Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 26

Charlotte's steps froze, her fingers clenching into tight fists.

Evander let out a low, dismissive laugh when she didn't turn around, blocking her exit. "If you're thinking of begging Mr. Pembroke for help, you can forget it. The Pembrokes don't get a say in my affairs."

That was the final straw—Charlotte broke down entirely, her voice raw and barely more than a choked whisper. "Evander, what do you want from me?"

Without a word, Evander tossed Jonathan's coat into a nearby trash can, shrugged off his own jacket, and strode toward her.

Charlotte barely had time to process before his coat fell over her shoulders, enveloping her.

He pulled her close, one arm wrapped around her in spite of her resistance, and steered her firmly back to the car.

In the driver's seat, Natalie glanced over her shoulder and gave a polite nod. "Good evening, Miss Sterling."

Charlotte felt oddly detached, as if watching herself from somewhere far away. She quickly turned her gaze to the window, her eyes hollow and unfocused.

Evander shot her a quick look, then signaled for Natalie to drive.

When the car pulled up in front of Tranquility Manor, Charlotte wasted no time—she was out the door and hurrying inside without a single backward glance.

Evander didn't hurry after her. He turned to Natalie. "Find out exactly what happened tonight."

Natalie nodded briskly.

Inside, Charlotte finally came to her senses and realized she was still wrapped in Evander's coat. She slipped it off, tossing it aside carelessly, and hurried to her bedroom.

Evander walked in just in time to see his jacket lying on the floor. He loosened his tie, a shadow crossing his face.

He strode to the bedroom door, intent on opening it, but found it locked from the inside.

He let out a humorless laugh. Perfect.

With a sharp turn, he headed to the guest room.

In the master bedroom, Charlotte curled up on her side, listening to the silence outside before slowly opening her eyes. A single tear slipped down her nose and onto the pillow.

It didn't matter anymore. She was done with him. She didn't want this man in her life.

…

The next morning, Charlotte emerged from her bedroom just as Lana was setting the breakfast table. "Good morning, ma'am. By the way, before he left, sir asked me to tell you there's no need to go to the hospital today. He wants you to rest."

Charlotte frowned. Not go to the hospital? What was that supposed to mean? Was he worried she'd confront Tricia?

—

"Check if any of them have a record. If they do, make sure they don't get out."

—

By midday, Charlotte had returned to the hospital after all.

Tricia spotted her and instantly put on a worried face, hurrying over. "Dr. Sterling, why didn't you show up for the meeting last night? The officials waited for you for ages—where did you—"

"Smack!"

Charlotte slapped her, hard and swift.

Everyone at the nurses' station froze, stunned.

Charlotte was known for her gentle temperament—she'd worked here for years, and no one had ever seen her lose her composure.

And now she'd just struck Director Winthrop—again.

"Wasn't last night your doing?" Charlotte's face was cold and expressionless. "Why are you pretending now?"

Tricia pressed a hand to her stinging cheek, biting back tears as she played the victim. "Dr. Sterling, I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you're misunderstanding me?"