The Cherished Wife

Joseph heard the remark and quickly ran through the list of Hoffman members in his mind, matching this woman with what he knew about them.

He had never met her before, but from the way she spoke to the butler and her tone, it was clear her status in the Hoffman household was significant.

Although Joseph had not visited the Hoffman residence that many times, he was quite familiar with the family members.

The only person he had not met, who was known to be formidable, was Mateo's wife, Clarisse. With a closer look at her attire, Joseph squinted and immediately put the pieces together.

"Madam Baker, pleased to meet you. I'm Joseph Harris. My wife's a distant relative of the Hoffmans," he said, introducing himself.

"A distant relative? I've been with the Hoffmans for many years and I've never seen you before," Clarisse replied bluntly.

She was telling the truth; she really had not seen Joseph before, and from his appearance alone, she already did not like him.

the Hoffmans don't need these things." Clarisse

had a different perspective. He thought it was appropriate to bring gifts when visiting, not realizing this would expose how distant he actually was to the

not for just any visitor who walks in. Even a slave

and James looked uncomfortable. Joseph had not expected his visit to go so poorly right from the start. He even ran into woman who offered no courtesy-and that woman was Charles' mother, of all people. It was clear now why Charles had such an

was not really upset with him

to

he was looking for Sir Hoffman, and Sir Hoffman truly is occupied today!" James explained before turning to Joseph. "Mr. Harris,

here." Being the shrewd man he was, Joseph knew Maxwell would likely continue to

unwilling to let

away. If Frotconn could participate in the West City project, securing even