Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 129

For a moment, Charlotte’s mind went completely blank. She forced herself to calm down. “This is a blatant misrepresentation. My relationship with Mr. Pembroke isn’t like that at all.”

“You can say that, but public opinion sees it differently,” her lawyer replied briskly. “If you want any chance of securing alimony in the divorce, you’d better put out this fire first.”

“Alright. I understand.”

She ended the call, her gaze lingering on the trending headline as her expression grew complicated.

A scandal like this was sure to bring her mother-in-law, Miranda, knocking at her door soon.

As for the divorce itself… The outcome hardly mattered. She had no children to care for—she could leave with nothing, if it came to that.

Fighting for the settlement and Tranquility Manor was never about greed. It was for Hiram, and to repay the Sterling family for raising her all these years.

After washing up, she made her way to the living room, only to pause when she saw Evander still there.

He sat at the dining table, phone pressed to his ear, calmly spearing food with his fork. Whatever the caller said, he responded from time to time with a few words.

“Good morning, ma’am.” Lana emerged from the kitchen, balancing a bowl of fresh fruit. Evander glanced up at Charlotte and ended his call.

Charlotte pulled out a chair and sat down. Neither of them spoke.

Lana disappeared back into the kitchen, bustling with breakfast preparations. At last, Evander leaned back in his chair, loosening his collar with one hand. “I’ve already had the headlines pulled down,” he said, his tone even.

A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.

He lifted his glass, took a slow sip of water, and fixed her with a steady gaze. “One scandal each. We’re even. But don’t let it happen again.”

Before she could reply, he set down his glass, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door.

Lana popped out of the kitchen just as he left. “Sir—oh, where did he go?” She turned to Charlotte, who was still frozen in place. “He left you a plate of pasta, ma’am. I’ll warm it up for you.”

Charlotte lowered her gaze, unable to utter a single word through it all.

If this had happened before, Evander might have ignored the rumors entirely—he certainly wouldn’t have intervened himself.

Even.

She let out a bitter laugh, silent and inward.

It was a risky move, but she was determined to win—at least this once.

She picked up her phone and dialed Mrs. Fontaine, her voice bright and eager. “Remember that idea I mentioned for dealing with Charlotte? I’ll need your help—could you use your connections to get me her parents’ number?”

Outside the office, Vera happened to overhear Tricia’s voice. She went pale in an instant.

Director Winthrop—the one who’d ruined Dr. Sterling’s brother’s life!

Tricia looked up, catching a shadow outside her door. She shot to her feet. “Who’s there?”

Vera met her gaze, startled, then ducked away and fled down the hall.

Tricia rushed out, only to catch a glimpse of a nurse’s uniform disappearing around the corner.

On the other end of the call, Mrs. Fontaine’s anxious voice came through. “What’s wrong, Miss Winthrop? Did someone overhear?”

Tricia was silent for a few seconds, a sly smile curling her lips. “It’s nothing—just a little mouse. As long as she’s under my nose, I’ll find out who she is.”