The Cherished Wife

"Sorry," Henry interrupted Clarisse, his gaze somewhat cold and distant. "This is your and Mateo's personal affair. It's hard for an outsider like me to say anything." "Outsider?" Clarisse's face paled slightly, becoming tinged with bitterness. "Henry, you're actually saying that we..."

Henry said pointedly, "Clarisse, we should go down for dinner. You haven't been to Brookville in a long time. The Hoffman residence's chef isn't the same as before." With that, Clarisse's expression grew even more unpleasant.

Then, Clarisse watched Henry leave while standing motionless with her fists clenched, staring blankly at his retreating figure.

Janet stood nearby for a while, not fully understanding Clarisse's earlier words. However, just thinking about how Charles treated her made her upset.

"Aunt Clary, you must help me. You watched me grow up, and you know how I feel about Charles. Kelly used to be in the picture. Now that she's gone, why won't Charles accept me?"

flickered, flashing with intensity as Kelly's face crossed her

then helped Clarisse downstairs, where most of the Hoffman family members had gathered. Charles sat opposite Maxwell's seat of honor. Henry and Nancy sat together, leaving two seats next to Mateo for Clarisse and Janet.

Nancy's sleeve, paused briefly. A sense of coldness

faint smile at Clarisse. "It's been years, yet you remain charming as ever, Clarisse. I'm

was casual as if she was making small talk. Nonetheless, Clarisse's facial features nearly twisted with anger as she sat down next to

longingly, intending to sit beside him, but Chloe arrived with Anna

fussed to be

room and placed her next to him. Meanwhile, Chloe

gathering today. How lively!