Cold husband burning regret

When Mrs. Rayburn agreed without hesitation, he hooked his pinky finger out for a promise, the way children do–and Mrs. Rayburn was an absolute softie for that sort of thing.

With just that, he managed to coax a smile out of her all on his own.

Wesley’s jaw tensed, but he couldn’t find a word to argue back.

If anyone was to blame, it was himself–for not meeting her before his

sister had married Evander.

After Mrs. Rayburn settled down to rest, the three of them finally left the bedroom. As soon as they stepped out into the hospital hallway, before Charlotte could say a word, Wesley grabbed Evander by the collar and stared straight at him. “Is it really appropriate, Mr. Howard, to use such manipulative tactics on someone struggling with mental illness?”

Charlotte snapped out of her daze, worried her brother might actually punch him—and the Howard family would never let that slide. Dealing with Miranda alone was already exhausting.

“Wes, just calm down for a second.”

Wesley didn’t let go, his eyes locked on Evander’s easy, almost careless

expression.

Evander met his gaze. “Mrs. Rayburn may be unwell, but she recognizes her own daughter better than either you or your father. All I did was talk to her, treat her like family. How does that count as manipulation?”

Wesley froze, veins standing out on the back of his hand.

He’d struck a nerve.

enough!” Charlotte shoved her brother aside and stepped between them. “Why do you always have to go for the sore

a little. “Am I really the one who’s

12.45

Chapter 380

none of your business. Besides…” She paused for a moment, then looked him in the eye. “Of all people, you’re

stiffened, the easy smile fading from his face. His dark eyes, usually

this is what it feels like, to be shot

Evander standing alone in the

elevator, he suddenly grinned. “Weren’t you afraid you’d make

I’m taking my brother’s side, what right

the hook, seeing as he’s a patient. You, though–you only remember you have a big brother when

left

splitting up with Wesley, Charlotte returned to the inpatient ward. As soon as she pushed the door open, a shadow loomed up behind her, pulling her into a tight embrace, his face buried in the curve of her

grip, but also a note of wounded. accusation. “You really just left me here all alone? Weren’t you worried something might actually happen to your poor, sick

like he was sulking, as if

cruel.

when she couldn’t, she gave up with a sigh. “With

3/7

17:45 1

Chapter 380

his throat, running his fingers through her hair. When his hand brushed her