Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 6

"How old are you, Charlotte? Honestly, why are you letting a child get under your skin?"

Charlotte froze, stung by the blatant favoritism in his tone. She'd known he wouldn't believe her, but hearing it so plainly still hurt.

She blinked against the sting in her eyes, forcing back her tears. "I didn't push him. I swear I didn't!"

Evander let out a short, cold laugh. "So what, you're saying a little kid tripped and decided to pin it on you?"

Charlotte's chest tightened. She had known he wouldn't take her side—so why was she still trying to explain?

Lowering her gaze, she struggled to steady her breath. "I guess I just had bad luck running into you all today. Fine, whatever."

She turned to leave.

"Stop."

Charlotte hesitated, feet rooted to the spot, but didn't look back.

"Hans is just a child. There's no need to take it so personally," Evander said, his voice softer now. "Apologize to Hans."

"Evander, maybe we should just drop this…" Tricia spoke up on her behalf.

Evander's eyes were icy. "When you're in the wrong, you apologize. That's how it works."

Charlotte's fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Oddly, she didn't even feel the pain.

Slowly, she turned to face Evander, her eyes defiant as she pointed toward the security camera by the streetlamp. "There are cameras all over Tranquility Manor. Before you play the hero, maybe check the footage first."

"If it shows I'm at fault, I'll apologize. But if it's not my fault, don't expect me to say I'm sorry."

Without another glance, Charlotte turned and walked away.

Evander's chest tightened. His face clouded, growing darker by the second.

Tricia, rattled by the mention of security cameras, panicked. She couldn't let Evander see that footage. Grabbing his arm, she tried to redirect him. "Evander, it's really fine. Hans isn't hurt, and I'm sure Dr. Sterling didn't mean any harm."

Desperate, she changed the subject. "Besides, Hans is going to be late for school. We should get going."

Evander slipped his arm from her grasp. "I've already informed the principal. Take Hans; she'll take care of everything. I have a meeting."

He walked off to his car.

Tricia watched as Evander drove away, her hand clenching unconsciously around Hans's little fingers.

"Mom, that hurts," Hans whimpered.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Tricia crouched down and held his shoulders, her eyes both dark and gleaming with satisfaction. "You did great today, Hans. Really great."

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