Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 171

It wasn’t until Evander appeared in the doorway that Hans finally quieted down. The frail little boy was curled up under the covers, his face pale as he shrank away from anyone who tried to get close.

“Hans, look, Mr. Howard’s come to see you,” Tricia coaxed gently.

She reached out to ruffle his hair, but Hans dodged her touch, turning instead and flinging himself into Evander’s arms.

For a fleeting second, Tricia’s expression stiffened, but she quickly covered it with a helpless smile. “Hans has been having some episodes,” she explained. “He won’t let me or the bodyguards near him.”

Evander stood by the bed, letting Hans cling to him, though a faint frown creased

his brow.

Hans held onto him in silence, refusing to let go.

After a while, Evander gently grasped his small, narrow shoulders, bending down so they were eye to eye. His voice was calm and reassuring. “Hans, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Hans blinked, as if surfacing from a fog, and gave a small nod, though his eyes were still clouded with uncertainty about what lay ahead.

Tricia moved to his side. “Evander, ever since the fall, Hans has become so withdrawn. He doesn’t even want me close anymore. But I never expected he’d still trust you this much.”

carrying a trace of reproach. “You’re his

why. Maybe he blames me. If only I hadn’t kept him with me that day, maybe it

on Hans lying in

away, leaving him thinner than most children his age. Tricia, on the other hand, was as impeccably dressed and

impossible not to wonder just how well she’d really

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Chapter 171

through her. “Evander, I admit I’ve been distracted lately and neglected Hans. But if he could stay with

finally speaking. “Tricia, is it true that Hans

Natalie look into it. The security cameras had just happened to be out of order, and there were no witnesses except a barista from a nearby café,

clouding with wounded indignation. “Why are you asking me that? Do you think Hans and I would lie

ask for details,

voice softer than

surfaced. He glanced nervously at his mother, clenching his shirt in his fists, head bowed.

felt a swell

son–obedient when