Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 39

Charlotte didn't let herself look tired until she was safely home, the front door shut behind her.

She glanced at her phone—Dean Chase had messaged. He'd reported Director Fontaine's unauthorized job shuffle that delayed the surgery, but all upper management had done was issue a warning. No real consequences.

She wasn't surprised. As long as nobody died, these things were always swept under the rug.

She didn't bother replying. Instead, she pulled a crumpled note from her pocket, stared at it for a long moment, then tore it to shreds and tossed the pieces in the trash.

The next morning, Charlotte was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Eyes half-shut, she fumbled for it on her nightstand and answered without checking the caller ID.

"Miss Sterling, are you awake?"

That voice… She glanced at the screen. Natalie!

"Natalie?"

"Your parents showed up at the company because of Mr. Hiram. Mr. Howard wants you to come in and handle it."

Charlotte froze. Before she could respond, Natalie had already hung up.

Her parents had gone straight to Howard Enterprises? Just like that? Did something happen to Hiram?

Charlotte didn't have time to wonder. She threw on her clothes, skipped breakfast, and hurried out the door.

—

Howard Enterprises, Administration Office.

Evander sat behind his desk, legs crossed, flipping through paperwork with an air of complete detachment.

They'd spent years keeping up the charade. Their son-in-law was the famous Mr. Howard, but who would ever know?

"But… but you and Charlotte are married, Evander," Xavier stammered. "No matter what, there has to be some room for negotiation…"

Evander's smile never wavered. "You've already enjoyed plenty of benefits from the Howard family over the years. What makes you think you're in a position to negotiate with me now?"

Xavier was at a loss for words. He'd come here to beg, but now he could only swallow his resentment and humiliation.

Outside the door, Charlotte paused. She heard every word—especially that last, cold question: "What makes you think you're in a position to negotiate?"

For a moment, her heart ached. But then she remembered the name "Howard" scrawled on that note, remembered how Tricia had set her up, everything she'd suffered in that hotel suite. She bit her lip, her resolve hardening. She would never let herself be moved again.

She pushed open the door. "Mr. Howard, you gave your word on this. You're the one breaking your promise now, and you're willing to let Hiram go to jail because of it. Is this how a CEO of a major corporation does business? Do your promises mean nothing?"