Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 361

“I never admitted anything. I’m just sticking up for my brother,” Genevieve shot back, giving Charlotte a hard look. “Now that he’s sick, you’re all dolled up and on the prowl for your next rich husband. Charlotte, you really are shameless.”

Charlotte laughed, unfazed. “Funny. When I wasn’t talking about divorce, you couldn’t wait for me to leave your brother. Now that I’ve brought it up, suddenly I’m a gold-digger? Whatever. Since you’re so fond of talking, better get it all out now—after tonight, you might not have the chance.”

“You—” Genevieve’s retort died as her gaze landed on Loretta, who was trying to melt into the crowd. This was the Rayburn family’s heiress, yet here she was, hiding like a coward.

Shoving past Charlotte, Genevieve marched straight over. “Miss Rayburn, this is your welcome party, after all. Even if the Rayburns didn’t care about the guest list, how could you let a woman like her sneak in just for the free food and drinks?”

Genevieve didn’t raise her voice, but everyone nearby heard. All eyes turned to Loretta.

“That’s the Rayburn heiress?”

“No way. She looks nothing like Mrs. Rayburn. Just look at her—so plain and ordinary.”

As the whispers grew, Loretta’s face went pale. She’d hoped to keep her head down until the party officially started, wait for Charlotte to make a fool of herself, and then swoop in to play the hero. Only then could she hold onto her spot in the Rayburn family. But now, thanks to Miss Howard, her plan was ruined.

When Loretta ignored her, Genevieve pushed into the crowd, grabbed her by the arm, and hauled her out. “Miss Rayburn, I’m talking to you! Why are you pretending not to hear?”

Loretta’s face turned an ugly shade of green. She shot a desperate look at Charlotte.

Charlotte just swirled her wine, clearly not planning to come to the rescue. Loretta bit her lip, shook off Genevieve’s hand, and muttered, “I’m not—”

Genevieve caught her glance in Charlotte’s direction and actually laughed. “You’re the Rayburn heiress! Why are you looking to her for help? What, is she going to threaten you?”

Charlotte’s voice was cool. “Miss Howard, she’s not my sister. You don’t need to waste your breath trying to persuade her.”

At that moment, Wesley and Judd entered, with Sean following close behind.

“It’s her?”

“Well, that makes sense. She’s got the looks and the presence. That Donovan girl can’t compare.”

At the back of the room, a man in a mask stood silently by a cocktail table, long fingers absently tracing the rim of his glass. He seemed indifferent to the scene unfolding, but his ears missed nothing when it came to news about one particular woman.

As everyone digested the fact that Charlotte was the real Rayburn heiress, only he remained unmoved, sipping his wine as if nothing had happened.

Genevieve was more stunned than anyone else. Shocked, disbelieving. “That’s impossible… She’s supposed to be the Sterling family’s daughter…” Her voice wavered.

Wesley didn’t bother to soften his words. “It doesn’t matter whose daughter she is. Doesn’t give any of you the right to treat her like dirt. All those years she spent suffering, half of it was thanks to your Howard family.” He glanced at the stunned crowd, making no effort to spare Genevieve or her family’s pride. “Now she’s the Rayburns’ beloved daughter. What do you have to say for yourself, Miss Howard?”