Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 70

Hospital.

Charlotte slipped past Tricia and went straight to Dean Chase to request the afternoon off. He agreed without hesitation.

Only after leaving the office did she open her group chat and tag Tricia about taking the time off.

Whether Tricia approved or not, Charlotte didn't care.

Meanwhile, upon hearing that Evander would attend their son's birthday dinner, Xavier wasted no time spreading the news to every relative he could think of, beaming with pride.

After all, since Charlotte married into the Howard family, Evander could count the number of times he'd visited the Sterlings on one hand. He'd hardly even met the extended family. Because the marriage had been kept secret, most relatives still doubted Xavier's claims that Evander was their son-in-law, thinking he was just making it up.

Rachel, Charlotte's mother, watched her husband glow with anticipation and couldn't help but worry. "Honey, don't you think you've invited a few too many people? Didn't the Howards insist on keeping things private?"

"Charlotte lacks ambition, and now you're acting like her?" Xavier shot her a look. "Doesn't matter who Evander's heart is set on—Charlotte is his wife, plain and simple. I'm not foolish enough to let them get a divorce."

"But…"

"Rachel, you need to think about Hiram. If Charlotte and Evander split up now, it won't do our son any good."

Rachel lowered her gaze. "I know that, but… I just worry that if we do all this, Evander will be unhappy."

"They're all family, and it's not like we're making a scene. You're worrying for nothing."

Charlotte stood silently in the entryway, having overheard every word from the living room. She never interrupted.

It wasn't until Hiram came downstairs, calling, "Sis!" that her parents realized she'd arrived. No one knew how long she'd been there, or how much she'd heard…

Rachel plastered on a smile to cover her embarrassment and walked over. "Lottie, you're here early. Why didn't you let me know you'd be coming?"

"It makes no difference whether I'm early or late," Charlotte replied coolly.

Rachel's smile faltered; she looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

"Where's Evander? Didn't he come with you?" Xavier's concern was all about appearances. "Your grandma and the rest are on their way. Don't let anything go wrong now."

"Dad, it doesn't matter if my brother-in-law comes or not. We're still a family either way," Hiram said, unconcerned.

Hans dug in with his fork, but in his excitement, knocked over a wine glass. The liquid splashed across Evander's pant leg.

"Hans, what do you think you're—" Tricia nearly scolded him outright, but caught herself just in time. She softened her tone, glancing at Evander. "You need to be more careful. What if you'd broken the glass and hurt Mr. Howard?"

Hans froze, guilt welling in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Uncle…" Would Evander still like him?

Evander quickly checked Hans for injuries and, seeing none, reassured him. "I'm fine. You're not hurt, that's what matters."

He stood up, and the waiter promptly led him to the restroom.

Tricia shot Hans a sharp look and scoffed. "Watch yourself. If you mess up again, you can forget about seeing Mr. Howard."

Hans hung his head, too intimidated to speak.

Just then, the phone on the table lit up.

It was Evander's.