Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 175

Jensen was about to say something, but Ilse immediately cut him off. “Mr. Rayburn, last time it was my fault—and Genevieve’s—that we didn’t tell you. Lottie is actually our daughter-in-law.”

Evander had already brought Charlotte to an event like this; there was no harm in making their relationship clear. Besides, Ilse couldn’t quite figure out how Wesley felt about Charlotte. If he did have any interest in her, this would nip it in the bud.

Evander swirled the wine in his glass, his tone casual. “She’s my wife. Are you surprised, Mr. Rayburn?”

Wesley glanced toward Charlotte, who was chatting with someone across the room. He recalled Genevieve’s attitude the last time they’d met and let out a soft laugh. “I suppose I am. After all…” He paused for a few seconds, “She doesn’t really strike me as the Howard family’s daughter-in-law.”

Evander’s gaze sharpened, fixed steadily on him.

Ilse broke in, attempting a lighthearted tone. “Mr. Rayburn, that’s not a fair thing to say. What makes you think Lottie isn’t right for our family?”

Wesley raised an eyebrow. “Well, your daughter was so hostile to Miss Sterling last time that anyone watching might’ve thought they were lifelong enemies, not sisters-in-law.”

Ilse’s face darkened at his words.

Noticing Evander’s expression, Jensen leaned over and hissed under his breath, “Didn’t I tell you to keep your daughter in line? Why’s she picking on her sister-in-law again?”

It wasn’t the first time his daughter had targeted Charlotte. Privately, he preferred to stay out of it, but in public—especially in front of Evander—he had to at least look like a responsible father.

Ilse forced a strained smile. “You know how Genevieve is—she just speaks her mind a little too freely.”

“There’s a big difference between being blunt and being thoughtless. I’d be worried about your daughter’s manners, to be honest,” Wesley said, setting his glass down with a dismissive gesture, ignoring the stony looks from Jensen and Ilse. He walked off toward Charlotte.

Evander watched him go, then drained his own glass in one swallow.

At that moment, Charlotte had just finished her conversation. She turned and saw Wesley approaching, the corners of her lips lifting into a smile. “Mr. Rayburn.”

Tricia looked down, fingers tightening around the strap of her purse. After a moment’s hesitation, she stepped closer to Evander and spoke in a low voice. “Evander, maybe I shouldn’t have come after all?”

He didn’t even blink. “You’re perfectly fine.”

Charlotte watched the exchange, a cold smile flickering at the edge of her lips. So, Evander had brought Tricia along too—multitasking at its finest. The man really was a master of time management.

It wasn’t until about half an hour later that Professor Aldridge finally made his entrance with his team. There was no denying his reputation—he was a true authority in neurosurgery, fielding all sorts of challenging questions from the other specialists with ease.

When the conversation turned to neural stem cell transplantation techniques, Tricia stepped forward from the crowd and offered her insights. Her analysis was articulate and on point.

As Professor Aldridge nodded his approval, the others around her couldn’t help but shower Tricia with praise.