an easier option," Charlotte says as she crosses her arms.
"That would be either Investment or Family-based." The Lawyer says while rubbing their temple. "For investment based he'd have to make upward of half a million dollars investment into the US economy to create at least 5 jobs."
"Yeah that's not happening..." Charlotte says with a wince. if she was going to get access to that kind of money it would require a board meeting since most of her family's wealth was attributed to the company not some bank account in Sweden.
"Family-based would be the easiest but that would require that he has family here in the states. a parent, step-parent, a spouse or fiance, I'm assuming he doesn't have any kids in the states." The lawyer lists off.
Charlotte seems a bit surprised by the list before looking to Heisenberg who had a similar smirk on his face. A verbal contract was all that was needed to make this easier?
Heisenberg spoke Romanian to make sure only Charlotte would understand him. "So what do you say sweetheart, wanna pretend to get hitch?" he asks amused.
"I thought you'd never ask," Charlotte replies in Romanian as well with a laugh. "Dad's going to love this," she adds under her breath before switching back to English. "I suppose it's you're lucky day then," Charlotte says amused.
"We just got engaged," Heisenberg adds causing the lawyer's shoulders to drop slightly.
"Well... Congratulations to you both," he says as he could feel his headache getting worse. It would be easier but at the same time, that seemed a bit. convenient.
"Thanks," Charlotte says while trying not to laugh. This was going to be fun. "Well I have work to do, you two have fun," She says as she excuses herself. She made her way back to her office and printed out more paperwork. Now the question was did she wait for HR to rat her out again or did she beat them to the punch and make a copy to bring to her dad on her own...
both options were tempting in their own right. She thought it over as she filled out the paperwork to update their documented workplace relationship status to engaged. ultimately she scanned it and made a second copy dropping one-off with HR first before quickly making her way to the elevator to head up to the floor where her father's office was.
"Madam Director," the secretary says a bit surprised and a bit nervous. it was never a good thing when charlotte showed up unannounced.
"Is the founder available?" Charlotte asks "It's rather urgent."
"I'll call in and check..." the secretary replies as she picks up her phone and dials a few numbers. "Hello, Mister Wiltse, the Director is here to see you. she says it's urgent... yes. Alright, I'll send her in." She replies and nods to Charlotte to signal that it was okay for her to enter.
Charlotte fought back her urge to smile, took a deep breath, and walked into the office that used to cause her so much stress. Now that she didn't care, it held no power over her. it was a beautiful thing.
"What is it now," he asks while looking over some papers.
"I've had some time to reflect on our Prior disagreement regarding my relations," Charlotte says in her attempt at a tone of humility.
"Oh good you've come back to your senses," He says as he looks up from his paperwork.
"Yes, My apologies," she says with a slight nod. "I've given it some thought and I now see you're correct," Charlotte says which causes a proud smile to cross her father's face. "It would be completely inappropriate if my relation resulted in my successor being a child born of wedlock."
"Thank you," He says as he feels some relief.
"Which is why I've accepted his proposal for marriage," Charlotte says as she was no longer able to hold back the smile that pulled at the corners of her mouth as she watch his expression drop and his face go pale. She places the papers down on his desk which he quickly scoops up and looks them over.
"Absolutely not, I forbid it," he says as he tears up the papers. "Charlotte be rational."
"I am being rational, that's why the papers you ripped up were only scans of the copy that has already been delivered to HR." She says as she was unable to hide the amusement in her voice.
"ungrateful brat," He says as he moves to stand up.
"I'm afraid I am well past the years where you have any say in this matter," Charlotte replies finally feeling strong enough to fight back. "Either you accept this as the truth and keep the founder position within our family bloodline or you abandon it completely and leave me to live my life. I'm informing you as a courtesy not asking for your permission."
"Get out!" he says with a scowl. She had boxed him into a corner and he knew it. Either he folded to what she wanted in this regard, or the last 34 years of raising her were for nothing. He was too old to produce and train a new heir at this point.
Charlotte openly laughed and walked out of the office with a smile. Having power over her own life felt good.
'*'*'*'*'
Sure enough, Charlotte never heard back on that lovely discussion with her father and she remained in her position as the next founder. She now wore a cheap ring from her jewelry box on her ring finger to further sell that little ruse they were going with.
"I understand that we'll need more manpower for taking on this new proposal but if that's what it takes go ahead and do it, the founder was very specific that he wanted this to be accepted," Charlotte says while talking to the head of Human resources. She was about to continue speaking when her phone started to alert her that she was receiving a call.
"one moment," she says as she takes out her phone and checks it.
Monday, July 26th, 2:37 pm
[Incoming call] - Front Desk
"Charlotte Speaking," She says as she answers the call.
"Miss Wiltse, there is a large man waiting to see you in your office? He's insisting it's urgent." The receptionist explains as she seemed a bit flustered.
Of course there was, she sneered a bit at that thought. "I'll be right there," Charlotte replies. "Thank you for letting me know, Bye." She adds before hanging up. What did duke want now? She looks to the head of Human Resources. "Just, look into it and do what he says I guess. he's in charge after all. You'll have to excuse me, I have an unexpected meeting to attend."
"Yes Ma'am," the head of Human Resources replies with a nod as Charlotte walks out of their office and heads back to the elevator. This was rather inconvenient that he was showing up again so soon. All the same, she made her way back up to her office. The sooner he left the bett-
She paused as she noticed through the glasses walls that looked into her office, someone was waiting for her. but not Duke.
