Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 142

Charlotte watched Jonathan’s car disappear down the street, her thoughts tangled in confusion.

She was just about to head back inside when her phone rang—it was Dean Chase calling.

Charlotte hesitated for a few seconds before answering. “Dean? Is something wrong?”

“Lottie, good news. The board has lifted your suspension. You’re cleared to return to the hospital. Apparently, your report on Director Fontaine’s misconduct checked out. They’ve confirmed that over the last decade, he’s taken at least a million in bribes.”

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed. “That much?”

“I’ll admit, I never expected Fontaine’s corruption to run this deep. I knew he was dirty, but I didn’t imagine he siphoned off that much from the hospital. He even skimmed half the private payments from patients.”

“Lottie, Fontaine isn’t coming back. You don’t have to worry about him anymore. Also, I want you to take over his position.”

Charlotte frowned. “But I already requested a transfer.”

“There’s still some time before that goes through. For now, I need you to step in as acting director.”

Without hesitation, Charlotte agreed.

The next morning, Charlotte officially returned to the hospital.

As she passed the nurses’ station, several nurses peeked out, unable to hide their curiosity.

“Oh my god! Wasn’t Dr. Sterling suspended?”

“I heard from the supervisor that the board reversed her suspension and even promoted her to director!”

“She goes from suspended to director? Did she get some powerful patron backing her?”

Just then, Tricia stepped out of the elevator and spotted the group whispering. She approached, smiling. “What’s going on?”

The nurses looked awkward, unsure if they should say anything.

Tricia sensed something was up. “Is something happening?”

“Dr. Sterling’s back. And she’s been promoted to director.”

Tricia’s smile faltered for a moment before she forced it back. “…Really.”

She glanced toward the direction of Charlotte’s new office, her hand at her side unconsciously tightening into a fist.

Inside the office, Charlotte surveyed the spotless, empty desk—no one had used it since her suspension.

She set her bag down and pulled open the curtains. Her reflection flashed in the glass; her striking face momentarily hardened, a cold glint flickering in her eyes.

From the window, she spotted Evander’s car parked below and saw Tricia approaching him.

Evander climbed out of his car and buttoned his coat. Tricia said something Charlotte couldn’t hear, and at that moment, Evander looked up toward the window.

He died of a heart attack—what did that have to do with her?

That bitch Charlotte only got her job back because Evander pulled some strings for her. The thought made Tricia’s resentment burn even hotter.

…

Evander stopped outside Charlotte’s office just as a nurse stepped out, looking nervous.

“Mr. Howard,” she greeted quietly before hurrying away.

Charlotte glanced up at him, barely lifting her eyes. “If you’re not here to talk about the divorce, I don’t have time.”

“Divorce?” Evander’s expression darkened. “When did I ever say I wanted a divorce?”

She stared at him, caught off guard.

He hadn’t seen the divorce papers yet?

“I’m the one asking for a divorce,” Charlotte said, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms. “I sent the papers to your office yesterday. Didn’t you see them?”

Evander studied her, an unreadable smile flickering at the corners of his mouth, dark and enigmatic.

“I don’t agree to a divorce.”