Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 493

Before Julian could argue, Charlotte interjected, "I've just returned to Eldermere City. There's no need to make a scene. Any table will be fine."

Julian relented.

The manager led them to a comfortable table in the main dining area. Just as they were settling in, Charlotte spotted a familiar face she hadn't seen in a very long time.

The man was clearly just as surprised to see her, staring for a few moments before he was certain it was her.

Jonathan Pembroke approached their table, still looking astonished. "You… aren't you in Riverspire City? What are you doing in Eldermere?"

"A change of scenery," she replied with a polite but distant smile. "And what brings you here, Mr. Pembroke?"

"I'm on a business trip."

"I see," she said.

"It's been so long. How have you been?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he seemed to realize his mistake and gave an awkward smile. "I didn't mean anything by that. Actually, I'm married now."

Charlotte hadn't known. A flash of surprise crossed her face before vanishing. "Congratulations. When did it happen?"

"Six months ago," he said, his eyes downcast. "It was an arranged marriage."

Charlotte offered a faint smile. "That's wonderful. A family brings new responsibilities."

They chatted for a few more minutes before Jonathan was called away by his colleagues. Throughout their brief conversation, he never asked about her current life. He knew he no longer had the right to.

Charlotte was halfway through her meal when Wesley walked over to her table. "How is everything? To your liking?"

She laughed. "It's quite good. Did you have Julian bring me here just so I could sample the food at our own restaurant?"

"I had no choice," he said with a sigh. "I was tied up and didn't want you to wait too long. I figured you could relax here while you waited."

"In the Rayburn family, the others don't pose much of a threat to me. They're transparent, their interests are obvious. But him..." Wesley's brow tightened. "He's the only one I can't read."

Charlotte fell silent. A man who could put her brother on such high alert was clearly not someone to be trifled with. She would have to be careful, too.

…

Wesley took Charlotte to their residence—Midvale Estates.

Midvale Estates was the private home of her parents and brother.

"My daughter!"