Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 171

It wasn’t until Evander appeared in the doorway that Hans finally quieted down. The frail little boy was curled up under the covers, his face pale as he shrank away from anyone who tried to get close.

“Hans, look, Mr. Howard’s come to see you,” Tricia coaxed gently.

She reached out to ruffle his hair, but Hans dodged her touch, turning instead and flinging himself into Evander’s arms.

For a fleeting second, Tricia’s expression stiffened, but she quickly covered it with a helpless smile. “Hans has been having some episodes,” she explained. “He won’t let me or the bodyguards near him.”

Evander stood by the bed, letting Hans cling to him, though a faint frown creased his brow.

Hans held onto him in silence, refusing to let go.

After a while, Evander gently grasped his small, narrow shoulders, bending down so they were eye to eye. His voice was calm and reassuring. “Hans, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Hans blinked, as if surfacing from a fog, and gave a small nod, though his eyes were still clouded with uncertainty about what lay ahead.

Tricia moved to his side. “Evander, ever since the fall, Hans has become so withdrawn. He doesn’t even want me close anymore. But I never expected he’d still trust you this much.”

Evander straightened, his tone carrying a trace of reproach. “You’re his mother. Shouldn’t he feel safest with you?”

Tricia’s heart gave a nervous jolt. She clenched her hands, swallowing her frustration. “I wish I knew why. Maybe he blames me. If only I hadn’t kept him with me that day, maybe it never would’ve happened.”

Evander said nothing, his gaze fixed on Hans lying in the hospital bed.

Hans gripped the blanket, his face blank, lips pressed in a thin line. The chubby cheeks he once had had wasted away, leaving him thinner than most children his age. Tricia, on the other hand, was as impeccably dressed and energetic as ever. With all her resources, there was no reason Hans should look like this.

It was impossible not to wonder just how well she’d really been taking care of him.

The scrutiny in Evander’s eyes made Tricia uneasy, as if she feared he might see straight through her. “Evander, I admit I’ve been distracted lately and neglected Hans. But if he could stay with you, maybe he’d finally heal.”

When he brought Hans to Howard Manor, Tricia followed close behind. For her, the fact that the Howards were willing to take Hans in was a promising start.

But she’d gotten her hopes up too soon.

Neither Rosemary nor Miranda came out to greet the child. Instead, only the housekeeper Linette and two maids were waiting at the door.

Linette stepped forward, polite and efficient. “Sir, I’ll take care of the boy from here.”

Tricia’s expression shifted. As Evander gently nudged Hans to go with Linette, she hurriedly grabbed his arm. “Evander, isn’t Hans supposed to stay with you and your aunt? Why is he—”

Mrs. Howard had agreed to let Hans stay at the manor. She’d assumed Mrs. Howard herself would look after him.

But now, he was being handed over to a servant!