Cold husband burning regret

Tricia’s phone buzzed with a call from an unfamiliar woman. When the stranger claimed that Evander had been diagnosed with cancer, Tricia froze for several seconds before letting out a cold laugh. “I don’t care who you are–if you’re going to make things up, you’d better have some proof.”

The woman on the other end chuckled rather than taking offense. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. So, how about this? I know that behind that car accident Loretta orchestrated, you were the real mastermind, weren’t you?”

Tricia’s expression hardened. “Who are you?”

“No need to worry about who I am. I’m not your enemy.” The woman’s voice was steady, almost amused. “You convinced Loretta to arrange that accident, and after Mr. Howard was pulled back from the brink, the Howard family made sure he disappeared from the public eye. They told everyone he’d gone abroad for treatment, and Charlotte’s been stranded in the Capital ever since. If it weren’t for my people bringing back a few scraps of information from the Capital, I’d never have been able to share this secret with you. Believe me or not, you’re free to investigate for yourself.”

Tricia’s grip tightened around her phone, her face growing darker by the second. “What do you want?”

“I want to propose a deal.” The woman’s tone was unhurried, almost casual. “Don’t you resent Evander for abandoning you? Don’t you hate Charlotte for stealing your man? I can help you. But I’ll need something from you in return.”

Tricia let out a dry laugh. “I don’t appreciate being threatened. I don’t care who you are–right now, you’re the one asking for my help. Why should I do anything for you?”

1/3

Chapter

“Because I know all about you and Finnick Vinterberg…”

Tricia’s knees nearly buckled; all the blood drained from her face.

made her heart stop and filled her eyes with a

the woman knew

want Mr. Howard to find out

to steady herself. “I don’t even know your name. How am I supposed to

to know more,

the

time, feeling truly threatened–and terrified–for the first

real father was exposed, and Evander learned she’d lied to him for all these years,

survive the fallout…

Tricia knew she had no choice but

meet her.

Outside, the night deepened,

in and out of a restless sleep. Half–awake, she sensed someone slipping into bed beside

it was a hospital guest room, the door didn’t have a lock, so her sleep was already light

As she tried to sit up, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against a warm chest. “It’s late.

12.43 )

Chapter 372