Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 88

Evander had slipped out at some point, and by the time Charlotte snapped back to reality, the apartment was cold and empty.

His words—"You're not worthy," "You don't deserve it"—echoed in her mind, each syllable jabbing at her heart. No matter how battered it already was, it still hurt.

He claimed he didn't care about her title as Mrs. Howard, about who she really was.

But if he truly didn't care, why did he treat her like this?

Charlotte leaned against the wall, slowly sliding down until she was crouched on the floor. For the first time, she felt utterly powerless.

…

Two days later, news broke to the Sterling couple that their son was under arrest for kidnapping, and might be facing jail time. They were stunned, unable to believe it until they saw Hiram at the police station and confirmed it themselves—he really had threatened and kidnapped someone.

And that someone was the woman rumored to be Evander's mistress.

Charlotte had just reached the hospital that morning when she spotted her parents—Xavier and Rachel—waiting for her outside.

"Charlotte!"

Xavier strode over and, before she could react, slapped her hard across the face.

She staggered, unable to dodge in time.

Rachel rushed to pull her furious husband back. "What are you doing?"

Charlotte didn't say a word, just composed herself, smoothing her hair with a blank expression.

Xavier grew even angrier at her calmness, hand trembling as he pointed at her. "Look at her! Hiram's in jail for kidnapping that woman because of her, and what is her attitude? Hiram could go to prison because of her!"

"If I'd known she'd bring such bad luck, I never should have agreed to let you—"

Hiram's fate behind bars could be decided with a single word from Evander.

Charlotte lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mom, I know. This all happened because of me. I won't stand by and do nothing. I'll find a way."

"Lottie, I'm counting on you," Rachel said, squeezing her hand solemnly.

As her parents walked away, Charlotte slowly unclenched her fists, as if steeling herself for what came next. She turned and walked into the hospital.

"How does she even have the nerve to show up for work?"

"Yeah, I heard her brother kidnapped Director Winthrop—just to clear his sister's name after she got caught being the other woman!"

"I used to think she was so beautiful and talented. I even looked up to her…"

Charlotte walked through the nurses' station, ignoring their stares and whispered gossip, heading straight for Tricia's room.