bChapter /bb370 /b

    She just called Evander her cousin…

    So, she must be the cousin everyone’s mentioned before?

    Charlotte remembered hearing about a Suthend daughter from her mother–inw, Miranda, but she’d never actually met the girl.

    Evander’s gazended on the way the girl was clinging ito /iCharlotte’s hand. He cleared his throat, his tone turning a notch more serious. “Lilith, don’t make a scene.”

    Lilith ducked behind Charlotte, pouting. “See, Charlotte? He’s picking on me again!”

    Charlotte offered a strained smile, feeling a little awkward. “Um, Miss Suthend, maybe you should stay with your cousin for a bit?”

    “He doesn’t need me hovering over him. Where are you going? I’lle with you!”

    “I… I just need to use the restroom.”

    Lilith blinked in confusion. “Isn’t there a bathroom right here in the

    house?”

    When Charlotte bit her lip and fell silent, Lilith’s eyes widened in sudden understanding. “Oh, I get it! You’re embarrassed, aren’t you? You two have been married for ages–what’s there to be embarrassed about?”

    “Lilith.” Evander’s voice grew sharper.

    Lilith rolled her eyes and made a face. “Alright, alright, I’ll drop it!”

    Charlotte seized the chance and slipped out of the bedroom.

    As she stepped into the hallway, she caught sight of the bodyguard posted down the corridor. Any hope of sneaking out faded; her suitcase and ID were still in their hands anyway.

    She made her way to the shared bathroom, pulling out her phone and

    12.43 W

    scrolling to Wesley’s number. Her thumb hovered over the call button, but she hesitated.

    Even if she was a Rayburn by blood, she’d only just reconnected with the family and barely knew them. Was she really going to ask the Rayburns to go up against the Howards for her sake?

    With a deep breath, she typed out a message ito /iWesley: *I’m already on the ne.* After sending it, she reluctantly called the director at Riverspire City Hospital, exining she had a personal emergency and wouldn’t be able to return for a while.

    “Charlotte, I know Deputy Commissioner Rivers rmended you, and Old Mr. Carstairs was your mentor, but you’ve barely started here and you’re already taking such a long leave. It doesn’t look great for you.”

    Charlotte understood what he meant.

    Everyone knew she’d gotten the job through her connections. Now, taking time off so soon would definitely get people talking.

    She lowered her gaze and replied quietly, “I know, and I’m truly sorry. I’ll try to get back as soon as I can.”

    “Well, I’ll discuss it with the dean and see what he says.”

    “Thank you, sir.”

    After hanging up, Charlotte stepped out of the bathroom.

    Suddenly, Lilith popped her head around the corner. “Charlotte!”

    The sudden appearance startled Charlotte, her heart skipping a beat.

    “Did I scare you?” Lilith’s smile faltered, looking genuinely apologetic. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to.”

    “It’s fine.” Charlotte steadied herself. Looking at the girl’s bright, pretty face, she realized she’d expected the Suthend heiress to be cold and difficult, not this open and earnest. “Miss Suthend, what brings you out here?”

    b12:43 /b

    “I came to find you!”

    “Find me?”

    Lilith looped her arm through Charlotte’s. “My cousin’s not going to die anytime soon—he’s got enough people watching him. You have ino /iidea, I’m bored out of my mind here in the city.”

    Lilith didn’t hold back, grumbling right in front of Charlotte. “My aunt insists I stick around and keep himpany. But he’s a grown man, does he really need me babysitting him? I don’t have a single friend in this ce. Thank goodness I have you now.”

    Charlotteughed. “Is this really your first time in the city?”

    “No, I came a few times as a kid.” Lilith’s eyes sparkled as she squeezed Charlotte’s hand. “Let me tell you, my cousin was hrious when he was little!”

    Charlotte couldn’t resist Lilith’s enthusiasm and let her chatter on as they walked back together.

    Just outside the hospital room, they ran into Genevieve–only to find her blocked by the bodyguards..

    “Miss, Mr. Howard says he doesn’t want to see you.”

    b3/3 /b