The Cherished Wife

"My relationship with Mr. Parker is the same as yours," Noelle replied with a playful grin, brushing off the idle chatter.

Arya trusted Noelle. If Noelle said there was nothing to it, then that was that. "Okay, I can breathe easy then. You have no idea. Mr. Parker is a total catch, and girls are practically lining up for him. I just didn't want you getting caught up in all that drama!" "Relax," Noelle said, giving Arya's shoulder a reassuring pat. "You're making it sound way more intense than it is. Mr. Parker's a great guy, and he'll find someone just as awesome. You don't need to stress about it."

The buzz about Noelle and Brian fizzled out as quickly as it had started. With so many people around, the topic changed before you knew it. Besides, the people at the heart of the rumor did not make a big deal out of it, so neither did anyone else. A little ways off, Janet froze when she caught sight of Noelle's face. She could not tear her eyes away, terrified she was mistaken. However, that face was etched in her memory, a face she loathed with every fiber of her being. How could she ever confuse it? What on earth was Kelly doing there?

Was it not years ago that Kelly had left Brookville for good? How on earth could she be at the Colossus Group's annual gala? Impossible.

Janet, are you

until Clarisse's familiar face came into view that she snapped out of it. "Aunt, I

did you see? And why are you all shaky?" She

hand. "It was Kelly. She's

peered around. "Look, Janet, maybe you're just worn out from all the prep for the annual meeting. Could it be

However, Janet was adamant,