After catching my wife in bed with another man, I remarried novel Chapter 50

"You took him for granted when he was here. Now that he's gone, you're tearing yourself apart," Mr. White said, his brow furrowed as he observed Clara with a deep sigh.

Mr. Benjamin's gaze lingered on my portrait, his voice thick with regret. "When that mess hit the company, if your father and Ethan hadn't shielded you from it, you would've crumbled. We were all thrilled for your father when you two tied the knot – he finally had a decent son-in-law. Why do the good ones always go too soon? Ethan was a bright spark, treated us all right. Damn shame."

A flicker of life sparked in Clara's previously vacant eyes. She fixed her gaze on Mr. Benjamin, her voice laced with urgency. "Mr. Benjamin," she demanded, "tell me the truth. What really happened back then?"

The shareholders exchanged uneasy glances. Pressed by Clara's insistent questioning, they finally divulged James's embezzlement and his subsequent vanishing act. "They were worried you wouldn't be able to handle it, so they kept it under wraps."

The revelation seemed to drain the last vestiges of fight from Clara. She slumped, oblivious to the departing shareholders, her fingers clutching her amulet and ring like lifelines.

"Charlotte, you're not looking well. Let's get you to a hospital," Sanders said, his voice gentle and concerned. He'd always been a good friend, especially kind to my sister. He moved closer to Charlotte, offering a comforting presence.

A wave of relief washed over me. At least Charlotte wasn't alone. Someone was there to look out for her, to offer support. That comfort, in that moment, was enough.

"What are you talking about?" Clara's eyes widened in disbelief. "He never said a word to me about cancer!"

"Ethan cried himself to sleep the night he got his diagnosis. He was worried sick about you and his sister. But you? The second James waltzed back into your life, you were head over heels, completely ignoring Ethan! I finally see your true colors. You don't deserve a shred of the kindness he showed you. I wish it had been you in that damn coffin!" Sanders' voice cracked with raw emotion as he unleashed years of pent-up fury.

"I'm sorry," Clara whispered, her body crumpling to the floor. She was the image of utter defeat, her face pale as death, her entire being radiating despair.