Evander withdrew his gaze with cool indifference. “You don’t need to get yourself involved for someone like that.”

He turned and walked away.

Yet Charlotte, alone in her office, heard every word as clear as day.

Her face drained of color.

In Evander’s eyes, Hiram really was nothing but a hopeless case–a “loser” through and through.

And there was nothing she could say to defend him.

The truth was, Hiram had seriously hurt someone. That much was

undeniable.

Still, Charlotte knew her brother–maybe not everything, but enough. Hiram was her own flesh and blood. Yes, he’d neglected his studies and gotten into more than his share of fights, but it was always the other guy who threw the first punch. He’d never seriously injured anyone before.

So what had pushed him to go so far this time? Charlotte needed to

know.

She was grateful Evander was even willing to help, but having to stand by while Tricia trashed Hiram right to her face… It left a bitter taste in her

mouth.

But then, what did she expect? In Evander’s eyes, anyone from the Sterling family was all the same–money–hungry, opportunistic, never to be trusted. He never had a good word to say about them.

Tricia shot a smug look toward the office, hurrying to catch up with Evander. Any trace of uncertainty vanished as she raised her voice, deliberately letting Charlotte overhear. “Evander, Dr. Sterling is actually a good person! You shouldn’t say things like that.”

She sounded so self–satisfied, as if she’d confirmed Evander’s dislike for Charlotte. Clearly, whatever connection the two might have had, it wasn’t what people thought.

She slipped her arm into his, smiling sweetly. “Evander, would youe with me to pick up Hans tonight? Maybe we could go out for dinner after?”

He didn’t answer her question. Instead, his words came out t: “Did you see the trending news?”

At the mention of it, Tricia stiffened.

She’d arranged to be photographed with him, thinking Evander wouldn’t care about gossip. But the story had been quashed before it even gained traction.

If nothing else, that proved Evander’s feelings for her weren’t what they

once were.

Still, as long as he felt any guilt toward her, she still had a chance. She’d just have to take things slow.

Tricia pulled her hand away, putting on a remorseful look. “Evander, I only found out about it today. I had no idea someone would take pictures just because you helped me pick up Hans. I’m so sorry–I never meant to drag iyou /iiinto /ithis.”

He gave a nomittal grunt. “Hans isn’t my son. I can’t make him my priority. I’ve already hired a nanny–she’ll handle his pick–ups from now

on.”

Tricia heard the message loud and clear, but she didn’t dare argue.

She lowered her eyes, biting her lip in frustration. “All right…”

Once Evander was gone, Tricia stormed back into the office and swept the files off her desk in a fit of rage.

Evander might still feel guilty, but his feelings for her were nothing like

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they used to be.

Did he have someone else now?

The thought made her snatch up her phone and dial a number, her expression icy. “It’s me. I need you to look into someone–Charlotte Sterling.”

It waste by the time Charlotte finished work.

When she walked into Tranquility Manor, she found Evander sprawled on the living room sofa, flipping through TV channels with little interest.

His suit jacket was draped over the back of a chair, and his loosened tie hung half–off his cor.

Charlotte paused in the entryway, surprised. He hadn’t been home muchtely.

But now…

Evander wasn’t really watching TV. When he noticed here in, he switched it off, plunging the room into silence.

He set the remote down on the coffee table and looked at her. “I haven’t

eaten.”

For a second, Charlotte thought she’d misheard.

Wasn’t he here to demand her signature on the divorce papers?

She hesitated, and Evander let out a short, mockingugh. “What, weren’t you going to show me how much you cared? Don’t you want to find awyer for your good–for–nothing brother?”