Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 509

Charlotte faltered, then quickly explained, "There's nothing going on between us. I only met with him because Grandfather and Uncle Caleb asked me to…"

"He hasn't made any inappropriate advances, has he? He hasn't been bullying you?"

She shook her head. "No, he couldn't bully me. I have you guys!"

Her words clearly pleased Sean, and he didn't press the matter further, walking into the house with her.

…

Two days later, Charlotte parked in the institute's garage. The space was bright and airy, with large glass skylights that let in plenty of natural light.

As she got out of her car, she saw Gentry walking toward her, talking on the phone. She greeted him, and when he saw her, he quickly ended his call. "Dr. Sterling! Oh, wait, I shouldn't call you that anymore. It's Miss Rayburn now, right?"

"Either is fine," Charlotte said with a shrug. "Are you heading out?"

"Ah, yes." He seemed to be mulling something over, and after a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke. "Maybe you could try talking to Judd for me. If it comes from you, he might actually listen."

She was confused. "Talk to him about what?"

"Judd wasn't supposed to take on this project in Eldermere City, but you know how he is… a bit stubborn. He came here behind his family's back, to a place where he knows no one, to tackle this difficult project. Not only has he failed to find any investors, but he's also funding it out of his own pocket. He's living so frugally, all because he refuses to ask his family for help."

Charlotte was stunned. "His family doesn't know he's in Eldermere City?"

Gentry shrugged. "Do you think they would've let him come if they did?"

He was silent for a moment, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

"You told me to take my time and think about it before giving you an answer. I can give you that answer now." She looked straight at him, finally ready to face it. "I can't be with you."

The atmosphere in the office froze. It was so quiet she could hear her own breathing.

After a long silence, Judd finally spoke. "What if I had been the one to find you back then? Would you have chosen me, the way you chose Evander?"