The next morning, Charlotte woke to the sounds of the housekeeper bustling in the kitchen, the scent of breakfast drifting through the apartment.

Evander hadn’te homest night. She could guess where he was–probably with that woman and her son.

She slid into a chair at the table, barely touching her food when her phone rang. Her mother, Rachel, was crying on the other end. “Lottie, I iknow /ithings haven’t been easy for you since you married into the Winthrop family, but I’m begging you—please, help Hiram this time.”

That one line-“I know you’ve suffered in that family“-cut deeper than she expected.

Her mother knew, had always known.

Yet, when Charlotte told her she was divorcing Evander, Rachel hadn’t taken her side…

Charlotte’s fingers tightened around her fork. Her voice was rough. “I already spoke to Evander about itst night.”

She did it for her family. For herself.

“What did he say?”

“He said we’d talk about it another time.”

She repeated his words, nothing more.

“I knew you wouldn’t let this go,” Rachel interrupted, suddenly hopeful. “Don’t worry, Lottie–once Hiram’s situation is sorted, I promise, I won’t bother you again.”

Rachel hung up in a rush, as if afraid Charlotte might change her mind.

Charlotte stared at her phone for a moment, then set it aside and finished

her breakfast, her face giving nothing away.

It was noon before Charlotte finally made her way back to the hospital.

Stepping out of the elevator, she saw Tricia at the nurses‘ station, chatting andughing with a couple of nurses.

Tricia was handing out little gift boxes–expensive lipstick, by the looks of olliit. /li/ol

“Director Winthrop, Mr. Howard sure does spoil you!”

“I know, right? This must be his way of showing affection–and we get to benefit, too! Is this what it feels like to be third–wheeling?”

Tricia shed a smile, about to say something else when she noticed Charlotte. She picked up a box and walked over. “Dr. Sterling, this is just a little something for all the staff. Here’s yours.”

Charlotte nced at the gift in Tricia’s hand.

If she refused in front of everyone, she’d look proud and aloof. So she epted it, murmuring, “Thank you.”

he brushed past Tricia into her office and tossed the lipstick into her cab without a second thought.

She took it, yes.

But whether she’d ever use it was another matter entirely.

A momentter, Tricia slipped inside, still smiling. “Dr. Sterling, do you know Evander outside of work?”

Charlotte paused, hand hovering over her keyboard, catching Tricia’s probing gaze. She almostughed.

“Not really.”

“Oh, I just thought you two were close.” Tricia feigned disappointment, then brightened. “Well, if you ever need anything, you can let me know. I

Chapter b11 /b

can always talk to Evander for you. He’s really a great guy, you know. Last night, Hans had a stomachache, and Evander stayed up with him all night.”

Charlotte’s breath caught.

She had guessed that Evander was with Triciast night, but she hadn’t realized it was because Tricia’s son was unwell.

She remembered all those times she’d been sick, wishing Evander would stay by her side–only to be met with his indifference.

She pushed down the ache in her chest, forcing a neutral tone. “Is that so? Well, that’s good. Shows he’s a responsible father.”

Tricia had been trying to gauge Charlotte’s feelings about Evander.

She hadn’t expected Charlotte to think Evander was Hans’s father.

Perfect.

Tricia didn’t correct her. She simply smiled. “Exactly. He’s nning to make Hans his legal son.”

Charlotte’s expression froze.

Legal son?

He was really going to acknowledge Hans?

“Director Winthrop, a patient’s here to see you,” a nurse called from the hallway.

Tricia answered and nced at Charlotte, who looked unfazed.

“Sorry, Dr. Sterling, I have to run.”

She left, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.

Charlotte’s clenched hands finally rxed.

She drew a shaky breath, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

20170

If he wanted to im this child as his own, what did it have to do with her, anyway?