Run out of likes.
Disclaimer: I love the story and love the characters. My comments are from a critic point of view, but nonetheless made with lots of love! In fact, this is one of those stories I love so much I almost always end up starting over, and while my comments are on the "believable side of things" I think it is a mistake to always criticize a novel for it realism. A novel should be mainly criticized for its plot, for the inconsistency of their characters and for the use of deus ex machinas.
There are a few problems if you will with the setting.
Charlotte: The biggest problem with her we all now what it is. She is clearly a woman living in fear given her past experience. But from a non literary point of view, it really made more sense for her to hire a female body guard, regardless of MC being the best. In fact, given how rich she is, she could arguably hire two, MC and the female he spoke of. The second one would be the one close enough to Emma, living with them while MC would be the organizer, protecting them from the distance. Not only this would make more sense to the likes of Charlotte, it would also be more effective as a mean of protection.
There is a problem, if you will with this argument. It only seems worth it once you know that the threat is big enough. But if the threat is not big enough, you don't need the very best bodyguard in the industry.
Having said that, I disagree with most claiming Charlotte is simply out of the picture given her past. I do believe that the relationship with the MC can be part of a healing process for her. The problem would be "oh I fall in love with MC. Magically, all my problems are gone". That would definitely be a poor approach.
MY TAKE on the matter would be something like this: the current situation with Emma forced Charlotte to acknowledge her problems, realizing how much her problems have hurt her children, in particular Emma (more on this below) and her own inability to become happy. Also, the idea of a finally a good guy that is there without trying to take advantage of her open up her mind in how unfair she has been and make her realize even further that her disposition is not natural. These fact would take her to require the help of a psychiatrist. Now, with a little of innovative disposition, the specialist sees the presence of MC as a catalyst to further help Charlotte grow and heal, making their connection grow not as a cause for her healing process, but as a consequence of it.
On a related topic, I dislike what many claimed that the last update was bad in the sense that it seemed that the character went back, in particular Charlotte. As I said above, no behavior from MC can heal her. So she reacting the way she is actually make sense. And it could lead to she realizing her problems are bigger than what she thought.
Emma: I have already gone several post about how Emma should be younger for everything to fit better. This is really the only one correction you need to make her work perfectly in the novel (15 years old Emma acting like a 11/12 years old). At the same time, that correction would make her what many of you are claiming: not romanceable. While I totally love the cutie, even myself feel many more times a father's kind of love intead of a "daddy" towards her. So, in the end, she really does not need a lover, she needs someone that would love her and protect her while at the same time helping her grow up and develop into the the best person and woman she can be, something that her mother has failed to do so by sheltering her. MC could become a father figure that lets her bloom.
EDIT: just to be explicit, I am not saying that she has to be removed as a LI. I am only saying that the way she is presented does not trigger lover but father's love. This can totally change as she matures. I will personally pick her route regardless of what happens with her.
Lucy: I think all is good with her. In fact, a MC that prefers her over her sister would be totally good given her inferiority complex. I also would like to further explore this problem in a realistic but not low kick way. That is, I don't want suddenly Lucy becoming a villain, but it would be nice to see her inferiority complex plays a few more times.
Suzy: As my second favorite characters, I have also written a lot about her. I think she can do for a fantastic rival heroine. Love and hate relationship. I don't want to repeat myself (that is new!) so if anybody wants to further discuss it I can search for my posts. But I definitely think she is one of the most intriguing ones. Besides, her behavior could be a consequence of her upraising too such as a Emma, but with a different result, as she was less sheltered and probably had a better grasp on the world. Also, her official age does make sense, unlike Emma, if you will.
Can't wait to see what happens next. Those previews are great!
Me want more Emma.. a pity a crucial scene was altered..
Me too!! Which scene are you talking about'?