Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 499

They called it ‘networking,’ but it felt more like they were parading her around to curry favor with some powerful man. She wouldn't be surprised if, one day, they simply picked out a suitable husband and married her off to the highest bidder.

Still, she knew she had to tread carefully. Having just returned to the Rayburn family, a flat-out refusal would only make things difficult for her father and brother. At least the man in question was someone she knew. Handling him wouldn't be too difficult.

“Alright,” she agreed.

Seeing her compliance, her grandfather seemed even more pleased.

Caleb set down his teacup and looked at Charlotte. “We're heading to the company in a bit. You should come with us.”

Charlotte simply smiled without a word.

…

After Evander acquired TO Technologies, the staff only knew that the chairman had changed; they were oblivious to the other details. Since their salaries and benefits remained untouched, the long-time employees were happy to stay.

Right now, the HR director was leading the trio on a tour, practically buzzing with energy as if he’d had five shots of espresso. One guest was Mr. Caleb from the Rayburn family, and the other was the new boss himself. Naturally, he mistook Charlotte for a secretary.

After they had seen the other departments, Caleb stopped and held up his phone. “Mr. Evander, if you'll excuse me, I need to take this call.”

Evander nodded.

Once Caleb was gone, only Charlotte and Evander remained, and the atmosphere grew palpably awkward.

Charlotte stood her ground, her gaze fixed on a potted plant nearby. She appeared calm, but she could feel his intense stare burning into her.

“Stop looking at me,” she said, turning her head away.

The amusement in his eyes only deepened. “It seems your dear uncle is trying to give us some time alone.”

She crossed her arms. “And I suppose you didn't shamelessly request this arrangement?”

“You wound me. It actually wasn't my idea, for once.”

Charlotte's brow furrowed, and she pressed her lips together, saying nothing more.

The silence between them stretched again, punctuated only by the faint murmur of employees talking in the distance.

“Why wouldn't I be?” Charlotte twisted to face him. “Evander, we're divorced. Is it fun for you, tricking me with this fake identity?”

His eyes darkened slightly. “It's not a fake identity.”

“What?”

“I'll tell you about it later. Of course…” He paused, taking her hand and pressing her knuckles to his lips. “If you're really eager to hear, I could always tell you tonight.”

Her palm felt scorched, and she snatched her hand back. “Why tonight?”

“What do you think?”

The suggestive undertone of his words finally dawned on her. She was momentarily speechless, then shoved him away and pulled open the car door. “Just take me home!”

The force of her push sent him stumbling back a few steps, but instead of getting angry, he just laughed.