Regret 6 Chapter 6 "How old are you, Charlotte? Honestly, why are you letting a child get under your skin?" Charlotte froze, stung by the blatant favoritism in his tone. She'd known he wouldn't believe her, but hearing it so plainly still hurt.
She blinked against the sting in her eyes, forcing back her tears. “I didn't push him. I swear I didn't!" Evander let out a short, cold laugh. "So what, you're saying a little kid tripped and decided to pin it on you?" Charlotte's chest tightened. She had known he wouldn't take her side-so why was she still trying to explain? Lowering her gaze, she struggled to steady her breath. "I guess I just had bad luck running into you all today. Fine, whatever." She turned to leave.
"Stop." Charlotte hesitated, feet rooted to the spot, but didn't look back.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Hans is just a child. There's no need to take it so personally," Evander said, his voice softer now. "Apologize to Hans." "Evander, maybe we should just drop this..." Tricia spoke up on her behalf. Evander's eyes were icy. "When you're in the wrong, you apologize. That's how it works." Charlotte's fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Oddly, she didn't even feel the pain. Slowly, she turned to face Evander, her eyes defiant as she pointed toward the security camera by the streetlamp. "There are cameras all 20147 Chapter 6 over Tranquility Manor. Before you play the hero, maybe check the footage first." "If it shows I'm at fault, I'll apologize. But if it's not my fault, don't expectto say I'm sorry." Without another glance, Charlotte turned and walked away.
Evander's chest tightened. His face clouded, growing darker by the second.
Tricia, rattled by the mention of security cameras, panicked. She couldn't let Evander see that footage. Grabbing his arm, she tried to redirect him. "Evander, it's really fine. Hans isn't hurt, and I'm sure Dr. Sterling didn't mean any harm." Desperate, she changed the subject. "Besides, Hans is going to be late for school. We should get going." Evander slipped his arm from her grasp. "I've already informed the principal. Take Hans; she'll take care of everything. I have a meeting." He walked off to his car.
Tricia watched as Evander drove away, her hand clenching unconsciously around Hans's little fingers.
"Mom, that hurts," Hans whimpered.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Tricia crouched down and held his shoulders, her eyes both dark and gleaming with satisfaction. "You did great today, Hans. Really great." "Really?" Hans blinked up at her, confused but eager.
He didn't understand much, but he knew that if he did something that made Mommy happy, it had to be a good thing.
Tricia stroked his cheek, her smile cold. "Hans, you want Uncle Evander to be your dad, don't you?" 211 Hans nodded enthusiastically.
Her smile sharpened. "Then you have to keep making him like you, do you understand? Be a good boy for him." Hans nodded again, determined. "I will!" When Evander arrived at the office, his assistant, Natalie, hurried over. "Mr. Howard, your mother's waiting for you in your office." He nodded and walked in.
Rosemary sat on the sofa, sipping tea with practiced elegance. She looked up as he entered. "I hear you arranged for Tricia to work at Charlotte's hospital?" Evander loosened his tie and sat down across from her. "Did Charlotte complain to you?"
Rosemary slammed her cup down, her voice sharp. "Evander, stop m suspecting your wife at every turn. Do you really think Charlotte is the type to run towith complaints?" A faint, cynical smile touched Evander's lips. "Isn't she?" "Do you really think she would have married into the Howard family if I hadn't forced you? Don't forget how all of this started."
Rosemary's expression soured, a bitter smile flashing across her face. "If she'd actually complained, do you think that woman Tricia would have had a chance to cback?" Evander paused, then met her gaze. "Just leave Charlotte alone." Rosemary scoffed, half-laughing with disbelief. "She took a million fromto leave you. What could you possibly see in a woman who'd sell you out that easily?" "If you hadn't interfered, she never would have left." Chapter 6
She opened her mouth to retort, then suddenly let out a cold laugh and stood up. "You're mistaking glass for diamonds, Evander. One day, you'll regret it. I won't meddle in your marriage anymore. If you want a divorce, go for it. Do whatever you want." She swept out of the office.
Evander's jaw clenched, his eyes dark and stormy.
Regret? How could he possibly regret it? Charlotte got the wealth and status she always wanted. Did she really think she could ever leave him? No. She'd never walk away.