The Cherished Wife

The gathering was arranged by Sean, and both Peter and Steven showed up. As usual, Steven brought along Eloise, the so-called little firecracker.

However, despite Sean's nickname for her, none of them had ever seen her act that way. Every time she was around, Eloise was quiet and composed, almost like a perfect lady from a well-bred family. Her demeanor made the nickname seem entirely out of place.

Since Eloise was the only woman present, while the four men played cards, she sat quietly to the side without moving-like a statue.

If they had not known beforehand that she was there with Steven, they might have forgotten about her presence altogether.

"I thought you'd be heading back for New Year's," Charles said, placing a card on the table.

His gaze shifted to Steven before he added, "How did that matter with Aunt Nancy go?"

Steven's eyes flickered briefly, and he met Charles' gaze from across the table. With a sharp look, he held a card between his fingers, as if pondering something. He then replied, "What? Does my staying in Brookville bother you?" Charles raised an eyebrow slightly, letting his gaze fall on Eloise. "Is Ms. Naylor not returning to the Naylor family either?"

Eloise, who had been sitting quietly, seemed startled when Charles addressed her.

somewhat dazed. Looking at Charles, she noticed that his eyes, though sharp like Steven's, carried

seemed more probing, as though he could see

a small smile. "I haven't

Rather, it seemed to carry a slight

Steven. The Naylor family has been

not the right

bored lately? Have you handled

to drop the subject, Charles shrugged, feeling unconcerned. "Aunt

it under control," Steven interrupted. He then turned to Eloise. "Are you

"No, I'm fine. Honestly, if I weren't here, I wouldn't know

words were entirely true. She had no other connections in Brookville. Without Steven,

Year's, after all. You know Charles' wife, don't you?

at this. "Steven's right. Nelly's been feeling lonely at home, which is