Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 253

Charlotte let out a laugh, utterly unfazed. “Funny–when I was the one being slandered, I don’t remember him being this eager to help.”

Natalie’s smile faltered, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face.

“She’s just a young girl,” Charlotte continued, her tone dismissive. “There’s no need for Mr. Howard to make such a big deal out of it. A little scolding would have sufficed.” She had just turned to leave when Natalie called after her, “Mr. Howard asked me to check–what would you like for dinner tonight?”

Charlotte paused, not missing a beat. “Takeout.”

Evander had his assistant wipe the trending rumors and issue a statement to set the record straight. He barely had time to relax before Natalie’s message arrived.

He had just finished making a reservation at the city’s most exclusive restaurant, only to see that single word–takeout. It stung more than he cared to admit.

He knew Charlotte was only under his roof because they’d reached some temporary truce. He tried, in his own clumsy way, to make amends. Still, no matter what he did, she kept her guard up, bristling like a hedgehog. Nothing he did seemed to get through to her.

Not that he could blame her.

Honestly, he deserved it.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. Attached was a photo–a candid shot in a hospital hallway. Judd and Charlotte.

Judd was leaning down, ever so slightly, as if sharing a private word. From this angle, both dressed in crisp white, they looked–maybe not romantic, but perfectly matched. Like they belonged together.

Evander’s jaw tightened, his mood souring in an instant.

He’d never paid much attention to Jonathan Pembroke before. But seeing another man standing so effortlessly at Charlotte’s side–this was the first time it truly bothered him.

Charlotte stopped by Gardenia Apartments to grab some materials. Professor Aldridge’s team would be arriving in Riverspire soon, and she wanted to be well–prepared for her

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way downstairs, tote bag in hand, and ran straight into Judd, who was just coming

caught sight of the takeout bag in his hand and raised an

a

don’t, are you planning to cook

momentarily at a loss. “Are you

asked, I

Was this what genius–level logic looked

rang. He glanced at the caller ID, didn’t answer, and slipped it back into his pocket without a change

he had his reasons, Charlotte offered a polite smile.

didn’t try to

down the street, he checked his

Jonathan.

called back. “Judd, why didn’t you

now. What’s

across the street–Judd’s building. There was a pause. “Let’s grab a

the address,” Judd

room just as Natalie emerged from the study. “Ma’am, you’re

with something.” Charlotte

more, but then someone appeared in the doorway–a tall, imposing figure,

rare sight lately. He frowned, taking a moment to regain his composure,

Chapter 253

Apartments?”