The Cherished Wife

Ronald's words might not seem so heavy at first, but if she listened carefully, Jane would catch the undertone. She quickly added, "Mr. Wells, I didn't mean anything by it. Winter is my artist, so of course I want the best for her." Ronald gave a nod. "Ms. Gordon, go back and wait for some good news."

Jane's eyes sparkled at that. "Thank you, Mr. Wells."

"Don't thank me!" Charles had made it crystal clear: Winter definitely had to be at the annual meeting. Ronald could not help but wonder Noelle was the reason behind that non-negotiable appearance.

The dinner itself was uneventful, with Jane and Suzy treading lightly around each other. Once the plates were cleared and Jane had rushed off for some emergency, Suzy lingered, her gaze flitting towards Ronald. She was clearly holding back words that were fighting to spill out.

Ronald set aside his napkin and narrowed his eyes. "Ms. Atherton, is there something on your mind?"

she keeps this up, she's going to

up?" Ronald challenged, his gaze steady on Suzy. "Aren't you her best friend? Don't you want to see

so tight that her nails bit into her palms, the

Winter plummet into oblivion, never to claw her way back up. Why else would she abandon her family's empire to stand in Winter's shadow as a lowly

paved while she and Annie were nothing but stepping

piece of tissue across the table to her. Suzy's eyes snapped up,

grabbed the tissue, her hands shaking a little as she dabbed at her eyes. "Sorry, I didn't

know what they say, 'What

meant it. Every