The Cherished Wife

Charles sneered, "Nothing wrong? The Bakers are the least innocent of all. Don't assume that just because I was a child back then, I didn't know what was going on.

"My father was merciful toward you out of affection, but that doesn't mean I will be. You trampled on his feelings and sought to take everything from the Hoffmans. Your family's schemes were just too perfect, weren't they?"

Clarisse's face turned deathly pale. "Do you even understand what you're saying? How could I have done such a thing? I'm your mother! How could I possibly do that?"

"You wouldn't, but that doesn't mean the Bakers wouldn't," Charles replied, steadily closing the distance between them. "Go ask your beloved brother what he did 35 years ago. My father treated you with kindness and respect, but you repaid him by helping others hurt him. "Then ask your brother what he did to my father 25 years ago and what he did to Janet three years ago."

Charles advanced step by step, forcing Clarisse to back away.

At first, his words seemed absurd, but anyone with insight could tell the weight of his accusations. Clarisse was the person most entangled in these events-whether 35 years ago, 25 years ago, or even three years ago. The truth struck a nerve with her. "No, that's impossible!"

change in Clarisse's expression did not escape Charles' sharp gaze. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he observed her shaken state.

not just throwing out baseless accusations. If you want the answers, I

it! I gave birth to such a

"For the sake of this woman, you've discarded every trace of family loyalty. Does reopening my

eyes, but his voice remained cold. "And yet, didn't you wield your wounds against my father and show him no mercy just to satisfy your

eyes, am I truly like this?" "Isn't that

father's drink and send a woman to his bed. That

in shock as she stared at Charles as if

was only six