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.

materials. Professor Aldridge’s team would be

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hand, and ran

of the takeout bag in his hand and

a notorious

you planning to cook for

was momentarily at a loss. “Are you

looked genuinely perplexed. “You asked, I answered. How

this what genius–level logic

He glanced at the caller ID, didn’t answer, and slipped it back into his pocket

polite smile. “Well, I won’t keep you, then. See you

didn’t try to stop

the street, he checked his phone–missed call

Jonathan.

back. “Judd, why didn’t you

now.

across the street–Judd’s building. There was a pause. “Let’s grab a drink tonight. Feels like it’s been ages

me the

into the living room just as Natalie emerged from

up with something.” Charlotte brushed past

say more, but then someone appeared in

He frowned, taking a moment to regain his composure, exhaling smoke toward the ceiling. “You

Chapter 253

Apartments?”