Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 394

“They’re all from Vera—she says reading helps her relax,” Hiram said, glancing at the stack of novels by his bed.

Charlotte sat in the visitor’s chair, eyes warm with affection. “Vera’s a good girl, Hiram. But don’t go burdening her with too much. If you need help, come to me instead. I’m your sister, after all—I’d never hold it against you.”

Hiram hesitated, lowering his gaze as something seemed to trouble him. “But I can’t keep leaning on you forever. I know I’ve always been reckless and immature. Mom and Dad say they dote on me, but honestly, they don’t think I’ll ever amount to much. They believe my only shot at success is by relying on my sister’s husband.”

He trailed off, a shadow flickering across his face. “All those years you spent with the Howard family, everything you went through… If I’d known sooner, I wouldn’t have—”

Charlotte cut him off, her tone gentle but firm. “Let’s not dwell on the past. It’s over now.”

She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Do you want to go back to the city?”

He looked up, startled. “Back to the city?”

“Mom and Dad’s place is still there. Uncle’s family won’t cause trouble anymore. If you want to, I can arrange for someone to bring you home.”

Hiram searched her face for a long moment before speaking, voice low. “Is this because that woman wants me gone? Are you asking me to leave because you’re worried she’ll try something again?”

Charlotte’s gaze fell. “I do worry about you getting hurt again. And I don’t want Tricia coming around anymore.”

Though Tricia was his own sister, Charlotte knew Hiram could never accept the truth—or the pain that came with it.

Hiram managed a small, wry smile. “If you’re only doing this out of concern, then I won’t argue. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing the city again.”

Charlotte smiled, saying nothing more.

After leaving the hospital room, she sent a message to Wesley.

His reply came quickly: [I’ll have Julian pick him up.]

Julian was both trustworthy and, more importantly, a safeguard against anyone trying to interfere under the guise of helping Hiram.

Relief washed over Charlotte.

Mrs. Chamberlain set down her teacup. “Your mother was a beauty when she was young—everyone in Eldermere City said so. It’s clear her daughter inherited that charm.”

Charlotte sat quietly, listening. From their tone, it was obvious these women had known her mother well. She wondered if she could steer the conversation toward Zoe Donovan.

As if on cue, Mrs. Moore turned to Mrs. Rivers. “Speaking of Laurinda, didn’t she have a younger sister?”

“She’s running a clinic in Riverspire City? I thought she used to be with Neely Vinterberg…”

Neely.

Charlotte stiffened.

That name. She was sure she’d heard it somewhere before.