The Cherished Wife

"Hmph!" Sebastian huffed but still allowed Charles to bring the chessboard over. "Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're addressing me as 'sir'. If you ever hurt Nelly in the future, you'll have to sleep with one eye open! I don't care whether you're heir to the Hoffman family or not!" "Understood!" Charles said, a smile on his face as he placed the chessboard on the table. "Would you like to play black or white?"

"I'll play white!"

Charles handed the pieces to Sebastian, and the two sat down to play a game of chess together. Every once in a while, Sebastian would ask him a question. Charles bade his time, directing his black pieces across the board before he asked hesitantly, "Something happened when Noelle went to celebrate the New Year at the Shaw residence the other day. I was wondering if you heard about it, sir?"

Sebastian's hand quivered slightly as he looked at Charles.

Though he was getting on in age, he still had sharp eyes that allowed him to peer into the depths of one's heart. However, even after all these years, he still had not gotten a complete grasp of this student of his.

Upon noticing the look in Sebastian's eyes, a flame appeared in Charles' eyes. "I'm sure you won't tell me the details, but the fact that Nelly is your granddaughter will not change!"

Sebastian shut his eyes before letting out a sigh. "I have no idea if taking you in was the right decision or not!" Sebastian set down the chess piece he was holding and got up from his chair to walk over to his table. He sat there and ran his fingers over the pipe on the table, as still as a statue save for his moving hand.

chess piece down as well. The outcome of the game had already been determined, and it did not

something you

for as long as I can. That's the best response I can offer you. You've always been smart, so I'm sure you can understand what I'm

before crooking a corner upward. "Are

doesn't matter whether it's

now!" Sebastian said, spreading his hand outward. "You don't need to tell me about anything else. I had a

"Tell Noelle to pause her investigation. Knowing won't necessarily make

was the

rang out at the

interrupting Charles and Sebastian's

hearing the knock, both men fell silent. Noelle opened the door, scrunching the corner of her apron in one hand as she

sir!" Charles said as he got to his feet, "What's