The head nurse said, “Dr. Sterling is on vacation for a few days.”

Stevenson’s face fell, disappointment etched in his features. He asked, “Do you know when she’ll be back?”

“I’m not sure about that. Is there something I can help you with?”

“…”

Stevenson hesitated, words catching in his throat. At that moment, Judd approached. “She’ll be back in a few days, Mr. Donovan. If iyou /ineed anything in the meantime, you cane to me.”

“This is one of our specialists,” the head nurse added with a smile. “Anything Dr. Sterling can handle, Dr. Carstairs can take care of as well!”

Stevenson forced a stiff smile. “It’s not about a medical issue… Never

mind.”

He turned to leave, moving slowly. Judd narrowed his eyes. “Is it about your daughter?”

Stevenson froze mid–step.

Charlotte returned to the hotel, and as she stepped inside, she spotted Natalie in the lobby. Not far behind her, a Bentley idled at the curb. Charlotte immediately guessed what was going on.

She walked straight to the car and knocked on the window.

The rear window rolled down slowly, revealing the silhouette of a man.

“Mr. Howard, you wanted to see me?”

“You went to see awyer today, didn’t you?”

Charlotte’s expression faltered for a moment, but she managed a strained smile. “I did. Unfortunately, Mr. Howard, you have such a fearsome reputation that no one wants to take my case.”

12:59

Chapter b337 /b

He let out a quietugh. “Then I suppose we’re not getting divorced.”

Her smile vanished. She said nothing.

“Your grandmother knows you’re back in town. She sent me to bring you home…” He paused, then added unhurriedly, “For dinner.”

“I’ve already repaid all my debts to your grandmother. I don’t owe her anything, so I don’t have to show up just to save face, do I?”

She made to leave, but Evander rested his arm on the window frame. “As long as we’re still married, you’re still her granddaughter–inw.i” /i

Well, great.

Charlotte clenched her jaw, then circled around and slipped into the car.

Evander smiled quietly, saying nothing more.

Back at the old family estate, Lte, who hadn’t seen Charlotte in ages, was momentarily stunned before hurrying over to fuss and check on her.

Charlotte trailed behind Evander, chatting softly with Lte. Evander didn’t bother waiting for her.

Eventually, Charlotte and Lte entered the living room. Ilse Sylvan Howard and her daughter, Genevieve, were deep in conversation. When they saw Charlotte, their expressions shifted–something uneasy, almost

wary.

Rosemary came downstairs with her daughter–inw, Miranda Suthend, “Lottie, you’re back?”

Charlotte nodded. “Just a few days off. Decided toe home.”

Genevieve eyed her. “Didn’t you and my brother get divorced? Why are you still-i” /i

Ilse tugged her sleeve, signaling her to keep quiet.

Everyone knew about it, but saying it aloud was another matter entirely.

Evander nced coolly at Genevieve, then looked to Rosemary and

OLA

13:00

changed the subject. “It’s not often shees home. Why don’t you have Lte start dinner?”

“That makes sense.” Rosemary turned to Lte with instructions, then patted the seat beside her for Charlotte.

Not wanting to snub the family matriarch, Charlotte itook /ithe offered seat. They chatted, mostly about the ongoing nanomedicine research project.

Ilse exchanged a nce with Genevieve, who seemed to understand her mother’s intent and quietly slipped out of the room.

Ilse poured tea. “Lottie, you’ve been gone so long. You’ll stay the night, won’t you?”

“I’m not-”

“She’s staying at the hotel,” Evander cut in.

Charlotte looked at him, surprised. He wasn’t even trying to take advantage of the situation.

That’s… unlike him.

Ilse’s tone turned meaningful. “You’re still married. It doesn’t look right for you to stay at a hotel instead of home, does it?”

Charlotte frowned. She knew perfectly well where things stood between her and Evander, but Ilse insisted on making things awkward.

“Oh,e on. Why are iyou /imeddling in their business? Worry about your own daughter,” Miranda snapped. She’d always had it in for Ilse, and this time, Ilse had walked right into it.

“The Rayburns finally tracked down their long–lost daughter and threw a party–but didn’t invite you. Looks like you’re not getting that family connection after all.”

“Do you have to twist the knife like that?” Ilse shot back.

“Maybe iyou /ishould listen to yourself. Do you even hear what you’re

13:00

saying?”

“You-”

“Enough.” Rosemary closed her eyes in exasperation, her face darkening. “You’re both adults, yet you’re still arguing in front of the children. Isn’t that enough?”

Miranda rolled her eyes at Ilse, unconcerned.

Ilse, embarrassed, looked away, p?etending not to see.

Evander idly turned his empty teacup in his hands, silent and

unbothered–he’d seen it all before.

Charlotte slipped outside for some air.

She had just reached the garden when, perfectly timed, Genevieve came walking toward her–apanied by Hans Winthrop.

bChapter /bb338 /b