RedNovelOutside, darkness had settled thickly over the city. After dinner, Charlotte had shut herself away in her room, busy with her latest research project.
Her phone screen lit up-a message from Evander: *It's getting chilly tonight. Don't turn the AC too low.* Charlotte stared at the text for a while, fingers hovering over the keyboard, but she didn't reply.
Meanwhile, the Nebula Tech founder was hosting a cocktail party by his private pool. After sending Charlotte the message, Evander leaned against a high table, only to be approached by guests eager to clink glasses and chat.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOne of the guests-a wealthy businessman-seemed poised to introduce him to a companion, but noticed the wedding band on Evander's finger and quickly thought better of it.
"I heard Mr. Rayburn's gone to the capital," someone nearby remarked, not bothering to lower his voice. "Think he's there to arrange a marriage with the Howard family?" Evander took a slow sip of his drink, unmoved, the glass cool against his lips.
"What marriage? Mr. Rayburn's gone to the capital to look for his daughter!" another voice chimed in.
"Daughter? Since when does the Rayburn family have a daughter?" "I heard there was one, but she was stillborn. Mrs. Rayburn lost her mind over it. With a man as devoted as Mr. Rayburn, you think he could just accept that? He's convinced the child wasn't really his daughter-has had people secretly investigating ever since." Evander set his glass down, his eyes drifting toward the small group deep in conversation.
"Sounds like a classic switched-at-birth story," one man mused. "What if 1/3 14:18 Chapter 298 someone actually swapped the babies?" "If that's true, I'd be very curious to know who the real Rayburn heiress is." Natalie approached, stopping at his side. "Mr. Howard, we've noticed two people watching your wife." Evander's gaze turned cold. “Who do they work for?" "We're not sure yet. We're looking into it." His eyes settled on the glass in his hand, his expression darkening.
The next morning, Charlotte accompanied Vera to pick up her assessment results. Vera passed the interview. She was so thrilled she could hardly believe it; Charlotte was genuinely happy for her friend.
Just then, Charlotte's phone rang-the caller ID read *Summitview Wellness Retreat.* She answered at once. Whatever the person on the other end said made her cover her mouth, her hands shaking with excitement. "Yes... I'll be there right away!" Hiram had woken up.
Charlotte rushed straight to the bedroom. Through the open door, she saw the medical team gathered around his bed. Heart pounding, she made her way through the crowd.
Hiram was lying there, eyes roaming the room. Condensation fogged the inside of his oxygen mask. "Hiram." Charlotte edged to the bedside, her hand trembling as she reached for his. "You're awake?" He looked at her, trying to speak but unable to form the words. Tears pooled at the corners of his eyes.
A doctor nearby offered a gentle reminder. “Mrs. Howard, Mr. Sterling is 272 14-18 Chapter 298 conscious, but after being bedridden so long, his body will need tto recover." "I understand," Charlotte nodded. “As long as he's awake, that's all that matters." Evander arrived with Natalie not long after, having been notified by the clinic. "Mr. Howard." The nurse greeted him with a nod before stepping aside. Charlotte stayed by Hiram's bedside, glancing up when Evander entered.
He said nothing, just instructed Natalie to arrange for more nurses to ve help with Hiram's rehabilitation.
After Natalie left, Charlotte kept her eyes lowered, her voice barely above The Vice a whisper. Thank you." Evander paused, a faint smile touching his eyes. "You don't have to thank me." "He's awake now, but I don't know how to face him." Evander stiffened, his gaze locking on hers.
She met his eyes. "How do I tell him that while he was asleep for a few months, both his parents passed away?" 2/2 Share to your friends
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