The Cherished Wife

Chapter 96

Noelle was not exactly thrilled by Charles’s compliment. She gave a half–hearted smile and said, “So, is this the end of the road for Frotconn?”

Charles took a moment, then looked at Noelle with a tilt of his head, a playful challenge in his gaze. “Why? Got a soft spot for it?”

Noelle pressed her lips together, a little frustrated. “You know that’s not what I’m saying.” She tried to keep her feelings out of it but could not help asking, “Does it have to go down like this?”

“Stay out of the business stuff. There are things I cannot share with you,” Charles replied firmly. “You’ll be in the loop when you need to be.”

“Fine,” Noelle conceded, letting the subject drop.

Noelle could tell there was more to the story than Charles was letting on. It was not just one thing that had him so determined. She smiled half–heartedly. “If Frotconn goes under, what’ll happen to me?”

land on your feet,” he said, tapping his knee

here.”

embarrassed smile, “Sorry,

hinted at

not part of your company, after all.” She quickly changed the subject, and luckily,

but there was something oddly touching about seeing him bustling around the kitchen. Leaning against the doorframe, she hesitated before he caught her gaze, quirking an eyebrow,

she asked, nodding towards the veggies in the sink. “I can cook,

playful command. “You’ll have plenty of time to cook later. What is the hurry?” He gave

house, and Noelle shot Charles a wary glance. “Who

eyes narrowed into slits, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Go check