Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 391

Jacques looked up. "Who?"

"Neely Vinterberg."

Before Jacques could react, Secretary Holden’s eyes widened in surprise. "You mean the former bank president who vanished from the public eye after resigning?"

Evander nodded.

"I remember now. He really did disappear for years. I heard he moved abroad. But what made you think of him all of a sudden?" Jacques set his chess piece down, curiosity in his tone.

"He has a son?"

"So I've heard, but I never met him." Jacques fiddled with the chessboard. "Neely was always a smooth operator, got along well with everyone. But then, out of nowhere, he quit and cut off all contact with people at home. It was baffling."

A shadow passed over Evander’s face.

Jacques studied him. "Honestly, if you hadn't brought him up, I'd have forgotten all about him. Did someone ask you about him?"

"It's nothing."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Charlotte returned from outside.

She stepped into the living room, paused briefly, her gaze drifting over Evander before she nodded politely at Jacques. "Dad."

Evander lowered his eyes, saying nothing.

"You're back," Jacques said, not bothering with the chess game anymore. He looked up and instructed Secretary Holden, "Could you check with the front desk and see if the restaurant has any tables left? Book one if you can."

Secretary Holden nodded and headed out.

Charlotte was about to go to her room when Jacques called after her. "Evander and I are having dinner at the restaurant tonight. Join us."

With her father-in-law extending the invitation, she couldn’t really refuse. She nodded and slipped away to her room.

Evander watched her go, sinking deeper into silence.

That evening, Charlotte dined with the Howard men at the restaurant. As luck would have it, they ran into Winston Rivers and Mrs. Rivers in the hallway.

"Mr. Howard, you’re actually in Riverspire and didn’t announce your arrival? That’s unusual," Winston said with a polite smile.

Jacques returned the courtesy. "Deputy Commissioner Rivers, you’re a busy man—I wouldn’t dare disturb you."

"You give me too much credit." Winston waved his hand dismissively. "I’m just two years from retirement; I finally have some free time. There’s no need to worry about disturbing me."

Jacques invited Mr. and Mrs. Rivers to join them for dinner, but the couple politely declined, saying they already had plans.

Just then, a familiar voice called from behind, "Well, what are all of you doing here?"

Jacques stilled, turning slowly to see Daphne Carstairs approaching.

When Daphne spotted Jacques, she hesitated for a heartbeat, but recovered quickly, smiling graciously as she greeted him. "It’s been a long time."

Jacques seemed taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, it has."

She glanced at Evander.

He sensed her gaze, but didn’t turn. Instead, he strode directly into the restaurant.

Charlotte let out a soft laugh. Still sulking about this morning, is he?

But does he really have any right to be upset?