The Cherished Wife

Noelle suddenly understood. "So, it was the bodyguards you secretly sent who told you? But you arrived way too quickly!" She blinked in disbelief.

"I had barely sat down with Clarisse, and you were already busting in. Did you fly here or something?"

Charles chuckled softly. "That's right. I couldn't stand the thought of you getting hurt, not even a little. So I made sure to get to you as quickly as possible."

"Charlie, you're amazing," Noelle murmured, leaning against his shoulder and rubbing her cheek against his chest. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself too. No matter who it is, I won't let anyone push me around."

Charles teased with a smile, "Really? I find that hard to believe. Every since I've been with you, have you ever given me a moment's peace?"

Noelle blushed with embarrassment. "You don't need to bring up the past! That was before. I mean from now on, nobody will be able to bully me."

I'll believe you this time," he

Charles disappeared into his study to

events of the day weighed on her mind. So many

thought her own family background was already tragic enough. However, the Hoffman family's secrets ran far deeper than she ever imagined. It was

to her conversation with Clarisse. There was something odd about what Clarisse had said, but she could not quite pinpoint what it was. Also, Clarisse's hostility toward her felt strangely out of place. The more Noelle thought about it, the more

kitchen, she found Nancy sitting in the living

to sit. "What's the matter, Noelle? You've seemed distracted

replied, shaking her head. However, after glancing toward the stairs and knowing Charles was still

can I ask you

about Charlie? Or the Hoffmans?" Nancy asked,

upright and said, "It's