b“/bI’ll have Natalie drive you home.”

Evander pulled his arm free from her grasp and strode away without another nce.

As she watched Evander leave her behind, Tricia’s grip tightened on her bracelet. Her eyes shed with venom.

Damn Charlotte.

How dare she think she canpete with me for a man!

Tricia stepped aside, pulled out her phone, and quickly dialed a number.

Charlotte had just reached the parking lot when she noticed Jonathan following her.

She turned, surprised. “Jonathan?”

He stopped in front of her and shrugged. “I believe in you, Charlotte. You’re not that kind of person.”

She blinked. “Why…why do you trust me?”

“I trust Professor Carstairs’s judgment.” Jonathan crossed his arms, a wry smile on his lips. “The old man never gets it wrong. And neither do I, especially when ites to spotting fakes.”

Jonathan was notorious for his sharp eye when it came to women. In their social circles, he’d even earned the nickname dies‘ confidant.”

He’d seen every type of woman there was. Anyone trying to y games in front of him was just asking for trouble.

Charlotte couldn’t help butugh. “Thanks, Jonathan.”

“No need to thank me, Charlotte.” He stepped a little closer, lowering his

b20:19 /bb1 /b

voice. “Need any help?”

She met his gaze, puzzled. Before she could answer, a cool voice came from behind them. “Mr. Pembroke, is it my wife who’s caught your interest?b” /b

Charlotte didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. She kept her eyes on Jonathan.

Of all the people who had set her up tonight, Tricia was hardly the one who could truly humiliate her. The person who could make her feel that sting stood right behind her.

Jonathan gave a low chuckle. “Mr. Howard, did you lose your new girlfriend already? Or is she still waiting for her promotion from ‘trial run‘ status?”

Evander ignored his taunt and stopped in front of them, reaching out to seize Charlotte’s arm and pulling her firmly to his side. “I need to speak with her.”

“Oh? This about your new girlfriend?”

“This doesn’t concern you, Mr. Pembroke.”

“Of course it does. She’s Professor Carstairs’s favorite student. As her

mentor, her business is my business.”

Evander’s gaze darkened just a shade. “Is that so? I’m all ears.”

Jonathan leaned against his car, lips quirking. “Absolutely. The professor always said she was extraordinary. Why shouldn’t I look out for her?”

Evander grunted. “I hope you’re up to the task.”

The smile faded from Jonathan’s face.

Without waiting for a reply, Evander pulled Charlotte away.

She tried to shake him off, but his grip was irond. He didn’t let go until they reached his car, where she finally managed to break free, shoving

him away with a re. “So what is this, Evander? Are you here to stand up for your precious first love? Fine! What’s your n? March me to the police station? Charge me with something, have me locked up, just so you and your shining angel can live happily ever after?”

“If that’s what you want, then let’s just get the divorce over with. That way, Mr. Howard, no one can point fingers at you for having a shoplifter

ex–wife-”

“Have you said enough?”

Evander pushed her back against the car door.

She turned her face away, refusing to look at him.

He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. Staring at her pale, delicate face, his brow furrowed. “Where did you get this idea? Did I ever say I’d have you arrested or thrown in jail?”

Charlotte gave a cold, bitterugh. “So you want me to apologize, then?”

as always his way, wasn’t it?

pped her.”

“So what?” Charlotte’s smile vanished. She looked him dead in the eye. “You nning to p me back for her?”

Evander’s gaze locked onto hers.

Six years of marriage, and only now did he realize she could be this

stubborn.

She was far more appealing like this than when she just epted everything quietly.

“I always thought you were a pushover.”

Charlotte stiffened. “Excuse me?”

A pushover?

314

20-190

Chapter b21 /b

So that’s how he sees me–someone easy to control?

Evander let her go and loosened his tie. “This is over. Don’t bring it up

again, and stay away from Tricia from now on.”

bChapter /bb22 /b

She provoked Tricia?