The Cherished Wife

"You..." Maxwell never imagined Charles would speak to him this way. "Are you serious? Aren't you afraid I'll strip you of your authority? Aren't you worried I'll take away your right to inherit the Hoffman family?" Charles turned fully to face Maxwell, his gaze calm and unwavering. He stood tall, looking down at the older man.

Once ruthless in his youth, Maxwell now showed signs of aging, though his sharpness remained.

"Of course, I'm serious." Charles' tone was indifferent, almost lazy. "But it seems you've underestimated me, Grandfather."

"What do you mean by that?"

"All these years, do you really think I care about becoming the head of the Hoffman family?"

Charles shot a sideways glance at Mateo. "Dad, Uncle Henry, take good care of Grandfather. I have other things to attend to, so I'll be going."

"Charles, I won't recognize that woman. The Hoffman family will never accept her!"

was already standing tall, but he straightened his back further. "I already told you

become between Charles and

the car door, preventing him from getting inside. "Charlie, how could you speak to our grandfather

his scrutiny and rushed to explain, "Dad asked me to return. Don't worry,

that your

Noelle Shaw?

of the Hoffmans. It was not that she was prejudiced but that the family had rigorous standards for leadership. Charles

men without ability need their wives to assist them with their careers," Charles remarked with disdain, glancing

you stand with the Hoffmans, I won't oppose you. Just know that from here on, I'll walk my own path. And I'll stay

paled, and she bit her lip lightly. "We're family. Why does it have to

his gaze. "You probably think I'm bluffing, but let me be clear-I have no desire for the position of head of the Hoffman family. You can tell Grandpa this. If

and slid inside, giving Chloe one last glance. "Jordy