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?”

smart. You’ll land on your feet,” he said, tapping his knee as if to emphasize his

here.”

an embarrassed

Charles said, giving her a look that hinted at layers of meaning, “If you’re

up. She cleared her throat, “I’d rather not. I’m not part of your company, after all.” She

was something oddly touching about seeing him bustling around the kitchen. Leaning against the doorframe, she hesitated before

the veggies in the

“You’ll have plenty of time to cook later. What is the hurry?” He gave her a teasing look that made her

echoed through the house, and Noelle shot Charles a wary glance. “Who else could

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