That afternoon, Charlotte returned to the old family estate. Linette was waiting outside the courtyard with several household staff, offering a polite nod and a gentle smile. “Mrs. Howard, both your mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law are in the sitting room.”
Charlotte nodded and followed them inside. In the living room, Rosemary was arranging freshly cut flowers in a vase, her hands moving with practiced grace. Miranda sat nearby, her gaze tracking Rosemary before drifting purposefully to Charlotte’s midsection. After a pause, she spoke, her tone cool but direct. “Pregnancy is no small matter. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Mom, Grandma, actually I’m not—”
Before Charlotte could finish, a young boy burst into the room, almost slipping past the nanny stationed at the door. Charlotte recognized Hans immediately, her expression unreadable. She had already heard about his situation at the estate.
The nanny’s face went pale—she knew she was in trouble. Hurriedly, she entered after him, trying to usher Hans out, but he shook free, stubbornly refusing to leave.
Before Rosemary could say a word, Miranda stood up, her voice sharp. “How are you watching over the children?”
“We’re so sorry, ma’am. We’ll take him out right away,” the nanny stammered, her face ashen as she reached for Hans.
He resisted, crying out, “I want to see Uncle! He promised he’d come back to spend time with me!”
“Enough!” Miranda snapped, her patience long gone. “Who do you think you are? We’ve already shown you enough kindness letting you stay. Don’t make a scene.”
Whatever Hans was about to say died in his throat. Miranda’s scolding seemed to paralyze him; all color drained from his face.
And then—he wet himself. A dark, wet patch spread across the floor.
Miranda recoiled in disgust. “Get him out of here, now.” She covered her mouth and nose, shaking her head, her tone heavy with contempt. “Honestly—old enough to know better, and still wetting himself.”
The nannies dragged Hans away, and as soon as they reached the doorway, he broke free and bolted down the hall, sobbing.
Once Linette had someone clean up the mess, she quietly took up her place behind Rosemary.
Rosemary finally looked up at Charlotte, who had remained silent throughout the commotion. With a sigh, she said, “Evander really didn’t think this through. Still, Hans will only be staying with the Howard family for a short while. The housekeeper will look after him. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, you won’t have to see him again.”
Charlotte’s breath caught. Was Rosemary hinting that she should give up on the idea of divorce?
“But Grandma, I—”
“That’s enough.” Rosemary slowly rose and approached her, her expression gentle but firm. “Charlotte, the Howard family doesn’t let its children end up on the street. I hope you understand.”
Charlotte stood rooted to the spot, a weight settling in her chest.

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