Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 178

“Mr. Rayburn, my daughter kindly escorted you to the lounge, and yet you... took advantage of her!”

Ilse was the first to strike, publicly accusing Wesley and making it sound as if he had truly crossed the line.

Jensen, who had been quietly hoping to arrange this marriage himself, could only sigh in relief—now he wouldn’t have to argue his case; Ilse had done it for him.

Charlotte’s brows knitted together. “How can you accuse someone of impropriety when they were completely unconscious?”

“What are you implying, Charlotte?” Ilse’s tone sharpened. “Are you saying my daughter threw herself at him?”

“I’m simply speaking from a medical standpoint,” Charlotte replied evenly. “Someone who isn’t conscious can’t become aroused—just like a drunk person isn’t capable of engaging in intercourse.”

The onlookers shifted uncomfortably at the bluntness, but given that many present were from medical backgrounds, there was little room to refute her logic.

“Don’t give me your clinical nonsense! My daughter’s reputation is ruined!” Ilse’s voice cracked, eyes welling up as she played the part of a distraught mother. “Yes, we wanted to form an alliance with the Rayburn family, but nothing was set in stone. Now, after all this, doesn’t your family owe us an explanation?”

“So the Howards want to marry into the Rayburns?”

“It all makes sense now… That explains the drama.”

Evander’s gaze lingered on Charlotte; his face grew darker. After a moment, he turned to Wesley. “Mr. Rayburn, don’t you think you owe us a proper explanation?”

Charlotte looked at him, fingers clenched tightly. “Evander, isn’t it a bit much for you to take their side like this?”

His expression was glacial. “As your husband, I’ve tolerated your concern for other men long enough. Have you forgotten what you promised me?”

And she was carrying his child, too.

For the first time, Charlotte saw a side of Evander that was assertive, even domineering—a version of him she hardly recognized, as if the man before her was a stranger.

Tricia’s face had darkened as well.

“Enough,” Wesley finally spoke, straightening his jacket with deliberate calm. “If the Howard family wants this marriage so badly, even resorting to such tactics, I see no reason to refuse.”

Jensen blinked in surprise. “Mr. Rayburn, you mean… you agree?”

“With your daughter clinging on so shamelessly, why would I say no? Besides, does it really matter who becomes Mrs. Rayburn? As long as it keeps my family off my back about marriage, that’s good enough for me.”

His words were icy, each syllable a sting. He made it clear he had no real desire to marry.

Genevieve’s eyes filled with tears, but she didn’t dare let them fall.

Ilse’s heart ached for her daughter. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Rayburn? Are you saying you’ll marry her but refuse to take responsibility?”

“So you’re suggesting I should call the police, then?” Wesley asked coldly.

Ilse choked on her words. If the police got involved, she would only end up humiliating herself—and if this got back to Rosemary and Miranda, she’d become a laughingstock in her own family.

After Wesley left, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Charlotte, unmoved, remarked, “That’s right, Director Winthrop said we didn’t have to worry about her, so I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“Charlotte.” Evander regarded her quietly for a long moment. “You should go home.”

Charlotte smiled coolly. “Then I’ll leave you to it.”

She turned and walked away without a second glance.

Evander watched her retreating figure, something unreadable in his eyes.

Tricia quickly masked her disappointment. “Evander, I really am fine. If you’re worried, shouldn’t you go after Dr. Sterling?”

“Someone will see to her,” he said flatly. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Tricia managed a small smile.

Outside, the city lights shimmered against the deepening night.

Charlotte exited the front doors of Celestia Towers and found Natalie waiting by the car. “Miss Sterling, Mr. Howard asked me to drive you home.”

Charlotte said nothing, simply getting into the car.

During the ride, her phone buzzed—Evander had sent her a message. She didn’t bother to read it, simply powered off her phone and closed her eyes.