Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 11

The next morning, Charlotte woke to the sounds of the housekeeper bustling in the kitchen, the scent of breakfast drifting through the apartment.

Evander hadn't come home last night. She could guess where he was—probably with that woman and her son.

She slid into a chair at the table, barely touching her food when her phone rang. Her mother, Rachel, was crying on the other end. "Lottie, I know things haven't been easy for you since you married into the Winthrop family, but I'm begging you—please, help Hiram this time."

That one line—"I know you've suffered in that family"—cut deeper than she expected.

Her mother knew, had always known.

Yet, when Charlotte told her she was divorcing Evander, Rachel hadn't taken her side…

Charlotte's fingers tightened around her fork. Her voice was rough. "I already spoke to Evander about it last night."

She did it for her family. For herself.

"What did he say?"

"He said we'd talk about it another time."

She repeated his words, nothing more.

"I knew you wouldn't let this go," Rachel interrupted, suddenly hopeful. "Don't worry, Lottie—once Hiram's situation is sorted, I promise, I won't bother you again."

Rachel hung up in a rush, as if afraid Charlotte might change her mind.

Charlotte stared at her phone for a moment, then set it aside and finished her breakfast, her face giving nothing away.

It was noon before Charlotte finally made her way back to the hospital.

Stepping out of the elevator, she saw Tricia at the nurses' station, chatting and laughing with a couple of nurses.

Tricia was handing out little gift boxes—expensive lipstick, by the looks of it.

"Director Winthrop, Mr. Howard sure does spoil you!"

"I know, right? This must be his way of showing affection—and we get to benefit, too! Is this what it feels like to be third-wheeling?"

Tricia flashed a smile, about to say something else when she noticed Charlotte. She picked up a box and walked over. "Dr. Sterling, this is just a little something for all the staff. Here's yours."

Charlotte glanced at the gift in Tricia's hand.

If she refused in front of everyone, she'd look proud and aloof. So she accepted it, murmuring, "Thank you."

She brushed past Tricia into her office and tossed the lipstick into her cabinet without a second thought.

Tricia didn't correct her. She simply smiled. "Exactly. He's planning to make Hans his legal son."

Charlotte's expression froze.

Legal son?

He was really going to acknowledge Hans?

"Director Winthrop, a patient's here to see you," a nurse called from the hallway.

Tricia answered and glanced at Charlotte, who looked unfazed.

"Sorry, Dr. Sterling, I have to run."

She left, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.

Charlotte's clenched hands finally relaxed.

She drew a shaky breath, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

If he wanted to claim this child as his own, what did it have to do with her, anyway?