Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 260

Evander stared straight ahead, his expression dark as a brewing storm. After listening in silence, he finally turned to Natalie. “Have someone keep an eye on her. Don’t let her get anywhere near Charlotte.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte—who’d been invited to perform a cerebral arteriovenous malformation surgery at the neighboring General Hospital—was just stepping out of the operating room.

Dean Stone of General Hospital was an old classmate of Dean Chase. When Stone had visited the capital on a business trip, Dean Chase had recommended Charlotte to him.

“Director Sterling, thank you for coming all the way from District General. I know it’s a hassle,” Stone said as he walked her to the door.

“Not at all. Dean Chase has always been good to me. I’m happy to help,” Charlotte replied with a polite smile.

As they reached the entrance, Dean Stone added, “If you ever need anything, Director Sterling, our hospital will do everything we can for you.”

In this line of work, building your own network was everything.

Charlotte agreed readily, “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Once Dean Stone had turned back inside, Charlotte made her way to the street to catch a cab. Just then, her phone vibrated with a WhatsApp message from Jonathan.

He was asking to meet her at the hotel’s bistro.

She stared at the message, hesitating. She’d been clear with Jonathan last time—they didn’t owe each other anything anymore. But…

Charlotte remembered that Old Mr. Carstairs had no idea Jonathan had been tasked with looking out for her. Clearly, Jonathan had lied to her from the very beginning.

She wavered, unsure whether to reply, when another message appeared: [I can tell you everything.]

…

Charlotte arrived at the hotel restaurant.

The place was empty, a sign outside reading “Closed for Private Event.” She stood at the entrance for half a minute, double-checking the address Jonathan had sent. A waiter finally emerged. “Are you here for Mr. Pembroke?”

She put away her phone and nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

The waiter stepped aside and led her to a private dining room.

Inside, Jonathan sat alone, lost in thought. He didn’t even notice when Charlotte opened the door.

“Mr. Pembroke, your guest has arrived,” the waiter announced.

Jonathan finally snapped back to reality. “Thank you. You can leave us for now—we’ll call you when we’re ready to order.”

“Very well, sir.”

“I see…”

“Jonathan, you seem a little on edge today.”

Jonathan tightened his grip around his cup. She could tell he was anxious.

He avoided her eyes, taking a long sip of water. “It’s nothing. I just… I made a mistake, and I’m not sure how to face you.”

“Everyone makes mistakes,” she said gently.

“But not every mistake can be forgiven.”

She fell silent.

“Charlotte.” Jonathan’s gaze was urgent, searching her face. “Do you want to leave Evander?”

Charlotte looked at him in confusion, not understanding why he was asking.

“What if I had a way to help you get away from him, for good?”

She lowered her eyes, letting out a quiet, bittersweet laugh. “I do want to leave him, Jonathan. But I can’t rely on someone else to make that happen.”