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!"

not escape Charles' sharp gaze. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he observed her shaken state. He withheld his sneer,

believe you're a smart woman. I'm not just throwing out baseless accusations. If you want the answers, I can even show you

see it! I gave birth to such a wonderful son, didn't I? One who would do this to his own mother

jabbed a trembling finger at Noelle. "For the sake of this woman, you've discarded every trace of family loyalty. Does reopening my old wounds bring

glint of sharpness flashed in Charles' 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 own desires?" Clarisse stood frozen, staring at Charles in stunned disbelief. She wanted to refute his words but could not find

Is this really how you've seen me all these years? In your eyes, am I truly like this?" "Isn't that the truth?" Charles

moment of silence, he continued, "When I was six years old, I saw your drug my father's drink and send a woman to his bed. That was the moment I realized just how ruthless of a woman you are. Or

in shock as she stared at Charles as if she was seeing him for the first

years old. Charles was only six