bChapter /b46

bJust /bmoments ago, Tricia had been all sweetness and bpolite /bbsmiles/bb, /bbbut /bnow she held herself with unmistakable superiority. After all, Evander had bgiven /bbher /bbthis /bpower–she’d be a fool not to make the most of it.

Charlotte quietly twisted a tissue in her hands, her expression unchanging. “bSo/bb, /bdoes Director Winthrop have other ns for me?”

Tricia folded her arms and shot a nce at her son.

Hans scampered over, tugging at her sleeve with a whine. “Mom, I want a chocte cupcake. Can you ask her to get me one? Please?”

Tricia made a show of hesitating, then turned to Charlotte. “Dr. Sterling, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to run a little errand. Buy a cupcake for Evander’s son and me, would you? I’m sure that’s not too much to ask.”

She put extra emphasis on “Evander’s son and me,” as if reminding Charlotte that she was an outsider–someone who could never be part of their little family of

three.

It was almostughable, unting her status as the “wife” in front of the real one.

But Tricia had no idea–Charlotte had been prepared for every possible oue since the moment she’d learned about Evander’s affair and the existence of his illegitimate child.

So whether Tricia was trying to test her or simply make her look small, Charlotte simply didn’t care anymore.

“It’s just a cupcake, isn’t it?” Charlotte pulled out her phone, her voice cool and unhurried. “Hardly a challenge.”

She stepped out of the office.

Tricia watched her leave, the corners of her mouth curling in satisfaction.

In the end, wasn’t Charlotte just like a well–trained dog–ready to do whatever she

was told?

Meanwhile, at the top of the stairs, Charlotte ced an order for dessert delivery on her phone, then returned to her own office.

Tricia and Hans waited for ages, until there was finally a knock at the door.

bi1/3 /i/b

09:38

Chapter

b“/bbExcuse /bbme/b, bIs /bbMiss /bbWinthrop /bhere?b” /bba /bbdelivery /bbguy /bbcalled /bbout/b.

bTricia /bbrose /bfrom the couch, frowning in confusion. “I’m… yes, bthat’s /bbme /b

“This is your order from Sweet Treats Bakery.”

“I didn’t order anything.”

He double–checked the address. “But this is the neurology director’s officeb, /bbright/bb? /bYou just said you’re Miss Winthrop.”

Only then did Tricia realize–the delivery was from Charlotte.

Grinding her teeth, she snatched the bag from his hands.

After the delivery guy left, she tossed the box onto the table in a fit of pique. Hans, sensing her mood, shrank back, hesitant to touch the cupcake. He asked in a tiny voice, “Mom, can I have some cake…b?/b”

“Eat, eat, eat–that’s all you ever do! Useless!” Tricia snapped, ring at him and venting all her frustration on the boy.

Hans hung his head, silent, clearly used to this routine.

Tricia was about to continue, but then an idea struck her. She fixed her gaze on Hans and, all at once, her demeanor shifted. She knelt in front of him, gently stroking his cheek, her voice soft and coaxing. “Hans, I’m sorry I snapped. Did I scare you?”

“I’m fine, Mom,” Hans mumbled.

“That’s my good boy.” Her eyes darkened. “Hans, can you do a little favor for me? You don’t want to see Daddy taken away by that meandy, do you?”

Hans froze, his small face clouded with reluctance.

He really did like Mr. Howard and truthfully, Mr. Howard had always been good to him. If only Mr. Howard could be his dad for real!

Seeing the worry flicker across his face, Tricia’s eyes shed with cold determination.

Later that afternoon, Charlotte checked on her patients, offering careful

instructions to their families. When she finished, she headed down the hallway, two junior doctors trailing behind her.

She turned to remind them, “Room thirteen is our stroke patient. Make sure you monitor his temperature and blood pressure during rounds. If anything seems off,

b09:38 /b

act immediately.”

They nodded. “Yes, Doctor.”

Once they’d left, Charlotte started back toward the ward–but a harsh voice called out behind her.

“Charlotte!”

She turned to see Evander striding toward her, his face thunderous.

Before she could react, his hand shot out.

Smack.

The pnded just below her ear. It wasn’t especially hard, but it was enough to make her go cold inside.

She slowly turned to face him. First came shock in her eyes, then disappointment, and finally a chilling calm that wiped away anything human from her expression.

Evander’s jaw tightened; his eyes were cold, yet something tense and restrained flickered within them. “Charlotte, you’re insane. How could you hurt a child like that?”

09:38