Charlotte pulled the covers over herself and lied with a straight face, ‘It’s that time of the month. I haven’t been sleeping well–didn’t want to keep you up

Evander gave a nomittal grunt. “Aren’t you going to take a shower?”

“…Oh. Right. I’ll go now.”

Grabbing her pajamas, Charlotte steeled herself and slipped into the bathroom.

Even after years of marriage, she still wasn’t used to changing clothes in front of Evander. Just sharing a roof–let alone a bathroom–always left her feeling exposed.

She dawdled in the shower, hoping Evander would be asleep by the time she returned. But when she came out, he was still awake, lounging against the headboard, cigarette in hand, looking every bit the picture of casual indifference.

Clutching her robe tightly around her, Charlotte headed for the makeshift bed on the floor. She was just about to lie down when Evander stubbed out his cigarette and spoke. “Come sleep up here.”

She reflexively tightened her grip on the robe. “No, it’s fine. I’mfortable down

here.”

Without warning, he got up and scooped her into his arms.

Panic flickered across her face. “Evander, I told you I’m not feeling well…*

He set her down on the bed but didn’t move away. Noticing how tense she was, his eyes darkened. “What exactly do you think I’m going to do to you?”

Charlotte pressed her lips together, refusing to answer.

He sighed and rolled over, turning his back to her. “I just don’t want the housekeeper telling Grandma tomorrow that we slept in separate rooms.”

Charlotte said nothing.

Who knew if he was telling the truth? And what about the way he’d acted at the boutique that afternoon–what was that supposed to mean?

Thankfully, Evander made no move to touch her.

The next morning, Charlotte and Evander came downstairs together

His grandmother was still in her room, and Miranda had already gone out, leaving just the two of them at breakfast.

Lte approached Evander. “Mr. Howard, your father wants to see you in his study after you finish eating.”

He nodded coolly. “Alright.” His gaze drifted over ito /iCharlotte, who was quietly eating her breakfast. “You can head home on your ownter.”

She murmured an indifferent “okay.”

Evander frowned slightly at her calm, detached manner, but said nothing more.

***

Genevieve had arrived at the estate with Tricia in tow.

Tricia gazed up at the sprawling, manor–like house, heart pounding with nerves.

Genevieve noticed her unease and, mistaking it for simple anxiety, patted her own chest in reassurance. “Tricia, don’t worry. I’m here for you. I’ll clear things up with Grandma, I promise.”

Tricia lowered her eyes with a faint smile, about to reply, when suddenly she spotted a familiar woman walking toward them. Her smile froze.

Charlotte hadn’t expected to run into Tricia here at the old house, either.

Genevieve, as stubborn as ever.

She knew full well how much Grandma despised Tricia, but she still brought her

along anyway.

But then again, Charlotte thought, I’m about to divorce Evander. It’s none of my business anymore.

“Charlotte? What are you doing here?” Genevieve stopped short, caught off guard.

When did this bitche back?

Tricia’s hands, hanging at her sides, curled into fists. A wave of panic rose in her

chest.

What was Charlotte’s connection to the Howard family? Why would Evander bring

her to Howard Manor?

Had that old woman actually epted Charlotte?

Charlotte’s gaze slid over Tricia andnded on Genevieve. She offered a wry smile.

07:56

“Do I really need to exin why I’m here?”

“You-”

“But you, Genevieve–aren’t you afraid Grandma will kick iyou /iiout /ifor bringing Miss. Winthrop to the house?”

Tricia’s face went pale. She bit her lip, looking the picture of wounded innocence. “Dr. Sterling, I don’t think I’ve ever wronged you. Why are iyou /isaying these things about me?”

“Oh, you’re right. I’m the one in the wrong, not you. Satisfied?”

Genevieve stepped protectively in front of Tricia. “As long as I’m here, iyou’re /iinot /igoing to bully her. And don’t forget, you’re the one who made Grandma misunderstand Tricia in the first ce. You ought to be ashamed. Don’t worry–I’ll make sure Grandma sees who you really are, sooner orter.”

Charlotte shrugged. “By all means. I’d wee it.”

She turned to leave, but suddenly someone grabbed her by the wrist.

It was Tricia.

“Dr. Sterling, I don’t know why you hate me, but there must be some misunderstanding between us. If I’ve done anything to upset you, I apologize.”

Charlotte wasn’t buying the act and tried to pull her hand free, but Tricia suddenly stumbled backward. “Don’t push me!”

Still holding onto Charlotte, she dragged them both toward the edge iof /ithe reflecting pool–and the two of them tumbled right in.

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