Chapter 131

• "Charlotte," he'd said, voice steady but softer than she'd ever heard it—no barked command, just a simple offer. "Let me drop you at the hospital."
• She'd paused, bag slung over her shoulder, surprise flickering through her. The Howard from her past life would never—could never—stoop to such ordinary kindness, not for her. But this one... his eyes held no ice, just quiet resolve. She'd nodded, sliding into the passenger seat with a murmured "Okay," the door clicking shut.
• Now, the car glided along tree-lined roads, sunlight dappling the dashboard in golden patches. Howard drove with uncharacteristic care—hands firm at ten and two, signaling every turn even on empty stretches, eyes scanning mirrors more than the road ahead. No speeding through yellows, no sharp lane weaves like the aggressive heir she remembered. It was deliberate, almost gentle, as if the weight of Ruby's loss and their shared breakfast had carved away his sharper edges.