Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 31

Tricia managed to put on an expression of pure sincerity, as if afraid Evander might miss her performance—she almost convinced even herself.

Charlotte just offered a faint smile. "No need. The truth will come out soon enough."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Tricia's face stiffened for a moment. Sensing the man's gaze beside her, her spine went rigid. She looked up at him, eyes brimming with wounded innocence. "Evander, if I'd known Dr. Sterling disliked me this much, I never would have come…"

Evander calmly looked away, scooping Hans into his arms. "From now on, stay away from her."

His words were meant for Tricia.

She froze, then dropped her gaze. A glint of coldness flashed through her eyes. "Evander, are you… taking Dr. Sterling's side?"

Taking her side?

Evander's brow furrowed.

He didn't answer her question, only said evenly, "She's complicated. If you get too close, you'll only get hurt. I'm just looking out for you."

At those words, the shadow in Tricia's heart vanished. Any lingering doubt was swept away.

So what if that woman Charlotte actually managed to seduce Evander? She had plenty of ways to get rid of that troublemaker.

She *had* to marry into the Howard family—no matter what.

…

Late at night.

Charlotte had barely drifted off to sleep when she heard a noise outside the bedroom.

The room had been pitch dark, but now a faint, golden light spilled in. Lying with her back to the door, she opened her eyes just enough to see a shadow on the wall drawing closer to the bed.

She shut her eyes quickly, feigning sleep.

Once, she'd spent countless nights alone, waiting up for Evander—never glimpsing even a trace of him.

She'd waited and waited until exhaustion and disappointment finally taught her to stop waiting at all.

Evander stood by the bed for a while, then quietly took off his jacket and tie and disappeared into the bathroom.

Charlotte stayed perfectly still, holding the same sleeping posture even as he finished his shower and emerged. She didn't move an inch.

She jolted fully awake, instantly sitting up in bed.

They locked eyes for a few seconds before Charlotte looked away. "Sorry. It won't happen again."

She got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

Evander watched the door close behind her, lost in thought.

After freshening up, Charlotte walked toward the dressing room. As she pushed open the door, she found Evander standing at her wardrobe. The shelves, once lined with her belongings, looked much emptier than before.

Evander glanced back at her, curiosity in his eyes. "Where are your things?"

"I threw them out," she replied smoothly, already prepared for this. "I bought them myself, so I can do what I want with them. Right?"

She'd only packed up and taken away what was truly hers.

Everything that belonged to the Howard family, she'd left untouched on the shelves.

Evander glanced at the cabinet to the left, where her jewelry and designer handbags remained. He didn't question her further. "Suit yourself."