The Cherished Wife

Noelle stayed in the restroom for a while longer before she finally decided to leave.

When she returned to the banquet hall, most of the guests had already gone through at least one round of drinks.

Winter seemed to be in high spirits, moving around to entertain everyone. The women were clustered in groups, chatting about fashion and gossip, while the men discussed business or entertainment venues. As soon as Noelle walked back in, Winter's gaze immediately fixed on her. Winter glanced over at Annie, who gave her a subtle nod of confirmation.

With that, Winter felt reassured and walked over to Noelle. "Noelle, where did you go? I thought you might have left early!"

"How could I? It's your birthday. I wouldn't leave before you cut the cake," Noelle responded, casually glancing around the room.

Sure enough, she saw Suzy engaged in conversation with Simon, who was watching her with that same unreadable expression.

Noelle felt uneasy under Simon's intense gaze and quickly looked away. "Where's my brother-in-law? It's your birthday. He should be here celebrating with you," Noelle remarked, her tone laced with subtle insinuation. Winter's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered while forcing a smile. "Xavier is still busy at work. You know how it is with him taking over Frotconn; there's a lot on his plate!"

He must be very busy to miss your birthday,"

darkened momentarily, but her expression brightened when she saw a server approach with a tray of drinks. She waved them over. "Noelle, we haven't had a drink together yet. Let's share one now!" "Sure!" Noelle caught a subtle

her excitement barely concealed as she watched Noelle take the very

our past misunderstandings behind us.

a forced smile as they clinked

Noelle drink

"Noelle, thank you so much for forgiving me

thinking, 'I'll treat you well as I watch you fall into

Simon, Suzy had been keeping him company, chatting. away. She watched as Simon finished the drink that had been drugged with a sly smile

you seem to hold your alcohol well too, Ms. Atherton. You've had quite a few,

blush creeping up her cheeks. She felt