The Cherished Wife

"You ungrateful brat..." Jade's hand was raised, poised to strike, but the door swung open again, halting her mid-slap.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Sean leaned casually against the doorframe, his eyes a narrow slit as they locked with Jade's. Her hand hung in the air, awkward and motionless. Noelle's lips twisted into a wry smile, but she did not give Jade another glance. Instead, she turned to Sean.

"Back so soon, Mr. Smith?"

Sean's smirk was loaded with unspoken amusement. "I just remembered something I needed to hash out with Ms. Shaw. Lucky me, walking in on such an entertaining scene." Jade's face drained of color as she quickly dropped her hand. "Mr. Smith, was there something urgent you needed to discuss with Noelle? I was just..."

"Mrs. Jones, I've got eyes. I can see for myself!" Sean cut Jade off, his voice icy. "I had no clue that Miss Noelle of the Shaw family had always been treated like this."

Jade's face went red as if she'd been slapped, stinging with embarrassment. "What are you saying, Mr. Smith? Noelle and I are tight. It's just that, well, because of..."

hear any more

home, Ms. Shaw! Would you want to stay with the Shaw family

her earlier claims about Noelle living with them and always bringing up Bob. Once Noelle and Sean stepped out of Mooncliff, Sean burst out laughing. "You know, your mom is one of a

herself to laugh, though, because no matter what, she could not

powerless to argue.

said something stupid because he gave a half-hearted smile. "Oops, sorry about that. I didn't mean anything by

tinged with resignation. "It's just that nobody gets to pick

just called me and made me promise to get you home

gave a wry smile. "I've got my own ride, thanks. No need