The Cherished Wife

"You..." Jade was taken aback. She had not expected her first stumbling block to be not Noelle, but 'Bob'. "How dare you talk to me like that! I've been around long enough to know how things work!"

"I've been holding back out of respect for you as an elder and as Ms. Shaw's mother. I really admire Ms. Shaw and would like to be her friend, but Mrs. Jones, since I've arrived, you've done nothing but pick apart Ms. Shaw. Maybe it's just me, but if Ms. Shaw is as flawed as you say, why are you so eager to have me marry her so quickly? What are you trying to do?" Sean's face grew stern, and his smile vanished, a clear sign that a storm was brewing.

Even Noelle, who was quietly observing, felt a chill watching Sean's transformation. She was used to seeing Sean as the epitome of warmth and courtesy. Even though he was always calculating, he rarely showed his temper. It looked like Jade had finally crossed the line. "You..."

"Ms. Shaw is quite the catch, and I'm sure there's a whole host of young hotshots out there who are head over heels for her. Mrs. Jones, you really don't need to stress about Ms. Shaw's love life. I'd love to get a meal with Ms. Shaw when we're both free, but I just can't stomach this meal today," Sean said bluntly, not bothering to spare Jade's feelings. "I'll handle things with my mom on my own. And as for what's going on with Ms. Shaw, I'd say it's best if you don't push it, Mrs. Jones."

was not often that Sean came across so charming, and seeing Jade lost

a playful look. "Ms. Shaw, I've got other things to do. Are you

and I've got

offered, but

eyebrow, puzzled. "What's up? Mrs. Jones, have you got something against me hanging out with Ms. Shaw?" Jade went

keep Noelle from leaving, but Noelle squinted her eyes and said, "Mr. Smith, I've got my own ran