Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 144

“I thought it was something serious.” Wesley called Julian into the room, then turned to Charlotte. “However many people you need, just let Julian know.”

Julian quickly took his place beside Charlotte, eager to please. “Miss Sterling, do you need some extra hands?”

Charlotte was caught off guard by Wesley’s easy agreement. She’d half expected her request to be out of line.

She thought for a moment. “I won’t need many. Two should be enough.”

“Two? That’s not nearly enough.” Wesley propped his chin on his hand. “I’m not exactly short on staff here. Let’s say four, just to be safe. Julian will pick them out for you and make sure they know what you need.”

“If you’re assigning me your people, then what about your mother…?”

“My mother will be fine. Julian and I will look after her.”

As if on cue, Mrs. Rayburn must have overheard. She strolled over, beaming at Charlotte. “Sweetheart, I’m right here.” She held up a doll she’d just finished dressing up. “Look, I made you look so pretty!”

Charlotte smiled warmly. “She’s beautiful.”

“You’re my daughter–of course you’re the prettiest!” Mrs. Rayburn giggled, her eyes full of joy as she gazed at Charlotte./

Later, Julian led four bodyguards to Hiram’s hospital room. He left them waiting outside and entered with Charlotte, glancing toward the boy lying in bed. “Miss Sterling, is this your brother?”

Charlotte nodded.

two don’t look much

not related

so you’re not

a soft, resigned sigh. “I was adopted by the Sterling

must be

if someone needed bodyguards in

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13:06

they must be afraid

it, but she didn’t give him the full story either. “Something like that. Right now,

she could only trust the Rayburn family’s

outside, he went back to report to Wesley, who had already guessed why Charlotte had asked for

here in the Capital. Who could they have possibly crossed to need our protection?” Julian

a minor

of his coffee. “Isn’t Vandermere Private Hospital owned by Cloudcrest Medical

Julian nodded. “That’s right.”

Julian’s eyes widened. “The

doubt it’s that simple.” Wesley moved to the window, gazing out at the city skyline. “More likely, there’s some kind of