The Cherished Wife

"Enough already, you've never been a burden. You're the most important thing to me," Henry said, giving Nancy's hand a reassuring pat. "If you really think it's the right thing to do, then I'll go. However, I'm bringing you with me, just to show our faces." "Alright!"

Nancy nodded, pleased, then quickly asked, "Charles, how's the prep for the annual meeting coming along?"

"Our team's got it pretty much under control. The meeting's in five days, so you guys should definitely come." "And your folks..."

"They'll probably be there too!"

Charles was not too fussed about it. Whether he invited Clarisse or not, she would show up.

He knew exactly what Clarisse was thinking.

A big part of it was the embarrassment of facing the Hoffman family. After all those years, her return to Brookville, to the Hoffman family, was bound to

on a mission, zipping from department to department. Her task was to nail down the exact roster for each team and to make sure

project department, Arya, who never met a stranger, flagged her down. Since

these badges you're handing out?" Arya peered at the badge in her hand, a puzzled look creasing her forehead. "Is there some kind

at this year's company.

all mysterious-like, and nodded at Arya's badge. "Keep it safe, 'cause everyone gets just one. Red lanyards for the Jadies, blue for the gents. Don't lose it, or

the beans. Wasn't the top prize a car last year? It's not

the nail on the head. It's a killer perk." Becky's smile widened. Getting picked to stun the dance floor with the

thought, Becky gave Arya's hand a reassuring pat. "Fingers