Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 95

Charlotte followed Evander back to Tranquility Manor. Once he'd made up his mind, she knew arguing would be pointless.

He punched in the security code and let them inside. Evander entered first; Charlotte trailed after him.

As the foyer lights flickered on, he calmly shrugged off his coat and unfastened his watch. Every movement—measured, unhurried—seemed to radiate a quiet aggression in the cramped silence, making her instinctively anxious.

"I'll sleep in the guest room."

She made her position clear, brushing past him toward the hallway.

Evander watched her go, saying nothing.

Inside the guest room, Charlotte's first instinct was to lock the door behind her.

She was scared.

Afraid of losing control—afraid, too, of letting herself waver.

…

The next morning, Charlotte headed straight to the hospital. Two new bodyguards, clearly on rotation, now stood outside the ICU doors.

Inside, Xavier had arrived early, bringing breakfast for Charlotte's mother, Rachel.

Rachel glanced at her daughter, her exhaustion obvious—whether from a sleepless night or from worry, Charlotte couldn't tell. "Lottie, the men outside… Those are Evander's people, aren't they?"

Before Charlotte could answer, Xavier cut in, "Who else would they be?"

Xavier had once held Evander in high regard, impressed by his powerful family.

The Howards—a family so influential, so entrenched among society's elite, that even after a century the Sterling family couldn't hope to reach their heights. To be connected with the Howards was an opportunity not just to elevate the Sterlings into high society, but to set his own son up for a life free from struggle.

But now, after what had happened to his son because of the woman Evander kept on the side, Xavier's feelings toward Evander had grown complicated. He was torn—caught between loyalty to his son and awe for the Howards' power.

"I know." Charlotte lowered her eyes. "I'll find a way to pay for it."

After Dr. Sinclair left, Charlotte went back to the room, careful not to reveal the truth of Hiram's condition to her family.

As for the money…

Having made up her mind, Charlotte left the hospital and met with a divorce attorney at a quiet restaurant.

She came prepared, having already gathered all the necessary documents. But this time, she'd added a new clause to the settlement: she would accept just one million dollars.

The lawyer stared at the agreement, shocked. "Mrs. Howard, are you sure you don't want to ask for more?"

After all, her husband was Evander. In her situation, she could easily claim far more than a million.

Charlotte gave a weary smile. "No. One million, and one house. That's all I need."