Chapter 23 - The ultimatum

CHARLOTTE'S POV

I tried to sneak into the house, hoping to avoid any interactions with my dad. But as I opened the door, I saw him sitting in his favorite chair in the living room, reading the newspaper. He looked up as I entered, and I could see the question in his eyes.

"How did it go?" he asked, his tone stern and unwavering. I could tell he was waiting for an answer.

"I'm still working on it," I said, trying to sound confident. But I could hear the uncertainty in my voice, and I knew he could too.

"I thought you said you were going to get it done today," he said, his voice laced with disappointment.

"Dad, please," I pleaded, trying to keep my voice calm. "I'm doing everything I can. It's just not that simple."

But he wasn't listening. "Your best isn't good enough," he said, his voice rising. "And you're taking too long. I thought you could get this done quickly, but it's been six years and you're still not done."

I could feel my frustration mounting, but I didn't want to lose my