The Cherished Wife

Noelle was not having it. She shook her head again. "I can't spend my days scared stiff because of them. I bet they won't come after me again anytime soon after this mess."

"Don't sweat it, Noelle," Sean reassured her, casually juggling an apple. "Charles put Ronald on the case. They can't touch you or your job, I promise. Chill out!"

Meanwhile, Charles had gotten a call from the Hoffman family estate that he could not ignore, especially since his mom, Clarisse, was on the line. Reluctant or not, he knew he had to make the trip back home.

The moment the car pulled up to the grand gates of the Hoffman family estate, the butler was already there, waiting to greet him. He waved someone over to swing the gates open. "Young Master Charles, welcome home!" Charles squinted against the sunlight as he stepped out of the car. "When did my mom come back?"

"The butler replied, taking my coat. "She flew in this morning." He hesitated before adding, "Ms. Janet is here, too."

of Janet, Charles paused, a flicker of irritation crossing his eyes. The butler quickly looked down.

though the chill in

pressed my lips together, stepping aside just in time to dodge her embrace.

"I've told you

over with hurt, and she looked like she might try to reach for him again. However, she glanced at the ice in his eyes and

Charles's mother, Clarisse. She stood up from the couch, her figure draped in a long dress, the picture of grace and poise. She had

some space between himself and Janet before he coolly

not hide her displeasure at Charles's