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

I really the one who’s being

12.45

Chapter 380

on between my dad and my brother is none of your business. Besides…” She paused for a moment, then looked

posture stiffened, the easy smile fading from his face. His dark eyes, usually calm and unreadable,

what it feels like, to be shot down so

standing alone in the

Charlotte and Wesley stepped out of the elevator, he suddenly grinned. “Weren’t you afraid you’d

mumbled, “If I’m taking my brother’s side, what right does he

a mock–serious sigh. “I’ll let him off the hook, seeing as he’s a patient. You, though–you only remember you have a big brother when you need backup.

left completely

pushed the door open, a shadow loomed up behind her, pulling her into a tight embrace, his face buried in the curve of her

his grip, but also a note of wounded. accusation. “You really just left

sounded almost like he was sulking, as if

cruel.

she couldn’t, she gave up with a sigh. “With strength like yours, you hardly seem like someone

3/7

17:45 1

Chapter 380

his fingers through her hair. When his hand brushed her ear, she