The Cherished Wife

Chapter 22

Noelle headed to Curio Corner. Sir Shaw did not have many hobbies, but he did enjoy collecting antiques, and the house was filled with various antique pieces of artwork. Rumor had it that he was an appraiser when he was younger but had given up that passion to inherit the family business.

When Noelle entered Curio Corner, an employee immediately approached her and asked, ” What are you looking for, Miss?”

Noelle was not particularly well–versed in this area. She merely wanted to butter up Sir Shaw. After all, he was the only person in the Shaw family who was still civil to her, and she did not want him to be upset because of her.

“I’ll just browse for a bit,” Noelle told the employee before looking around her. However, nothing stood out to her.

“Hello, Mr. Hoffman. We just received a shipment of items from the Renaissance a couple of days ago and have kept everything you requested reserved for you as per instructions.”

Noelle was still browsing when a trio of men entered the shop. The man taking the lead was none other than Charles Hoffman, whom she had not seen for a couple of days. He left the talking to the middle–aged man standing beside him and merely nodded from time to time.

After they entered, Charles‘ wandering gaze landed on Noelle almost immediately.

met unexpectedly. Noelle saw Charles. lips curve upward ever so slightly,

when Ronald interrupted him and motioned for him to

a hand at them. Ronald and the middle–aged man headed into the

spoke to himself under his breath as he strode toward Noelle,

evening sun shone in through the windows, and the man walked toward her with his back against the light. He looked like he had been bathed in gold, and

one could only wonder just what sort of

no see, Ms.

her thoughts when Charles walked up to her. His long, slender fingers tugged at his suit jacket buttons slightly, an unreadable expression on his

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embarrassment as she replied, “Long time no see, Mr. Hoffman!” Noelle chuckled. When she felt a slight awkwardness between them, she

time to time,” Charles said, a slight

suit that made his body seem extremely well–proportioned. His long legs folded over each other as he leaned against the pillar lazily, a far