The Cherished Wife

Sean got Noelle back home without a hitch. Charles was holed up in his study, buried in work, but the distant purr of the engine had him pausing. His face set in a serious line, he shelved his work and headed downstairs.

No sooner had Sean and Noelle stepped inside than Noelle caught sight of Charles on the stairs. She rushed toward him. "Charles!"

"Yeah?" Charles shot a quick look at Noelle, and seeing her unharmed, he let out a sigh of relief before fixing his eyes on Sean. Sean quirked an eyebrow. "Done and dusted. But seriously, Charles, how'd you figure out someone was lurking outside?" "Someone?" Noelle's head shot up, her eyes narrowed in confusion. "What are you guys whispering about?"

"It's nothing!" Charles said, smoothing Noelle's hair affectionately and giving her cheek a little nudge. "You must be tired. Head on up and get some rest. I've got to chat with Sean for a bit."

"Alrighty!" Noelle agreed with a nod and started up the stairs. "I'll leave you to it, then!"

Once Noelle was out of earshot, Charles turned back to Sean. "I took a wild guess."

got psychic powers or something? How do

actually someone there?" Charles motioned for Sean to take a seat, his hand casually tucked in his pocket, his

him, don't you?" Sean could not help but smirk. "And you're right. I did see him. I noticed his car when I first went in, and it was still there when I came out. After your call, I

kind, seriously. She's like a pro at flipping the script. Before I got there, she was giving Noelle the cold shoulder. But the moment I walked in, she was all sunshine and rainbows, trying to play Cupid with us. She kept

when I was heading back, Noelle must've said something to tick

news, a storm brewing in his

no pushover. Even

lying down Still, it's weird, right? The way Jade and

bit his lip. "Go

the Jones all gave Noelle the cold shoulder, except for Sebastian and Samuel. It was like she was an