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.

her expression somewhat dazed. Looking at Charles, she noticed that his eyes,

probing, as though he could see into her soul. His sharpness was then

a deep breath. After nervously squeezing her hands, she forced a small smile. "I haven't reunited with the

voice was not soft and delicate. Rather, it seemed to carry a

slightly, and he gave a faint smile. "That doesn't sound like Steven. The Naylor family has been searching for you for over 20

almost imperceptibly. "It's not the right time yet," he said,

are you bored lately? Have you handled your

to drop the subject,

have it under control," Steven interrupted. He then

if I weren't here, I wouldn't know where else

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

seemed a bit surprised. "It's New Year's, after all. You know Charles' wife, don't you? You could

which is why she went out today to meet with a couple of