Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 162

Charlotte’s expression darkened, and she was just about to speak when Wesley cut her off, his tone sharp with irritation. “Miss Howard, who I keep company with is my own business. And you? You have no right to dictate my choices.”

Genevieve stood there stunned. Other than her brother, no man had ever dared to speak to her like that–let alone do it right in front of Charlotte.

“Mr. Rayburn, you don’t even realize that she’s actually-” Genevieve stopped short, words caught in her throat, her chest tight with frustration.

She’d meant to say Charlotte was her sister–in–law, but she’d never fully accepted it herself. Besides, with her brother keeping the marriage a secret, if she blurted it out now, wouldn’t she just ruin his engagement to Tricia?

Charlotte, fully aware of what Genevieve was trying to say, gave a cold, taunting smile. “I’m actually what, Genevieve?”

Genevieve bit her lip, unable to swallow her anger. “You’re nothing but a

gold–digger! A leech! It’s not enough you set your sights on my brother; now you’re trying to cozy up to Mr. Pembroke, and even Mr. Rayburn isn’t safe from you!”

Wesley stepped smoothly in front of Charlotte, giving Genevieve a cool, measured smile. “So this is the kind of manners they teach in the Howard family?”

“Mr. Rayburn-”

“Genevieve!” Ilse’s voice cut through the tension as she hurried over, catching sight of Charlotte standing behind Wesley. A flicker of surprise crossed her face.

who’d gotten lucky, not even worth her attention. She hadn’t expected Charlotte could win Mr.

Mr. Rayburn, don’t take offense. This is my fault–I haven’t raised Genevieve strictly enough, and she’s gotten a bit spoiled. She always speaks her

Wesley’s smile faded, though he kept his tone polite. “It’s impressive how an insult can be dressed up

pride stung. But the Rayburn

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Chapter 162

family, she was always overshadowed by Miranda, the eldest daughter–in–law, who had her own family behind her and was the matriarch’s favorite. Ilse, meanwhile, had only given birth to a daughter and suffered from ill health ever since. Her husband was a disappointment, nothing like his older brother Jacques. When the old matriarch passed, everything would fall to Evander, and

she could marry Genevieve into the Rayburn family,

lingered on Charlotte as she softened her voice. “Lottie, we’re all family here. Grandma is so fond of you. I had no idea you and Mr. Rayburn were friends. Genevieve

hint of curiosity in his expression at

out, “Mom!

member of the Howard family, haven’t you embarrassed

mother was truly angry, Genevieve shrank

a faint, mocking smile on her lips. “Mrs. Jensen, forgive me, but I don’t think I can accept this ‘family‘ you speak of. I don’t

was caught off guard by

she remembered–Charlotte’s secret marriage to Evander was real, but how could she explain that now and expose