RedNovelRegret 245 Judd could see her hesitation and spoke up quietly. "He's not going to blyou." "I know." Charlotte turned to him and gave a faint smile. “I can handle things with him myself." Evander arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curving upward ever so slightly.
"Alright then." Judd stepped out of the office, leaving the two alone.
Evander's fingers closed gently around her soft hand, drawing it into his grasp. "So, how do you plan to handle things with me?" She pulled her hand free, offering a cool smile. “Take a guess." He said nothing, watching her closely.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Evander, do you realize that what you did today could be seen as you falling for me?" While she smoothed the lapel of his suit jacket, her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Is that why you don't want a divorce-because you're finally catching feelings?" Evander narrowed his eyes. "Is that what you think?" Her smile faded. She poked a finger at his chest, taunting, "What's the matter, Mr. Howard? Too proud to admit you have feelings?" He stiffened, a ripple of emotion flickering across his face.
"Too bad. You're too late." Charlotte withdrew her hand-and her smile-her tone turning cold and sharp. "If I'd known before all this happened that Mr. Howard could fall for a woman like me, I'd have been thrilled. If you'd ever truly loved only me, the Sterling family would've been back on its feet ages ago. There never would've been a Tricia in the picture, would there?" "Charlotte." His voice was heavy, almost aching. “Don't say things like that.” She sidestepped him and sat down, looking at him with cool indifference. "If you don't like what you hear, you're free to leave." He stepped forward, leaning over her, hands braced on the desk as he trapped her in. "You think if you pushlike this, I'll back down?" She turned her face away. "Suit yourself." Evander searched her face. The allure in her eyes was real, but so was the cold 1/3 12:51 apter indifference, the stubborn refusal to care.
And yet, he accepted it all.
"Move out from his place," he said quietly, running his fingers through her hair. "You want to look after Hiram yourself, right? The suite at Summitview Wellness Retreat is spacious." "Mr. Howard, are you hoping to share a bed with me?" she shot back with a mocking smile.
A shadow passed over his face, but it quickly vanished. "If you don't want that, I won't touch you." Charlotte gave a short, bitter laugh, brushing off his hand as she rose. "Let's hope you keep your word, Mr. Howard." "So, you agree?" "You refuse to divorce me. Until that changes, it's not appropriate forto live with another man. I have to protect your precious reputation, after all. People can insultall they want-but not you." Evander froze, momentarily speechless. Charlotte didn't wait for his reaction. She simply turned and left the office.
The next day, Evander actually sent Natalie to pick her up.
1 Charlotte packed a single suitcase. As she was heading out, she ran straight into Judd in the hallway.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "So, you planning to get back with your ex-husband?" Charlotte let out a soft laugh. "Get back together? Not a chance."
"Then what would you call this?" His gaze flicked to her suitcase. "Word is, Mr. Howard's never gotten over this old flame. Even while married, he couldn't cut ties with her. He's trampled all over decency and loyalty. Why are you the only one still caring about propriety?" Judd's words hit her like a needle, pricking right at her heart.
Even outsiders could see her marriage for what it was-a a joke.
Charlotte shrugged it off. "How I handle things is my business." 2/3 12:51 # Chapter 245
"If you weren't my grandfather's student, I wouldn't bother with any of this," Judd said, stepping closer until he stood right in front of her. "Dr. Sterling, do you really think that giving in to him will make him agree to a divorce? Just because your brother's in his hands, you're willing to throw yourself away?" 3/3
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