Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 498

Charlotte took a deep breath and turned to face the approaching man. With everyone watching, it was clear he had no intention of being subtle.

She forced a smile. "Mr. Howard, can I help you?"

He let out a low chuckle. "Got time for dinner?"

"No, I have plans." Just as Charlotte turned to leave, he grabbed her hand.

She froze. After all these years, his touch was still so warm and strong. She instinctively tried to pull away, but he leaned in and lowered his voice, his tone almost pleading. "Everyone's watching. A guy's gotta save face."

"You…" Charlotte was momentarily speechless.

Evander remained perfectly composed, merely arching an eyebrow.

Taking another deep breath, Charlotte tried to calm the frantic beating of her heart. She knew that every eye in the vicinity was on them like a spotlight. If this went on any longer, they’d be front-page news by morning.

What would Miranda say? She'd go ballistic.

She frowned. "I already have plans with someone else."

"Oh, with Carstairs?"

Evander feigned a moment of thought. "No problem. I'll have someone let him know."

Before she could object, he tightened his grip on her hand and led her away, leaving the others stunned in their wake. After a moment, Natalie recovered and ushered the remaining guests into their private room.

…

As Evander pulled her along, Charlotte was a whirlwind of anger and anxiety. She had promised Judd, and now she was just standing him up. What would he think of her?

"Evander, let go of me."

She struggled, but his grip was perfectly calibrated—firm enough to keep her from escaping, yet gentle enough not to hurt her.

"Can you please be reasonable?"

He stopped and turned to her, a slight smile playing on his lips. "You first."

"…The least I can do is go tell Judd myself."

It wasn't right to just leave him waiting.

Evander stared at her, and a subtle ripple disturbed the calm, deep surface of his eyes, as if her words had resonated with him.

"So, you're agreeing to have dinner with me?" he asked softly.

Judd didn't press the issue. He simply smiled, as if he understood everything but chose not to say more.

Instead, he changed the subject. "I'm heading a new project here in Eldermere City. It’s focused on targeted core technology for AD."

Charlotte stared at him, stunned.

"But I need a partner," Judd continued, his eyes fixed on hers.

Just as she was about to respond, her phone buzzed, shattering the moment. She glanced at the screen, declined the call, and set it down.

A moment later, it rang again.

She declined it again.

Judd's lips curved into a soft, knowing smile as his fingertips brushed against his glass. "If you have other things to attend to, you should go. You can think about my offer later."

"I'm so sorry," she said, her voice laced with apology. "I was supposed to be treating you to dinner."

"There will always be other opportunities," Judd replied gently.