Cold husband burning regret

Charlotte didn’t respond. Before Miranda could press her again, Jacques cut in, his tone measured. “That’s enough. The treatment’s done, that’s what matters.” He turned to Evander. “There’s something at the office I need to discuss with you privately.”

Evander’s guarded expression softened just a touch. “Alright.”

As Evander and Jacques walked away, Miranda turned her gaze on Charlotte. “If Evander recovers, I’ll allow you two to divorce. He’s my only son, and I can’t bear to see him suffer for anyone’s sake again.”

She smoothed her designer handbag with manicured fingers, then added, “Maybe if you become a mother someday, you’ll understand how it feels.”

Not waiting for a reply, Miranda walked past Charlotte and left without another word.

Charlotte stood there, unmoving, lost in her thoughts.

Judd had just finished settling Hiram in his new hospital room when his phone buzzed twice.

He glanced at the screen–Charlotte had messaged to thank him for arranging Hiram’s transfer.

Judd stared at the message for half a minute, typed out a response, erased it, and finally just sent: [Let’s talk when we’re back in Riverspire.]

“Dr. Carstairs.”

Vera approached him.

He pocketed his phone and nodded. “Are the discharge papers sorted?”

She smiled. “All done.”

“Good.”

1/3

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Chapter 37

room, the patient stirred at the sound of voices in the

pushed into the water was nothing compared to the

words left him with.

And now, his only sister was abandoning

Tricia having tea

at

but she looked

smoothly. “Officers, I think you must be mistaken. Miss Winthrop was with me

stills from near the retreat. “Really?

though grainy, caught a quick glimpse of Tricia’s face–clear enough to

stood up slowly. “I don’t know who reported this, but I

Retreat.”

Winthrop, lying to police will have

cameras at my clinic as well.

officers exchanged glances. One stayed behind to keep watch, while the others followed Zoe’s assistant to check