Charlotte let out a hollowugh, gripping the finalized divorce papers in her hand, doing her best to steady her voice. “Will you be home tonight?”

“Evander, who’s calling you?” Tricia’s sweet, syrupy voice rang out clearly in Charlotte’s ear.

“Just a work call.” Evander answered offhandedly, not bothering to hang up or even lower his voice. “What time do you get off? I’ll pick you up and we can go get Hans together.”

Tricia giggled, sounding even more delighted. “I’m free tonight–my shift

ends at six.”

By the time Charlotte came back to herself, the call had already ended.

She stared at the signed divorce papers, her expression dimming.

She’d originally wanted to ask him toe home and sign them in person, but he couldn’t even be bothered to listen through her request.

How ridiculous.

She should never have taken his promises seriously all those years ago…

Evander apanied Tricia to pick up Hans from kindergarten.

Hans emerged from the front doors with the principal, and the moment he spotted Evander, he broke free and ran at full speed. “Daddy!”

Under the eyes of teachers and parents alike, Hans flung himself at Evander’s legs, hugging him tightly, his whole face beaming with joy. “Daddy, are you and Mommy here to pick me up?”

The principal approached with a beaming smile. “Mr. Howard, Mrs. Howard, young Hans was wonderful in ss today–he even earned a

Chapter b9 /b

gold star!”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Evander’s face as he shot a sharp look at the principal. “Who did you just call Mrs. Howard?”

The principal froze.

Had she gotten it wrong?

Tricia quickly grabbed his arm. “Evander, don’t be upset. I’m sure the principal meant no harm.” She turned to the principal. “Please, just be careful with how you address us in the future.”

The principal was left bewildered.

What did that mean?

Hadn’t Tricia herself hinted that Hans was Mr. Howard’s son? If she wasn’t

Mrs. Howard, then whose child was Hans…?

The lives of the wealthy really wereplicated.

Hans shrank back at the sudden tension, his small hands gripping Evander’s pant leg. “Did I do something wrong, Daddy?”

Evander looked down at Hans. The boy was just a child, blissfully unaware of the grown–up mess around him. Evander rested arge hand on Hans’s head, his tone softening. “It’s not your fault. But I’m not your father. Next time, just call me Uncle.”

He understood Hans’s longing for a father figure.

But for reasons he couldn’t exin, when Hans had called him “Daddy” in front of everyone, it had left him uncharacteristically irritable.

Tricia’s hands clenched tightly, hiding the sh of resentment in her eyes.

He’d never minded before…

Hans lowered his head, disappointment brimming in his eyes. “Okay…”

Once the principal had left, Tricia finally put on a pitiful face. “Evander, I’m

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bChapter /bb9 /b

sorry. I didn’t expect the principal to misunderstand our rtionship.

Hans and I have caused you trouble. If it’s really an issue, maybe I should transfer him to another school.”

Evander pinched the bridge of his nose, patience thinning. “It’s fine. Just don’t let it happen again.”

He’d cleared things up in front of the principal–there wouldn’t be a repeat of today’s mistake.

The three of them got into the car.

Unbeknownst to them, someone snapped a photo of their picture–perfect

moment.

At home, Charlotte sat at the kitchen bar, nursing her second ss of whiskey. She wasn’t much of a drinker, only pouring herself a ss or

two when she needed to unwind.

She stiffened when she heard the front door open.

Evander stepped inside, his suit jacket draped over his arm, wearing only a gray silk shirt.

He changed his shoes and nced her way. “Drinking?”

tteposed herself, answering calmly. “Just a little.”

set the ss down and moved to walk past him. The stark white light illuminated her face, revealing the obvious swelling along her cheek.

His gaze sharpened. “What happened to your face?”

She froze.

A bitter smile rose in her heart.

Since when did he start noticing things about her?

Before she could answer, his voice came from behind. “Did Xavier

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Chapter b9 /b

Sterling hit you?”