The Cherished Wife

Chapter 18

On the twenty–seventh floor of the Collosus Group,nald shot Becky a quick ‘hey and snagged the stack of papers she was buried in before rapping on the president’s door.

“Come in!”

The voice that cut through the silence was all business. Ronald stood tall and swung the door open, finding the man buried in paperwork. He did not even bother to look up.

“Mr. Hoffman, I’ve got the monthly numbers here. Director Lore from the Finance Department mentioned that the Public Relations Department’s over budget. It’s your call, Ronald rattled off his report and passed the papers to Charles.

Charles’s brow creased ever so slightly, his fingers drumming a steady beat on the desk. ” Don’t sweat the small stuff. If they can handle it, no need to bring it to me,” he said, barely glancing at the report before flicking it back to Ronald. “I didn’t bring them on board to stir up trouble.”

“Got it.” Ronald let out a quiet sigh, then dropped another update, “Ms. Shaw’s back at the office today.”

“Mm–hmm.” Charles nodded. “Anything else?”

on Ms. Shaw, Ronald said, recalling Charles’s request for the full lowdown on Noelle. At first, Ronald thought it was odd–was it about that fender bender

look that said more than words ever could. Ronald snapped to attention, realizing he had spaced out in front of the boss. “Mr. Hoffman,

your

his fingers on the desk again. It was a sure sign he had more on his mind. “Mr.

on the deals

Ronald needed to hear to know Charles was about to shake things

was gone

a bit later that he picked up the file Ronald had just passed him on Noelle’s details. It was packed, chronicling Noelle’s life from day one

it a quick once–over but froze when he hit a photo of Noelle and Xavier from three years back. His eyes turned icy in an instant.

edges of his lips curled up just a touch as his long fingers traced the face of the girl in the photo, outlining her delicate brows and eyes. However,

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