The Cherished Wife

"No way!" Noelle grinned, waving the documents at Charles but not actually handing them over. She flipped through them with a flourish. "Mr. Parker gave these to me. He said to give them a look when I can. The West City project is kicking off, and he's letting me shadow him. It's an awesome chance, and I'm not about to mess it up!"

"You won't mess up," Charles said with an easy laugh, glancing at the papers in Noelle's grasp. He was pleasantly surprised by Brian's generosity. "Brian's got skills. Stick with him, and you'll pick up a lot in no time!"

"I know, right?" Noelle chuckled, snapping the file shut. She had just woken up from a power nap and felt rejuvenated, though she knew better than to rush her work. "I've hijacked your study. I hope I'm not taking up your space."

"Not at all!" Charles said, his laugh light as he playfully tousled Noelle's hair. "Done with the paperwork?"

Noelle nodded, massaging her stiff neck. "Done for now."

seat, leaving Noelle puzzled. Then, he circled behind her

felt her tension melt away. Charles caught the change in her, and a smile played at the

eyes fluttered open, and

"Brian's really something, you know? He's got an eye for detail and is very meticulous. Like with that Verdant Hills project three years back. That place was a mess of problems, but it was his first gig after coming back to Brookville. There was this big

and the land's got its own set of issues. We'll need more tests to get the full picture. What do you think, will the West City land end up on the

on Noelle's shoulder, paused briefly, but his smile remained.

got a hunch that West City's going to see a huge mall pop up, and that'll definitely spread the crowds out a bit. But there's a catch-there's a mental hospital and a rehab center over there, and you can't just uproot those places.