The Cherished Wife

Charles was a statue of contemplation, his usual chatter replaced by a heavy silence. "But that just paints a target on their backs. If the Hoffman family catches wind of my personal security boost, it'll send my father and the rest into a frenzy of overthinking." The last thing

Charles wanted was for his family's rivals to sniff out his vulnerabilities.

Peter, who usually kept his thoughts to himself, could not stay quiet. "Without protection, you're just asking for trouble. Yesterday's close call could've actually killed you!" He glanced toward Noelle, concern etched on his face. "She's out of her depth and clueless about the danger. You really think those thugs will back off if they can't get to you? They might just target her instead."

Charles let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. Have them shadow me, but they'd better blend into the background. I don't need a crowd. It'd be better to beef up Noelle's security." The memory of yesterday's scare was still fresh, and he would do anything to keep Noelle out of harm's way.

"Andrew, make it happen. Choose six men to watch over Mrs. Hoffman."

Hoffman!" Andrew was quick to respond, his head bobbing in agreement. "What about

pair will

enough backup. I'll choose four guys

Too many of you would make us

go with Charles's plan." He then turned to

you treat your friends," Sean complained, but Peter was already on his feet. "Fine

anyway. I'm out."

took off, Sean also got the boot. That left Charles

relaxing anytime soon, so he figured the only