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.”

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Chapter 37

room, the patient stirred at the sound of voices

pushed into the water was nothing compared to the confusion and dread

words left him with.

now, his only sister was abandoning

Tricia having

at Summitview Wellness Retreat. Can

with panic, but she looked

be mistaken. Miss Winthrop was with

near the

quick glimpse

as she stood up slowly. “I don’t know

Retreat.”

lying to police will have

have security cameras at my clinic as well. You’re

stayed behind to keep watch, while

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