bChapter 394 /b

    “They’re all from Vera–she says reading helps her rx,” Hiram said, ncing at the stack of novels by his bed.

    Charlotte sat in the visitor’s chair, eyes warm with affection. “Vera’s a good girl, Hiram. But don’t go burdening her with too much. If you need help,e to me instead. I’m your sister, after all–I’d never hold it against you.”

    Hiram hesitated, lowering his gaze as something seemed to trouble him. “But I can’t keep leaning on you forever. I know I’ve always been reckless and immature. Mom and Dad say they dote on me, but honestly, they don’t think I’ll ever amount to much. They believe my only shot at sess is by relying on my sister’s husband.”

    He trailed off, a shadow flickering across his face. “All those years you spent with the Howard family, everything you went through… If I’d known sooner, I wouldn’t have-”

    Charlotte cut him off, her tone gentle but firm. “Let’s not dwell on the past. It’s over now.i” /i

    She ced aforting hand on his shoulder. “Do you want to go back to the city?”

    He looked up, startled. “Back to the city?”

    “Mom and Dad’s ce is still there. Uncle’s family won’t cause trouble anymore. If you want to, I can arrange for someone to bring you home.”

    Hiram searched her face for a long moment before speaking, voice low. “Is this because that woman wants me gone? Are you asking me to leave because you’re worried she’ll try something again?”

    Charlotte’s gaze fell. “I do worry about you getting hurt again. And I don’t want Triciaing around anymore.”

    Though Tricia was his own sister, Charlotte knew Hiram could never ept the truth–or the pain that came with it.

    Hiram managed a small, wry smile. “If you’re only doing this out of concern, then I won’t argue. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing the city again.”

    Charlotte smiled, saying nothing more.

    After leaving the hospital room, she sent a message to Wesley.

    His reply came quickly: [I’ll have Julian pick him up.]

    b1/3 /b

    Julian was both trustworthy and, more importantly, a safeguard against anyone trying to interfere under the guise of helping Hiram.

    Relief washed over Charlotte.

    Just then, Mrs. Rivers messaged her, inviting her to the Rivers family’s tea estate.

    Charlotte’s morning at the hospital was free, so she epted the invitation. The sprawling private gardens stretched green as far as the eye could see, the sunlight catching on endless rows of tea bushes. Rising from the greenery stood a white sshouse, its four walls gleaming–a sanctuary for nurturing rare flowers and nts.

    A gardener led Charlotte to the sshouse and held the door for her. Inside, just beyond the entrance, was a cozy sitting area arranged for tea and conversation. Mrs. Rivers sat at the table, pouring tea, with two other elegantly dressed women nearby.

    “Lottie, you’re here!” Mrs. Rivers set down the teapot and turned to her guests. “This is Laurinda’s daughter, and also Dr. Carstairs‘ protégé–Charlotte, the surgeon.”

    Notably, she introduced Charlotte not by her married name but by her own aplishments.

    Charlotte gave a polite nod to the two women.

    By way of introduction, Mrs. Rivers gestured to a sharp–featured woman with a stylish bob. “This is Mrs. Moore–her son’s a doctor, too.”

    Charlotte paused, the name triggering a memory: Gentry Moore.

    The other woman, fuller–figured and lively, was Mrs. Chambein. Her husband worked alongside Winston Rivers, both holding equal rank.

    “Now that I look at you, you really do resemble your mother,” Mrs. Moore said, kindly. “I’d heard the Rayburns had found their daughter after more than twenty years–didn’t

    believe it till now!”

    Mrs. Chambein set down her teacup. “Your mother was a beauty when she was young–everyone in Eldermere City said so. It’s clear her daughter inherited that

    charm.”

    Charlotte sat quietly, listening. From their tone, it was obvious these women had known her mother well. She wondered if she could steer the conversation toward

    Zoe Donovan.

    As if on cue, Mrs. Moore turned to Mrs. Rivers. “Speaking of Laurinda, didn’t she have

    b16:49 /b

    a younger sister?”

    Before Mrs. Rivers could answer, Mrs. Chambein jumped in, eyes bright. “You must mean Zoe! I met her back in Riverspire City. Poor thing had her face badly burned in a fire years ago, but she had reconstructive surgery and now runs her own cosmetic clinic. She’s quite talented–one of my friends had her nose and chest done there, and she was thrilled with the results.”

    “She’s running a clinic in Riverspire City? I thought she used to be with Neely Vinterberg…”

    Neely.

    Charlotte stiffened.

    That name. She was sure she’d heard it somewhere before.