Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 23

As dusk settled outside, Charlotte finished up her last bit of work and was about to leave the office when Tricia appeared at her door, gently rapping her knuckles against the frame. "Dr. Sterling."

Charlotte looked up, her expression composed. "Is there something you need?"

"The hospital's currently negotiating a project to build a Sleep Medicine Center. There's a dinner with the city council tonight to discuss it. I want you to go."

Tricia placed a folder on Charlotte's desk.

Charlotte glanced at the folder, then suddenly let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "Director Winthrop isn't handling the negotiations herself, and she's assigning this to me?"

"Dr. Sterling, are you still holding a grudge about what happened before?" Tricia smiled sweetly. "We're colleagues after all, and I trust your abilities. I feel completely comfortable putting this project in your hands."

Sensing Charlotte might refuse, Tricia added, "Besides, this was Evander's decision. He's made it clear that your work now falls under my supervision. So I'm assigning you to this project. You can't exactly refuse, can you?"

Charlotte's hand tightened around her pen.

She and Tricia had always operated in separate spheres; Evander was clearly using his influence to put Tricia over her.

Looking at Tricia's feigned innocence, Charlotte relaxed her grip and picked up the folder to review its contents.

Everything seemed in order.

The hospital director's signature was there.

Tricia probably wouldn't dare tamper with official documents.

Charlotte closed the folder and said coolly, "Alright, I'll handle it."

"Thank you, Dr. Sterling. I'll text you the dinner location and reservation details in a bit."

Charlotte had no interest in continuing the conversation. She grabbed the folder and left.

Tricia watched her walk away, a cold smirk playing on her lips.

…

Before long, Charlotte received a message from Tricia. The dinner was set for a private suite on the fifth floor of The Timberline Hotel.

But this dinner—this was clearly a setup.

Was this what Evander wanted all along?

"I'm not sure what misunderstanding brought me here, but I'm not here to entertain anyone. Now, please move aside. If you touch me again, I'll call the police." Charlotte pulled out her phone, but Blue Shirt slapped it out of her hand, sending it skittering across the floor.

Before she could react, two or three of them grabbed her, shoving a glass of liquor to her lips and forcing her to drink.

She couldn't fight their strength. After half a glass of whiskey burned down her throat, her stomach felt like it was on fire.

She shoved the nearest man, causing the glass to slip from his hand and shatter on the floor.

Charlotte fought to keep her composure, her eyes bloodshot with fury. "This was Tricia's idea, wasn't it?"

"Tricia? Never heard of her. Aren't you just a party girl?" Blue Shirt sneered, roughly grabbing a fistful of her hair. "Don't play coy with us. You took the money, so you'd better do your job."

The pain made Charlotte wince. Fumbling across the table, she seized a bottle and smashed it as hard as she could against Blue Shirt's head.