Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 20

Tricia unzipped Charlotte’s purse, and sure enough, pulled out a sparkling diamond bracelet. Gasps swept through the small crowd that had

gathered, everyone staring in shock.

The way they looked at Charlotte changed instantly.

“I can’t believe Dr. Sterling would do something like this.”

“My God, I really misjudged her.”

“If she’s got this kind of character, how is she even allowed to practice medicine?”

“Stealing a bracelet? How desperate must she be for money?”

Every scathing word sliced into Charlotte, and she felt as if she’d fallen into a frozen lake–numb, breathless, utterly alone. Her face turned even paler, but gradually a strange calm settled over her, icy and unwavering.

She knew exactly what had happened. Tricia had planted the bracelet in her purse–there was no other explanation for Tricia’s certainty. Again and again, Tricia had tried to set her up, but why? Was it because of Evander?

But their marriage wasn’t public knowledge. How could Tricia possibly know?

Tricia’s expression was the very picture of disappointment as she turned to the crowd. “Dr. Sterling, even if you did admire my bracelet, you can’t just take it when I’m not looking, can you?” She sighed, shaking her head. “It’s not the most expensive piece I own, but it’s my favorite. Even if you liked it, you shouldn’t have done this.”

The whispers, the accusations, the sneers–every bit of it reached Charlotte’s ears. She clenched her fists, her gaze hollow and cold.

Evander noticed the color draining from Charlotte’s face. His chest

1/4

Chapter 20

swept a hard look

as he tried to disperse the onlookers, Tricia stared at him

saying I stole her bracelet, is that it?”

furrowed even deeper, his eyes shadowed with

up to Tricia, who looked caught off

Charlotte

recoiled in

by Mr. Howard, the hospital’s director. No one dared lay a finger on her, especially with Mr. Howard

rooted to the spot,

such a fiery streak. Damn, he thought, she’s got guts. Just

coming either. He grabbed

“What am I doing?

got the nerve to slap you in front of

it yourself–this bracelet is your favorite, a gift from Mr. Howard. You always wear it,

211

20.10

Chapter 20

not feel a thing? Or is the skin

faltered, paling just a little. She hadn’t expected Charlotte to flip

started murmuring. It made sense–how would someone

as he turned a chilly

an explanation. “No, that’s not it… I wasn’t wearing it on my wrist. That’s

know you had it with you? Did you take it out just

you going to keep making a scene in

at him in disbelief, her heart turning to stone. “I’m defending