-er... She stared at the back of what appeared to be Mr. Professional himself. His name was Redfield, Right? How did he find her... Thank god Karl isn't here today... She took a deep breath and walked over to the door entering the office and closing the door behind her before heading over to a drink cabinet off to the side of her desk.
"Mr. Redfield was it?" Charlotte says in greeting while getting supplies to pour herself a drink while the man turned slightly so he could see her. He looked pissed. Haha. Great.
"Mayweather." He says in return. "Or do you prefer Wiltse," he adds with a more upset and accusing tone.
"Well I don't see why I wouldn't prefer my own name," Charlotte says in return as she pours herself a half glass of white wine in a stemless glass. "Can I get you anything?"
"Yeah, I want answers," Chris says shortly.
"Hm, answers. Well, suppose that would require questions first wouldn't it," Charlotte asks while bobbing her head slightly. Throw him off. anything to get him off subject. "I'm a bit surprised you'd travel so far to see me, I'm flattered really." She says as she walks over to take her seat at her desk and crosses her leg to appear relaxed and comfortable. "If it's a matter of apologizing this really could have been an email. The extra effort is appreciated though so I'll hear you out."
"If anyone should be apologizing it's you," He says with a note of disgust.
Bingo. "Oh, a no your response. Hardly clever but that's alright I'll blame it on the jet lag. I can imagine that the flight back from Romania was difficult for you with the weight of a guilty conscience," She replies before taking a sip of her drink, come on. Get angry. Angry means you're not thinking properly.
"Your bad information killed an innocent man," He venomously accused.
"And your incompetence killed hundreds," Charlotte quipped back as he managed to strike a nerve in return.
"I sent that tip about the village looking for help. There were, Hundreds, of innocent people that needed you," Charlotte accused in return. "And you left us. You knew we were there. I told you everything I knew and that wasn't enough for you to care." She says pointedly as she worked to recollect her emotions and shove them back down. She cleared her throat. "So. Forgive me if I'm hardly sympathetic for your loss from one lie I told to protect the only person I had left. It shouldn't surprise me that your priorities are skewed to only care about yourself and what impacts you." She says before looking down at the glass in her hand.
"That's rich coming from you," He says with a frown. "What were you doing in Louisianna... How did you get past our defenses."
She takes a moment and puts her glass down on the desk before looking at him again. "Hm. I'll grant you this, That is an interesting question... However, I'm afraid I can't help you with it." Charlotte says as she returns to her original toying, condescending tone. "Though do humor me. What reason would I have to be in the middle of bum fuck nowhere after escaping a death cult I was trapped in for two years?"
"Cut the shit, I know it was you," He accuses as he moves to stand up and puts the pictures down on the table. one of her going into the baker residency and one of her leaving with Heisenberg. In both pictures, her face and features are obscured thanks to the disguise she put on. it would be difficult to say it was her from those alone but.
Fuck. "Well, that's an odd way to ask for my help. If you're so sure. Then why are you here?" She points out hoping to call his bluff. "If you're so sure." She leans forward a bit. Please be bluffing... "Then get a warrant." she quietly before sitting properly once more. If he didn't just arrest her on the spot that meant he didn't have enough evidence to convict... please be right.
Chris only stared her down in seething anger.
Oh thank god, he was bluffing. "Now then I believe that marks this conversation, finished," Charlotte says as she folds her hands. "There are two ways you can leave my office, on your own two feet or escorted out." She replies in a bored tone though she made sure to stare him down. "Your choice Mr. Redfield."
Chris is clearly irritated as he stared down at her with a glaring scowl and picks up the photos. "This isn't over."
Charlotte stares back at him with a dead expression before a tired sigh escapes her. "Would it make you feel better if I pretended to be intimidated?"
Chris forces a neutral expression as he turns to leave, throwing the door open as he storms out of the glass-walled office.
Charlotte took a deep breath and waited until she was sure he was gone before getting up from her seat. She could feel the flames of hell reaching up and licking at her heels with each step, threatening to pull her down into the haunting depths. If she was going to pull this off she was going to need to move much quicker... Even with the devil knocking at her door a smirking smile spreads across Charlotte's face while she walks back to the elevator. He'd be useful if she played her cards right.
Tadah~ we got some interesting development I believe XD that redacted name from before was actually two names~ Duke and Chris are back on the scene and both are going to be a problem lmao. And look at that happy couple lmao truly a moving engagement X'D
Review responses:
nadillaandlaprasthefireandice - LMAO yeah that's is going to be fun X'D He's getting his powers back now, even if it's a bit slow. Daddo is going to have to find out at some point lol
Charadrius - The wheels are in motion x'D the gas has been provided. all thats left is to find some matches ufufu
Black Moons Daughter- So glad that the last chapter gave you a good laugh x'D cause this one was a pretty solid 180 into stress and panic lmao.
ReignleighNyte - I can confirm that these stories intertwine x'D you might enjoy the next chap of the Chris fic a bit more with your extra knowledge that the others don't have =v=
DamnationOfTheDead - Lmao x'D yes it was a beautiful spring wedding she was truly a sight to behold. ahahaha I do have a talent for writing people like that it seems X'D for this story it's the dad for my other it's the director of the BSAA. not sure what it is that makes people so punchable but I have that energy nailed. Don't worry he'll get his X'D