Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 8

Regret Novel 8

Chapter 8

The slap landed so suddenly that Charlotte didn’t even have time to react.

Even her mother, Rachel, was startled.

Xavier jabbed a finger at her face. “You want to divorce Evander? Over my dead body!”

“You think just anyone can walk into the Howard family? You got lucky–pure and simple! That opportunity was a gift from above, and you’d better learn to count your blessings!”

Lucky?

Sure. If you could call it luck to have spent those grim, suffocating days with Evander when they were barely more than kids–risking everything to help him escape–and the Howard family only ever saw it as a debt owed.

Suddenly, she let out a laugh, her eyes blazing red. “Dad, I just don’t get it. I’m your child too, aren’t I? Or is it only my brother who matters to you?”

“You called me back here, didn’t you? Let’s not pretend it’s for a family dinner. Just say it straight–you want me to beg Evander for money!”

“Everything about Hiram is important to you. But anything that concerns me? It’s worthless, isn’t it?”

Xavier faltered, guilt flickering in his eyes as he looked away. “You’re the eldest, Charlotte. Hiram’s your little brother. Isn’t it your job as a sister to help him?”

Charlotte bit back tears. “Raising him was your responsibility. Not mine.”

“You-” Xavier’s face twisted in anger; he lifted his hand again.

forward, daring him. “Go ahead. Hit me.

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Chapter 8

shook with fury, but this time,

do it.

really in trouble this time–he’s being held

heart turned to

now, all they cared about was

thought spared

“I can’t help you.”

“Lottie, he’s your brother-”

an illegitimate child, and I’m about to be kicked out as Mrs. Howard! And now you

and Rachel froze,

them could recover, Charlotte stormed out, slamming

Evander finally wrapped up work and drove to the hospital.

moment.

here to ask if she’d said something

That was all.

looking for Dr. Sterling?”

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Chapter 8

“I need to speak with Dr. Sterling about

left

turned, voice low.