Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 374

The nurse couldn’t help but laugh. “Mr. Howard, you should have some breakfast first. It’s almost time for your IV.”

He grunted in acknowledgment, then turned to look at Charlotte.

But Charlotte averted her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes.

He let out a faint, helpless chuckle before walking out of the room.

Once everyone else had left, Lilith finally sidled up to Charlotte and whispered, “So… are you and Evan back together?”

“No,” Charlotte replied flatly.

“Then why’d you two sleep in the same bed?”

Charlotte let out a huff of laughter, exasperated. “That’s because your brother has no shame and climbed into my bed on his own.”

Lilith stared at her, dumbfounded.

—

Across town, Tricia followed the address to Gracewell Aesthetics Institute. The receptionist led her to the director’s office, where a woman sat in a leather chair, slowly turning to face her. “You’re here. Please, have a seat.”

Tricia sat down, eyeing the woman carefully. “I’ve never seen you before. Who exactly are you?”

Zoe smiled slightly. “Of course you haven’t met me, but I know who you are.”

“And how would you know anything about me?”

Noting Tricia’s wariness, Zoe rose and walked over to the minibar, pouring a cup of tea. “I know the Vinterberg men. Naturally, I know you as well.”

Tricia’s fingers curled tightly around her purse strap, but she said nothing.

Zoe carried the cup over and placed it in front of her. “I told you, we’re not enemies. There’s no need to be so guarded.”

“How am I supposed to know that?”

“My motives are pretty simple,” Zoe said calmly. “I don’t want Charlotte returning to the Rayburn family. And you, if I’m not mistaken, don’t want her overshadowing you, either.”

Zoe’s words made Tricia pause.

Not only did this woman have leverage over her, she also seemed to know everything about Tricia’s predicament. If she didn’t go along with Zoe now, who knew what trouble she’d be facing next?

“Fine,” Tricia agreed. “I’ll work with you.”

—

Two days later.

“Isn’t Charlotte’s brother at Summitview Wellness Retreat? Vera just called—she says someone took him away!”

Gentry’s eyes widened as he recalled Vera, the nurse who was close friends with Charlotte. Charlotte had even asked him to look out for her brother.

He glanced at Judd.

Judd was already on his feet. “Where is he?”

—

Meanwhile, Tricia was pushing Hiram’s wheelchair down a quiet path by the lake, deliberately choosing a secluded route. She stopped, walked around to face him, and crouched down slowly.

Hiram stared ahead, his expression blank.

The nurse said you’re awake, but you can’t speak. What a shame,” Tricia said softly, searching his eyes. “But you can hear me, can’t you?”

Hiram didn’t move, but his eyes shifted toward her.

Tricia smiled. “Good. I want you to listen carefully. A lot has happened while you were in a coma. Charlotte probably hasn’t told you, but your parents are dead.”

Hiram’s fingers twitched, his eyelids fluttering.

“Of course she didn’t tell you. Makes sense—she’s not a real Sterling. She’s a Rayburn by birth. After your parents died, she abandoned you and ran off to the city to join her biological family!”