Regret Novel 167

Jonathan put his arm around Charlotte’s shoulders with easy confidence. “Well, what do you think?”

Charlotte was caught off guard for a moment, but she didn’t pull away.

Abigail was just about to say something when Adelaide cut her off, her voice full of exaggerated surprise. “Oh my, dear, why didn’t you tell us Lottie already had a boyfriend? We completely misunderstood!”

Rachel gave a cold snort, making no effort to clarify what exactly Charlotte and Jonathan’s relationship was. “And if I had told you, would you have believed me?”

Adelaide sighed, moving closer to Rachel in a show of sisterly affection. “Come on, Rachel, we’re family. Why all the secrets?” She reached out to take Rachel’s hand, but Rachel pulled away with a frosty glare. “Don’t pretend, Adelaide. I haven’t forgotten what you did–selling out our daughter.”

Adelaide and Abigail both froze, clearly not expecting Rachel to still remember something that had happened more than twenty years ago.

Knowing when to back off, Adelaide didn’t try to argue. She found an excuse, and she and Abigail quickly gathered their things and left with the others.

But Charlotte knew better than to think they were finished causing trouble.

After the room quieted, Jonathan finally let go of Charlotte’s shoulders. “Sorry about that, Charlotte. It was just the heat of the moment–I hope you don’t think I was taking advantage.”

She was surprised by his sincerity and couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not.”

“Thank you, Jonathan,” Rachel said, looking at him with growing fondness. For a fleeting moment, she even thought how wonderful it would be if he were her

son–in–law.

no need to thank me. From now on, whatever concerns you and Lottie,

aback, momentarily at a loss

understood his meaning, her eyes shining

about Abigail’s little

14:45

fingers pressed to his forehead, completely

that Jonathan had

eyes suddenly cold and sharp. “He’s at the Sterling house

family has always had their eye on

this?” His tone

quickly. Even if she suspected it, she’d never say so out loud–she still needed

down and stood

after him. “Mr. Howard, are you

He didn’t answer.

the elevator, the doors slid open to reveal Tricia stepping

met his icy gaze and managed a small smile. “Heading

curt. “What

you out, maybe your mother and grandmother wouldn’t accept him, since he’s my child…” She hesitated, voice

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