The Cherished Wife

Charles, with the utmost composure, peeled the last shrimp and handed it to Noelle. "Here, have this."

Noelle popped the shrimp into her mouth under everyone's watchful eyes. She watched as Charles casually wiped his hands with a napkin, his calmness unshaken. "Alright, take him to Nippori first. I'll follow shortly."

"Right away, Mr. Hoffman!"

Once the manager had left, Sean inquired, "Your uncle?"

Milo was the only person who would go to such lengths to track Charles down here, and the manager had mentioned someone with the surname Baker.

Charles nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I'll be right back." He stood up and looked at Noelle. "Make sure you eat plenty."

Noelle's lips twitched, convinced Charles had lost his mind today, but she managed a composed nod in front of everyone. "Sure." Charles affectionately ruffled Noelle's hair before he exited the private room.

in Nippori and ended

swung open the door to the VIP room and

Charles nodded. "Coffee, please!"

"Right away, Mr. Hoffman!"

"Charles,

had not been able to see Janet or Clarisse in the hospital. He had come up against a brick wall witmet the Hoffmans and could not track Charles down either. Meeting him would have been a real challenge if his people

was not pleased with how Charles was treating him like a joke. "I might be charming, but I'm still your uncle!" Charles smiled, pulled out a chair, and sat across from

with a hint of frost in his voice. He casually tossed his coat overthe chair's back, and just then, a server came in with a coffee set. "Mr. Hoffman, would you like us to prepare your coffee, or would you prefer to do

dismissively. "I've got it,

Charles started messing with the coffee set. He was choosy, taking his time before finally raising his eyes to Milo. "Uncle, you're not back in Capiton celebrating the holidays with

in Brookville instead. Did something urgent come

be playing dumb. How could he not know why