Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 416

Old Mr. Carstairs snapped back to attention and nodded. “It’s not often Lottie comes by. Stay and have lunch with us.”

Charlotte couldn’t bring herself to refuse, so she agreed politely.

As lunchtime rolled around, Daphne returned from the office, Vickie trailing behind her.

Daphne flicked a glance at Charlotte, quickly looking away as she pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Is Teague still at the office?” Old Mr. Carstairs asked.

Daphne picked up her fork and knife. “He’s dealing with something—he’ll be back a bit later.” She turned to Charlotte, making an effort to sound gracious. “Hope the lunch suits your taste?”

Charlotte smiled. “I’m not picky.”

“It’s been years since I’ve seen your mother-in-law, Miranda. How’s she doing?” Daphne asked casually, though the question was less about concern and more about reminding Charlotte of her place.

Everyone seemed to assume that just because she’d left Evander, she was destined to marry into the Carstairs family.

Charlotte kept her composure, smile unwavering. “Is that so? I wasn’t aware you and my mother-in-law were close. She’s never mentioned it, but next time I speak to my father-in-law, I’ll be sure to have him pass along your regards.”

Judd lowered his gaze with a faint smile; it seemed Charlotte didn’t need him to step in after all.

Daphne’s expression soured at the response, and she instinctively shot a glance at Old Mr. Carstairs.

The Carstairs family had always been prickly about her past with Jacques.

Old Mr. Carstairs continued his meal at a leisurely pace, as if oblivious to the tension. It was Vickie who couldn’t hold back any longer. “Mrs. Howard, perhaps you should be more mindful of your words.”

Before Charlotte could reply, Judd’s tone turned cold. “Since when is it your place to interrupt?”

Vickie froze, biting her lip as she looked down.

Old Mr. Carstairs picked up on the deliberate hostility from his daughter-in-law. Without her approval, Vickie would never have dared to speak out. “There’s an old rule about treating guests with respect, something your staff should understand.”

“My mistake,” Daphne said, shooting Vickie a look. “Apologize to our guest.”

Vickie pressed her lips together. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Vickie. Just remember for next time,” Charlotte said gently, setting down her silverware. “Sir, I’m done. I have things to take care of this afternoon, so I should be going.”

“So soon?”

Charlotte offered a rueful smile. “Can’t be helped, work is waiting.”

“I’ll drive you,” Judd began, pushing back his chair, but Daphne cut in sharply, “Don’t you dare—”

He was right. Even if her son liked Charlotte, there was no guarantee they’d end up together.

And it wasn’t as if Evander would just stand by and watch his wife leave him for another man.

Now that Daphne had fallen quiet, Vickie lowered her gaze, biting her lip in frustration.

…

Meanwhile, the car glided smoothly along the road.

Yolanda offered an apology. “Don’t mind what my mother said. She’s just worried about the rumors—about the Howard family’s daughter-in-law and the Carstairs family fighting over the same woman. She thinks it looks bad.”

“I understand. But there’s really nothing between your brother and me.”

Yolanda hesitated, then asked, “Do you not like him?”

Charlotte pressed her lips together. “I never planned on letting anyone else in. Romance just isn’t for me.”

Yolanda sighed. “But he’s liked you for such a long time, you know.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened. “A long time?”