The Cherished Wife

Winter was on a roll with the Saint Di ad campaign. In just a few days, they wrapped up filming. Over at Unchallenged Dominion, they had officially launched the production team and announced Winter's character first.

The gossip about Charles and Winter had been hushed up and pulled from the headlines, but they could not squash internet chatter that easily. People were still whispering, wondering if there was something between Charles and Winter. Xavier and Joseph were also caught up in the rumor mill. They were not totally up to speed with all the online buzz, but since it involved their wife and daughter-in-law, they could not help feeling a bit on edge.

Winter had moved back home and cleared the air about that incident, but they still felt awkward. Joseph kept his cool, though. With Winter holding a piece of the Shaw family pie, he was all about keeping Xavier from blowing his top and starting a fight with Winter.

Xavier was kicking himself for his choices. Why had he ditched Noelle for Winter and the glitter of wealth and status? Rumors were swirling about Winter and another man, and not just any man-Charles, someone with more clout and prestige than Xavier could ever claim. It stung. Xavier was a regular guy, and no regular guy could shrug off gossip about his wife, especially when it involved a high-roller like Charles.

"I'm back!"

door swung open and Winter stepped into the silence of an

out from the kitchen, a look of surprise crossing her face. "Mrs. Harris, you're back?" However, seeing Winter's expression, she quickly bowed her head. "Mrs. Harris, Mr. Harris isn't home yet. I was about to start dinner. What

to Winter's cheeks. "Something simple will do!" she called over her shoulder, heading for the stairs. She paused, a thought striking her. "Actually,

"Of course!"

swapping out the bed linens for fresh ones,

early return today. He gave her a quick once-over and turned his back on her. Winter felt a