The Cherished Wife

It was Janet's shot. It was her chance to shine and get some face time with Charles. It was a golden opportunity.

"If I rock this, Charles has got to notice me. Who knows? He might just take a chance on us," she mused with a hopeful smile.

Becky's lips gave a quick, involuntary twitch. She could not help but think Janet was living in a fantasy world. However, Becky kept her cool, her face a mask of calm. "Look, Ms. Scott, could you maybe head back to work? I've got a ton on my plate, and if I don't get through it, I won't have a second to help you out!"

"Oh, sure, Becky, you do your thing. Um, any chance you could point me in the right direction, or..."

"You'll find all the records and stuff from past annual meetings over at HR. Why don't you check with them?" Becky suggested helpfully, hoping it might actually be useful to Janet.

a relieved sigh and quickly dialed Noelle from the project department. "Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman's

already. She shook her head, puzzled. What was Charles

was losing touch with reality. Noelle, just off the phone herself, shared the sentiment. She was starting to think Charles was a bit off his

off her desk when Arya looked up, her eyes

flashed an embarrassed grin.

many times is that this week? However, seriously, where do you run off to every afternoon?" Arya leaned in, her voice dripping with intrigue. "You're not sneaking

emerged from his office, casting a chilly glance at Arya. "How about focusing on work instead of the latest

Parker!" Arya laughed sheepishly. "I'm not gossiping, just looking out

errand, but I'll be back in a