RedNovelRegret 167 Jonathan put his arm around Charlotte's shoulders with easy confidence. "Well, what do you think?" Charlotte was caught off guard for a moment, but she didn't pull away.
Abigail was just about to say something when Adelaide cut her off, her voice full of exaggerated surprise. "Oh my, dear, why didn't you tell us Lottie already had a boyfriend? We completely misunderstood!" Rachel gave a cold snort, making no effort to clarify what exactly Charlotte and Jonathan's relationship was. “And if I had told you, would you have believed me?" Adelaide sighed, moving closer to Rachel in a show of sisterly affection. "Con, Rachel, we're family. Why all the secrets?" She reached out to take Rachel's hand, but Rachel pulled away with a frosty glare. "Don't pretend, Adelaide. I haven't forgotten what you did-selling out our daughter." Adelaide and Abigail both froze, clearly not expecting Rachel to still remember something that had happened more than twenty years ago.
Knowing when to back off, Adelaide didn't try to argue. She found an excuse, and she and Abigail quickly gathered their things and left with the others.
But Charlotte knew better than to think they were finished causing trouble.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter the room quieted, Jonathan finally let go of Charlotte's shoulders. "Sorry about that, Charlotte. It was just the heat of the moment-I hope you don't think I was taking advantage." She was surprised by his sincerity and couldn't help but laugh. "Of course not." "Thank you, Jonathan," Rachel said, looking at him with growing fondness. For a fleeting moment, she even thought how wonderful it would be if he were her son-in-law.
"Please, Mrs. Sterling, there's no need to thank me. From now on, whatever concerns you and Lottie, it's my concern too." Charlotte was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.
Rachel, however, understood his meaning, her eyes shining with quiet joy.
Later, Natalie told Evander about Abigail's little ambush at the house. Evander was 14:45 leaning against the armrest, his thumb and fingers pressed to his forehead, completely absorbed in the stack of paperwork before him.
He barely reacted-until Natalie mentioned that Jonathan had stepped in to smooth things over.
Evander's hand stilled mid-motion. He looked up, his eyes suddenly cold and sharp. "He's at the Sterling house now?" "I believe so," Natalie said carefully, watching his reaction. "Abigail's family has always had their eye on Xavier's property. I'm sure you're aware of that..." "You think I'm behind this?" His tone was flat, dangerous.
"I wouldn't dare,” Natalie replied quickly. Even if she suspected it, she'd never say so out loud-she still needed her job.
Evander set the contract down and stood up to leave.
Natalie hurried after him. "Mr. Howard, are you going to the Sterlings'?" He didn't answer.
As they reached the elevator, the doors slid open to reveal Tricia stepping out.
She met his icy gaze and managed a small smile. "Heading out, Evander?" He frowned, his response curt. "What brings you by?" "They just picked up Hans," she answered, eyes lowered. "But I was worried-with you out, maybe your mother and grandmother wouldn't accept him, since he's my child..." She hesitated, voice softening. "I didn't mean anything by it. I just worry Hans will misbehave and upset them.”
Evander's tone softened a little.
"Don't worry. I've already spoken with my mother the content is on e novelenglish.net! She looked up, hope flickering in her eyes. "She really doesn't mind?" "He'll just be staying at the Howards' for a while. Why wouldn't she accept him?" Tricia bit her lip, saying nothing.
"I've made arrangements for Hans.
He won't be mistreated, you have my word." Fastering his cufflinks, Evander gave her a faint smile. "I have somewhere to be. Excuse me." He stepped past her into the elevator.
The smile faded from Tricia's face, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. She 212 14.45 A 197
knew exactly where Evander was headed. What stung was realizing just how much more attention he was giving that woman.
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