She wasn’t above it all.

She simply wanted to make sure that, when the divorce finally happened, it bwouldn’t /be down to a fight over money.

After all, Evander had always believed she married him for his wealth; if she asked for too much in the settlement, he’d never let her get her way.

But a million dors and the Tranquility Manor property were trivial to him–barely a drop in the ocean.

Thewyer, seeing how resolute she was, stopped trying to argue. He simply went over the terms of the agreement with her onest time.

After Charlotte confirmed everything, she added, “At the very end of the month, I need you to send this agreement to Evander for me.”

“You don’t want to discuss it with Mr. Howard face to face?”

She paused, then gave a faint smile. “There’s nothing left to discuss.”

Thewyer nodded, packed up his papers, and left.

Charlotte sped her own cool hands, her eyes drifting down to her bare ring finger. Years of wearing that wedding band had left a pale mark on her skin. If even the ring left a scar, how could she expect to let go of the marriage itself, just like that?

Snapping herself out of it, Charlotte stood and walked to the front desk to settle her

bill.

“Charlotte, dining alone today?”

She paused, turning toward the familiar voice. “Jonathan?”

Jonathan turned to the hostess. “Put her bill on my tab.”

She rolled her eyes. “Jonathan, it was just a cup of tea. No need to make a fuss.”

“For you, it’s no trouble at all.”

Charlotte hesitated, but then remembered all the times he’d helped her were at Professor Carstairs‘ request. It made sense.

She and Jonathan walked together down the corridor. “I didn’t expect to run into you here, Jonathan.”

b1/3 /b

0817

“It’s quite the bcoincidence/b. This restaurant belongs bto /bbmy /bbfamily/b, bactually /b

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, this is your family’s ce?”

He nodded. “So, what brings you here on your own today?”

“I wasn’t actually here for the food.” Charlotte tucked a stray lock of hair behind bher /bear. “I just met a friend. He left a little while ago.”

Jonathan seemed to mull that over. “I see…”

“Jonathan, do you know anyone at the Southcrest Borough police station?”

He looked at her, curious. “Why do you ask?”

Charlotte lowered her gaze, hesitated, then told him about what had happened to Hiram at the precinct. Jonathan’s expression turned serious as he listened. “bIf /bsomeone pulled strings to make that happen, they’re well–connected. If it everes out, it could be a big scandal. Mr. Howard would know better than to get involved in something like that.”

She understood what Jonathan meant. She’d suspected Tricia might have used Evander’s influence at the station, but…

If Evander wasn’t helping her, who else would Tricia turn to?

“Don’t worry. I’ll look into it for you.”

Charlotte nced at him, her voice soft. “Thank you, Jonathan.”

A shrill voice cut through the lobby from the direction of the elevator.

“Well, well, Charlotte!”

Charlotte turned to see Genevieve striding toward her in designer heels, handbag slung over her arm, finger pointed usingly. “Caught you atst! Sneaking around behind my brother’s back with another man!”

Jonathan looked over at Charlotte, but said nothing.

Charlotte let out augh, almost incredulous. “Aren’t you the one who’s always wanted me to leave your brother? Why do you care if I’m with someone else now?”

Genevieve faltered, momentarily at a loss for words.

It was true–she’d always hoped Charlotte would leave her brother. But hadn’t Charlotte been madly in love with him before? Whenever Genevieve used her bof /bulterior motives, Charlotte would always rush to defend herself.

???

“Jonathan, let’s go.” Charlotte had no interest in sparring any further and started to lead Jonathan away.

Genevieve quickly blocked their path, her tone righteous and shrill. “Charlotte, have you no shame? You and my brother aren’t even… officially done yet! How could you

do this to him?”