Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 77

This is the last chapter in this book that will contain heavy scenes. I think we can all agree that we've had enough of them 😂

Enjoy!

*****

August 07, 2028 - Monaco

It's a good thing that I'm not active on social media because everything is just absolute chaos.

It didn't even take for the day to end before Charles and I were on the front-page news, different news outlets talking about my speech. Countless people messaged us wanting to ask for a comment and the boys' PR managers were tasked with handling and deleting any email that asked for the same thing.

The apartment wasn't a risk to any reporters who got hold of our address and Sir Henri reassured us that the security was prepared. It was my trip to work that proved to be difficult.

Usually, I just walk towards the office since I'd always make a small detour to grab some coffee. On my first day back after the speech, a lot of people recognized me and I ended up having to rush to the building entrance of our office and Charles made sure to bring me to work every day after that.

Today was my last day before Charles and I left for Turkey tomorrow before meeting Gabby and the others in Marseille. We weren't using Charles' yacht this time because they spontaneously decided to fly to Brazil after three days of staying in Marseille.

With the summer break arriving, the office was just finalizing some stuff before everyone went off for break. We were all taking turns, with half of the office taking the first half off while the other stayed to manage any cases the head office authorized us to handle. No one bothered me about the news of Monza, except for when Sara and Remi each gave me a hug before letting me be in my office.

A knock came from the door and I looked up from my laptop to see Megan slipping inside. "Someone's asking for you at the lobby."

My eyebrows scrunched up in confusion, knowing I didn't have any meetings scheduled today. Besides, those were usually shown on my calendar and were on an appointment-only basis. "Do you have a name?"

"Rose Marchetti."

I clenched my fists, thankful that they were away from Megan's eyes, and placed them in front of my laptop. I nodded my head and Megan left to collect Rose.

What the hell is she doing here? The last time I saw her was when we were walking around Monaco a few days ago and she left quickly after Charles told her to basically fuck off. I already knew why she was here, most likely having seen and heard my speech. It's surprising how much her attitude has changed ever since Charles lost his memories because during the months when the three of us had become civil, she was easy to be around. Of course, there will always be that awkwardness of being around your partner's ex, but I knew I could handle it.

The door opened once again and Megan stepped in, Rose following behind with a box of what looked like pastries from her bakery.

She didn't meet my eyes as she thanked Megan before walking to stand in front of my desk. I didn't stand up to greet her like I normally do with people who visit my office because that action was only reserved for those who deserved my respect.

And she has none of that.

"What are you doing here, Rose?" I asked, leaning back and placing both of my arms over the sides of my chair.

She finally met my eyes and it's clear she wasn't getting any sleep by the dark circles surrounding her eyes. "Nadia, I–" She stuttered, and I raised an eyebrow at her. If she thinks I'm going to cave in and forgive her so easily, she's more stupid than I thought.