Before Charlotte could react, Genevieve’s voice rang out, loud and clear. “Finally caught you, Charlotte! My brother’s still in the hospital, and here you are sneaking around with another man behind his back. Do you even have a conscience?”

Her usation quickly drew a crowd, curious faces turning their way. Genevieve, clearly past caring about appearances, jabbed a finger in Charlotte’s direction and raised her voice for all to hear. “This woman here–she’s my sister–inw. She married my brother for his money, and just a few days ago, they were in a car ident. My brother’s in the ICU, but she’s already trying to ditch him for someone else! Everyone, take a good look–she’s cheating on my brother behind his back!”

Phones were out in an instant, strangers snapping photos and whispering.

“She’s gorgeous–I’m not surprised she’d cheat.”

“Is that guy next to her the other man? He’s pretty handsome… Maybe her husband’s just old and ugly?”

“Even if her husband’s old and ugly, that’s no excuse. She’s clearly a gold

digger!”

Charlotte’s face darkened. “Genevieve, you know better than anyone what’s really going on between Evander and me, and now you’re twisting the truth in public?”

Genevieve just shrugged, utterly unbothered. “I don’t care. You’re still married ito /imy brother, iso /ithis is adultery, in and simple.”

Charlotte opened her mouth to say more, but Judd stepped in front of her, shielding her from the crowd. “So, you’re the Howard family’s darling daughter?”

“The Howard family’s heiress? No way, is it that Howard family?”

“We’re really seeing the Howard family’s drama unfold right in front of

13:05

us?”

People in the crowd looked at each other in shock as the realization hit.

Genevieve crossed her arms. “Yeah, that’s me. Do you know who I am?”

Judd responded calmly, “I don’t need to know you. I do know that if this scene blows up, your precious Howard family’s reputation will be in shambles.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said.” Judd adjusted his jacket sleeve, his tone cool. “You’re out here ndering your own sister–inw, trying to publicly shame her—tell me, is that what the Howard family calls good upbringing?”

“Oh, so now you two are in this together and I’m the liar?”

“All we did was go shopping, and that’s enough for you to call it an affair? If that’s your logic, then any man and woman walking together in broad daylight must be having some sordid rtionship.” Judd let out a shortugh. “People with dirty minds see dirt everywhere. Your brother Evander has been stringing Miss Winthrop along all throughout his marriage, but did Charlotte ever say a word about it?”

!

Genevieve’s face went red, then white, speechless with fury.

Charlotte turned to her, unflinching. “Evander and I are getting divorced. Tell whoever you want in the Howard family–I have a clear conscience.”

Genevieve bit her lip, forcing a coldugh. “He saved your life, and now he’s fighting for his in the ICU. A woman like you doesn’t deserve to be with my brother!” With that, she spun on her heel and stormed off.

Charlotte stood rooted to the spot, her hands clenched tightly at her sides.

Once the crowd had dispersed, Judd nced at her, his gaze gentle but serious. “The ident wasn’t your fault. Evander saved you because he wanted to. You don’t need to me yourself.”

b2/3 /b

b13-05 /b

She lifted her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “You really believe

me?”

Judd met her eyes. “If your mentor trusts you, why shouldn’t I?”

She lowered her gaze, silent.

“Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s head back.”

She hesitated. “You don’t want to keep walking around?”

Judd paused, then chuckled. “I was actually worried you’d be too upset to enjoy it.”

Charlotte managed a small smile. “I’m fine. After all, it’s your first time in The Capital. I promised to show you around, didn’t I? I’m not about to let you be the one to suffer for my sake.”

For a moment, Judd looked surprised, a flicker of delight crossing his face before he quicklyposed himself and nodded. “Alright, then. I’ll follow your lead.”