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."

eyes. The butler quickly looked

a smile, though the chill in

him. It was Janet. His eyes narrowed, and he pressed my lips together, stepping aside just in time to dodge her embrace. She stumbled, pouting. "Charles, you're so mean! Don't you miss me at all? What

a cold look. "I've told you before, Janet. Don't touch

looked like she might try to reach for him again.

voice belonged to none other than 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 been a woman of elegance for

away, putting some space

not hide her displeasure