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."

gave a wry smile. "You think you've got psychic powers or something? How do you just

take a seat, his hand

I first went in, and it was still there when I came out. After your call, I doubled back, and you won't believe who I ran

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 gushing about how Noelle was head over heels for Bob, missing him like crazy, always singing his praises!" Sean chuckled, but his

Noelle must've said something to tick her

at the news, a storm brewing in his

don't sweat it. Noelle's no pushover. Even if I hadn't made it

way Jade and the whole Shaw family treat her... it's

bit his lip.

had seen it too. The Shaws and the Jones all gave Noelle the