The Cherished Wife

Chapter 17

The Frotconn weekly Monday meeting was the time to wrap the previous week’s work. This was Noelle’s first time back at the familiar table since she had left a year ago. The board members did a double take when they now hersome were clueless about her return, while others had their opinions of her colored by the recent scandal

Noelle pretended she did not see a thing, grabbed the papers, and plopped down in her chair. Her gaze was steady as she ignored the buzz around her. The bigwigs, the chairman and the general manager, had not shown up yet, so the room was buzzing with chatter. Some of the older, more seasoned directors were acting like uncles at a family reunion, rehashing the drama from the engagement party with flair.

One of the directors, who had butted heads with Noelle before over work matters, could not resist stirring the pot. “Some people embarrass themselves and still strut into the office like nothing happened.”

Noelle’s brow creased ever so slightly. She meant to let it slide, but Mr. Lambert was on a roll and did not look like he was stopping anytime soon.

“She hasn’t done anything noteworthy at work, yet she climbed the ladder so fast. It makes you wonder, right? It turns out she had a big shot pulling strings for her. Too bad she’s bitten off more than she can chew, trying to snag her sister’s spot.”

“Is that so? That’s sinking pretty low.”

“Tell me about it.

and shot Mr. Lambert a withering look, her laugh sharp as ice. “I always thought gossip was a game for the ladies, but look at this! It turns out everyone thinks they have the right to run their mouths. Kids might get a pass for saying whatever pops into their

immediately reddened. He smacked the table hard and said, Noelle, you

steady and fearless. After a long, tense moment, she burst into laughter. “Was I talking to you just

I

you… you think you’re so clever, don’t you? I know you were

Lambert, you’ve got it all wrong. Everyone here is a grown–up. Did anyone else hear me specifically

even once, he would have to think. twice before causing a commotion. Sensing the electric tension between Noelle and Mr. Lambert, the other directors and executives decided to