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!"

paused briefly. He was already standing tall, but he straightened his back further. "I

tense things had become between

from getting inside. "Charlie, how

at her with an unreadable expression, his gaze cold and distant. Chloe felt uneasy under his scrutiny and rushed to explain, "Dad

that your

Noelle Shaw?

competence, but in her eyes, Noelle was not fit to become the matriarch of the Hoffmans. It was not that she was prejudiced but that the family had rigorous standards for leadership. Charles was not an ordinary man. From the moment of his birth and

assist them with their careers," Charles remarked with disdain, glancing

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

"We're family. Why

"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 he wants to choose someone

giving Chloe one last glance. "Jordy avoids getting involved in family