Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 368

Rosemary closed her eyes, fingers slowly moving over the smooth wooden rosary beads in her hand.

One was her great-grandson. The other—the woman she’d always hoped would join their family. Deep down, Rosemary knew exactly where her loyalties lay.

She said nothing more for a long while.

Her silence was its own kind of answer.

…

The next morning, Wesley drove Charlotte to the airport.

He pulled up at the curb outside the main entrance, and Julian hopped out to unload her suitcase from the trunk. Just as Charlotte was about to take her bag, the rear window slid down with a quiet hum. “Lottie.”

She stepped over to the car, leaning down. “What is it?”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to send someone with you to Riverspire?”

She gave a helpless little smile. “I’ll be fine. I’m not a kid anymore.”

He frowned, clearly worried. “I just want you to be safe. Tricia’s still in Riverspire, you know.”

Charlotte shrugged lightly. “She already knows about Loretta getting arrested. She won’t make a move against me—not right away.”

Wesley nodded, still unconvinced. “Just call me when you land. And if you run into trouble, find Mr. Rivers. He’ll help you.”

At the mention of Winston, Charlotte’s face lit up in sudden realization. “Oh no—I completely forgot about Mrs. Rivers’ birthday party!”

“Don’t worry. They already know you’re back in the Capital for the family reunion. I’ll handle the gift on your behalf.”

She grinned, her smile bright as ever. “Thanks, Wes. You should head back now. I’ll go in soon.”

After saying goodbye and watching the car drive off, Charlotte grabbed her suitcase and started toward the terminal.

Suddenly, a group of men in black suits stepped out, blocking her path.

She froze. Then Natalie appeared from behind them. “Miss, sir asked me to bring you back for a moment.”

She didn’t say “Mr. Howard.” She said “sir.”

Charlotte’s brows drew together. “You mean the family patriarch?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Charlotte turned sharply to Natalie. “I came here with you. Why are you keeping my things?”

Natalie kept her voice gentle. “Miss, we just need you to stay in the Capital for a while… at least until Mr. Howard’s treatment is over.”

“Treatment?” The word struck Charlotte like a blow, her eyes widening. “Who’s in treatment? Evander?”

Natalie hesitated, then said quietly, “Mr. Howard didn’t want you to know, but I can’t hide it anymore. After the accident and his surgery, he started having chest pain and a persistent cough. The doctors ran tests. It’s early-stage lung cancer. At first, he refused surgery and tried to manage it with medication, but it’s gotten worse. The cancer’s spreading to his lymph nodes.”

Charlotte felt rooted to the spot.

Lung cancer.

Lymph nodes.

How could this be happening?

That day, when he coughed and covered his mouth—was it because he was coughing up blood?

When Charlotte didn’t respond, Natalie continued, her voice softer. “He won’t cooperate with the treatment. Sir had no other choice but to bring you here.”