The Cherished Wife

Chapter 52

“You still haven’t given me a straight answer,” Noelle pressed, her determination bordering on stubbornness.

Charles paused, then offered a smile. “It’s no big mystery, really. You just happened to show up at the right time and place. That was all there was to it.”

Noelle searched Charles’s eyes for something more, but their locked gazes offered no further clues. Feeling a bit let down, she averted her eyes. “Got it.”

“So, what’s your verdict, Ms. Shaw?”

Noelle chewed on her lip for a moment. “You were well aware of where I stood with the Shaws. I was never going to see a dime of their fortune, nor was I going to get a foot in the door of their company. You knew that from the beginning, didn’t you?”

He nodded. “A guy’s got nothing if he’s waiting for a woman to bring him wealth.”

Noelle let out a small laugh. “You’re one of few who think that way.”

“Any other questions?” Charles was the picture of patience. Whether it was business or anything else, he could outwait anyone. With women, however, his patience was off the charts.

like a knot. “My ties with the Shaws are a mess, and you heard it yourself last night. My dad… he basically sold me to Simon

ever…

Charles chimed in, his voice lifting with a touch of confusion. “Once we tie the knot, I’ll sort all that

his voice, “I thought you’d be all about what was

odd twinge in her heart. “No need. I trust you, Mr. Hoffman!” She really

you want to make it official, Ms. Shaw?” He was all charm when it came to this

her heart a whirlwind

lo

had always dreamed of her wedding day, certain she would be walking down the aisle to Xavier, the f her life, in a moment of pure bliss. Xavier was supposed to give her a day to remember. Instead, he

to marry Charles. They had barely

“The sooner, the better!”

least marry by her own choice. Even

want my marriage to be just another cliche,” she declared. “If I don’t marry you, I’ll never be free

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