The Cherished Wife

When Janet saw Charles answer the phone and get ready to leave, she instinctively guessed that the caller must be someone important. What bad timing. It was the Hoffman family's annual dinner, an event Charles had never missed as the future head of the family. Even

Kelly's departure years ago had not seemed to stir much emotion in him.

Trusting her women's intuition, Janet was certain the caller was a woman.

Janet's voice was not exactly loud, but it cut through the room so every member of the Hoffman family heard.

Mateo was the first to catch on, his face clouding over. "Charles, where do you think you're heading?"

Charles gave Janet a sharp glance that soon landed on Mateo. "I've got some stuff to sort out. It's quick, and I'll be back in a flash!"

After all, most of the attendees were there to see Charles, so what would happen to their big party if he left? Charles just scrunched his brow and did not

where

a good girl. I have to run an errand, but I'll be back before you know it!" Charles always

and calmly assured Anna, "You're such a good girl, Anna. I've got something really important to

Anna's eyes were wide with hope

you should stay with your mom. He glanced over at Chloe, who was already on her feet. "Anna, sweetheart,

second before nodding. "Okay, deal!" She piped

close to Anna's. She giggled and

gently tapped Anna's head. "You got it. My word

that, he stood up and