The Cherished Wife

Today, Noelle was behind the wheel of the red Ferrari that Charles had gifted her when they tied the knot. The car was a real head-turner and seemed a bit at odds with her current outfit.

Once Brian was in the passenger seat, he was focused on his phone, apparently sorting something out. Noelle, driving alongside him, stole a glance his way. "Busy even after clocking out, Mr. Parker?"

"Oh, it was just an old buddy I hadn't caught up with in ages. It was just a quick catch-up!" Brian pocketed his phone and turned to Noelle with a curious grin. "You know, you're quite the odd one out. Everyone's on edge about the annual shindig, but you're cool as a cucumber." Noelle chuckled. "Should I be biting my nails?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I've been curious about you and Mr. Hoffman..." Brian waggled an eyebrow playfully. "This is off the record and just between us. Feel free to keep quiet."

"It's no big secret. Since you're in the loop, there's no point in playing coy. Charles and I haven't been hitched for long, and we've kept it under wraps. But yes, I got a leg up at Collosus Group thanks to Charles." Noelle glanced at Brian with a teasing look. "Seems to me you weren't exactly my fan when I first showed up."

Brian chuckled. "What, are we dredging up old water under the bridge?"

"Far from it!"

banter continued as they approached the

so the usual crowd was nowhere to be seen-just the Collosus crew and the stars from Royal

met by a server ready to valet park. Noelle handed over the keys with a grateful smile. "Thanks!" and then she and

gathered early, buzzing

that the team could ditch their desks and catch up, so the air ripe with chatter and the clinking of glasses. irwas "Hey, isn't that Mr. Parker

them showing up together?" another added, eyebrows

their story!" someone teased with a knowing

up here side by side? Smells like a secret romance," another concluded