The Cherished Wife

Having gained no advantage from her visit to Charles, Clarisse returned directly to the Hoffman residence. Janet supported Clarisse the whole way, her expression no better than Clarisse's.

Although Janet was very dissatisfied with Charles' attitude toward her, she did not dare say anything to his face. She could only follow Clarisse, as she was now the only one supporting Janet's relationship with Charles. Clarisse easily saw through Janet's thoughts. Noticing her low spirits, she patted Janet's hand. "Janet, you must be tired too. Why don't you go upstairs and rest? I have some things to discuss with your uncle." After sending Janet away, Clarisse immediately called for the butler. "Where's Mateo?"

James had served Maxwell for a long time and held a high position in the Hoffman household.

He was even a few years older than Mateo and Henry. He had never quite liked Mateo's wife, especially given Clarisse's early departure from the Hoffman family. It was something he had always criticized privately. However, Clarisse was still a Hoffman family daughter-in-law, so James could not do much about his dislike. "Madam, Mr. Mateo is upstairs."

Clarisse nodded. "I'll go up to see him." She added, "Prepare some refreshments."

"Yes, Madam."

upstairs, then immediately instructed

company over to Charles,

had long since entrusted

meeting with old friends or staying at home. Sometimes, he played chess with Maxwell, and sometimes,

heard footsteps approaching. He furrowed his brows slightly as Clarisse's

Clarisse had never spoken to

net in, Mateo had not finished reading the page he was

reading that page.

with a coat over it. Time had not ravaged her face excessively; she still retained a hint of her former charm, now mixed with traces of age. Mateo set down his book. He nodded slightly and said,

on the book in