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!"

tall, but he straightened his back

tense things had become between

caught up, she blocked the car door, preventing him from getting inside. "Charlie,

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

must know, being the future head of the Hoffmans means that your wife must be someone capable of supporting you.

Noelle Shaw?

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 from the day he was chosen, his life had been

men without ability need their wives to assist them

I made myself clear last time. If you choose to stand with me, I'll welcome it. But if 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 out of your affairs as

bit her lip lightly. "We're family. Why does it have to

me be clear-I have no desire for the position of head of the

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