Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 168

Rachel invited Jonathan to stay for lunch, and he accepted without hesitation. She headed off to the kitchen to prepare the meal, purposefully leaving the living room to the two of them. Still, she kept half an ear on the conversation drifting in from the other room.

Jonathan took a sip of his tea and noticed Charlotte’s distant expression. With a gentle smile, he said, “Don’t worry. If those women come around again to bother you or your mother, just let me know. I’ll be there.”

Charlotte snapped out of her thoughts. “But I don’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Jonathan replied, setting his teacup down. “Anything that concerns you is never a bother.”

Charlotte shifted a little, feeling uneasy. Was she reading too much into it, or was he almost… confessing something to her?

Jonathan seemed to pick up on her discomfort. He traced the rim of his cup in silence, wondering if he’d startled her.

Just then, Charlotte’s phone vibrated.

She glanced at the screen. It was Evander.

She declined the call. But before she could set the phone aside, the doorbell rang.

Charlotte’s grip tightened around her phone, and her expression changed. Could it

be-

Rachel came out of the kitchen, drying her hands. Jonathan stood up. “Let me get it, Mrs. Sterling.”

He opened the door. There, standing on the porch, was none other than Evander

himself.

Their eyes met, and the air tensed instantly.

cold, mocking smile. “Mr. Pembroke, you

smile. “Not nearly as

Howard.”

landing on Charlotte, then shifted to Rachel, whose face had grown tense. “It seems my mother–in–law isn’t too pleased

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Chapter 168

her apron, forcing herself to be polite. “Not at

He clearly didn’t care for it. “Charlotte and I aren’t divorced yet. Is it really appropriate to call me ‘Mr.

interjected, “Evander, did you come here

His dark eyes flicked over her. “Or are you just worried I’m interrupting your search

“You-”

meaning clear, “why not just grant Lottie the divorce? After all, Miss Winthrop is still

turning white with anger. His eyes were icy. “Don’t you think you’re meddling a bit

it!” Charlotte hurried over, trying to

if nothing had happened. “Conrad’s pretty badly hurt. Aren’t you

paused, straightening his shirt. “He brought

you

coolly. “Charlotte

Jonathan was referring to Conrad’s

faded. “Is that all? You know perfectly well how

darkened

between them. What did Evander mean

a steady breath. “Accusations require

Evander moved past Jonathan, their shoulders brushing. “The real

shadow passing over