Delete My Love for You novel Chapter 24

The cool bitterness of the medicine slid down Charlotte’s throat, each drop tracing a path into her stomach, soothing yet igniting the pain twisting inside her.

Herbert helped her sit upright, his voice gentle. “Painkillers can do irreversible damage to the stomach. I’ve given you something milder to ease that.”

Charlotte nodded, trusting him without reservation.

Suddenly, a cold, razor-sharp voice sliced through the air above her. “Should I congratulate you? You’ve found your next man already?”

Darren had appeared at her side, his arm draped possessively around Xena, though Charlotte hadn’t noticed when they arrived.

Unbothered, Herbert rose smoothly and offered a business card, his manners impeccable. “You must be Charlotte’s ex-husband, Mr. Harrington. It’s a pleasure. I’m Herbert.”

Ex-husband?

Darren’s brow furrowed at the word.

He took the card, glancing down and reading aloud, his tone clipped. “Herbert Nelson. Senior Professor, National Center for Advanced Research?”

His gaze flickered to Charlotte, voice icy. “Funny. I don’t recall my wife ever mentioning she was rubbing elbows with such distinguished company.”

Herbert smiled politely. “You misunderstand, Mr. Harrington. Charlotte and I met long before she married you. I’m the one honored to know her—she’s hardly the one trading up.”

The repeated “Charlotte” grated on Darren’s ears.

“So you’ve known each other for years, then? Sounds like old flames rekindling.”

“Darren, what are you really trying to say?” Charlotte shot back, tired of his constant sarcasm.

He lowered his gaze, eyes issuing a silent warning. “Don’t forget—there are still thirty days left until the divorce is final. Behave yourself. If you so much as tarnish the Harrington family’s reputation or affect the group’s stock price, neither of you could afford the consequences.”

Herbert straightened his jacket, giving Darren a cool, courteous smile. “Until next time, Mr. Harrington.”

Darren stared after them as they walked away, the chill in his eyes deepening. He loosened his tie, trying to shake off the discomfort knotting in his throat.

Five minutes later, inside the Rolls-Royce.

Xena played with a lock of hair, her smile coy. “Now that you and Mrs. Harrington have finalized the divorce, does that mean I can finally move into your villa, Mr. Harrington?”

Darren, unmoved, tossed a check for a million across the seat, his tone flat. “Her scene’s over—and so is yours.”

Xena froze, her smile faltering. “You’re dumping me? What did I do wrong?”

Darren’s handsome features hardened, voice suddenly dangerous. “The night of the auction—did you touch my phone?”