The Cherished Wife

"Got it," Charles said with a nod. "Thanks, Ms. Eloise."

After Eloise disappeared upstairs, Charles's face turned serious. "I got word from Kerlsberg. Someone's put a big price on my head."

"Wow, Charles. You've really ruffled some feathers, huh? Someone's digging deep into their pockets to take you down, and they've got a heavy hitter from Quill," Sean said, pausing. "But you've been holding your own. You're really giving Mr. Fischer a run for his money." Sean's words hung in the air, changing the room's atmosphere. It felt like everyone was holding their breath.

The other three were silent. All eyes were on Sean. He felt a chill and looked back at them, wary. "Hey, what's with the stares? You're not plotting against me, are you? That's not cool!" Sean wrapped his arms around himself, trying to look small and harmless.

can do? Fine, let's just throw down right

these days!" Sean backed away, hands up. "I'd never win against you. I'm just wondering who'd win in a throwdown-you or Mr. Fischer."

would be extreme enough to send Quill's goons after me. We can pretty much scratch them off the

"They're all business folks, and they don't have the nerve for this kind of thing." He paused, considering his next words. "Their gear was top-notch, like they were out to get

eyes narrowing

like they were only after you, Charles.