Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 54

Charlotte wore a pale blue dress that brushed her ankles, her long hair swept up with a delicate hairpin, and her makeup subtle, barely there.

She stood dutifully by her mother-in-law Miranda's side, every gesture and movement graceful, her manners impeccable.

All this decorum was drilled into her years ago, right after she married into the Howard family—rules set by Rosemary herself.

For six months, Charlotte studied etiquette; then, for the next two years, she learned music, chess, literature, and painting. All because of a single line from Rosemary: "As the Howard family's daughter-in-law, you must never bring shame to our name."

Rosemary had been strict, sometimes even harsh, but Charlotte had to admit, she'd learned a lot from her.

When Miranda had finished greeting the distinguished guests, she turned to Charlotte. "Where's Evander? It's his grandmother's birthday—how is he still not here?"

Charlotte answered honestly, "I've already messaged him, but he hasn't replied."

Miranda snorted. "Useless. Can't even keep your own husband in check. You might as well get a divorce and save yourself the trouble."

With that, Miranda turned on her heel and walked away toward the matriarch.

Charlotte stood there for a moment, her fingers tightening around her champagne glass. She set it down, and as she turned, she saw Evander enter the room, surrounded by the sons of the city's elite.

He wore a light-colored suit, a sharp contrast to his usual somber attire, looking every bit the refined gentleman, with a calm elegance that drew every eye.

He made his way to Rosemary, stopping at her side to offer his arm. "Grandma, sorry I'm late."

Rosemary gave a low, amused hum. "I'm actually surprised you bothered to show up." Her gaze drifted to Charlotte.

Charlotte didn't wait for her to speak; she'd already caught the hint. She stepped forward and greeted her quietly, "Grandma."

Everyone present knew Charlotte was the Howard family's daughter-in-law, but the family had never publicly announced the marriage.

Everyone in their social circle understood, but no one dared to say it aloud.

Rosemary patted Charlotte's hand. "I just couldn't find the right person for the job. Then I remembered what your mentor said, and I thought—why not? I trust you with it."

"Thank you, Grandma." Charlotte's joy was unmistakable.

Evander watched her quietly from the side, his expression unreadable.

"The old lady really does spoil her granddaughter-in-law," someone whispered.

"She treats her almost better than her own granddaughter."

All around, the guests were envious. Everyone had assumed that Charlotte, married in secret, would be bullied by her husband's family. Who would have thought the matriarch would be so pleased with her?

Just then, Uncle Jensen—Jensen Howard—arrived fashionably late with his wife and daughter. Genevieve, beaming, swept past Charlotte without so much as a glance, stopping at Rosemary's side to present her gift. "Happy birthday, Grandma! Wishing you health, happiness, and a hundred more birthdays to come!"