Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 52

Director Fontaine’s face dropped. He hadn’t expected Charlotte to not only come up with an excuse but to dig her heels in, either.

By now, all the department heads in the room could read between the lines.

Of course, in their eyes, this kind of workplace bullying was mere child’s play. As long as it didn’t impact their own interests, they were more than happy to look the other way.

Tricia clenched her fists beneath the table, biting her lip before finally letting out a breath. “It was my oversight. Sorry, Dr. Sterling. I’ll have someone add you to the group chat after the meeting.”

Charlotte nodded, accepting the apology without making things awkward. “Thank you, Director Winthrop. I appreciate it.”

Tricia’s smile faded. She turned away, her expression growing stormy.

After an hour, the meeting finally ended. Charlotte returned to her office, and not long after, Tricia’s invitation to join the group chat popped up on her phone.

She glanced at it, ignored it, and went back to sorting through her reports before transferring out.

Then her phone rang.

It was her mother, Rachel.

Charlotte hesitated for a long moment before answering. “Yes?”

“Lottie, do you have some time this afternoon? I’d like to talk.

silence passed before Charlotte finally

met her

to sound warm. “Lottie, what would you like to

refuse, but changed her mind at the last second. “Anything’s fine. I’m

would already know what Charlotte liked a disliked. The question itself made

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Chapter 2

hesitated, a flash of guilt crossing

“If

you

something to say, just say it,” Charlotte said, cutting to the chase. She knew perfectly well her mother wanted

has been hard on you. But…. could you wait to file for divorce until Hiram gets a secure job? Just a little

her mind, the best solution–a way to have it both

her mother would ask to meet: both would come down to Hiram’s

as she heard the plea, she felt nothing

“Lottie, I promise. Once Hiram’s position is set, we won’t ask anything

her voice calm and distant. The

we’re family. Do we really need to draw such harsh

word over in her mind, searching for the warmth and affection she’d always longed for in that concept. But there

these years, you’ve cared more about my brother than me. You say we’re family, but I’ve always felt like an outsider. If you loved him so much, why didn’t you get