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."

believe you this time," he

his study

the events of the day weighed on her mind. So many unexpected things had happened, leaving

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

Clarisse. There was something odd about what Clarisse had said, but she could not quite pinpoint what it was. Also, Clarisse's hostility

kitchen, she found Nancy sitting in

warmly and motioned for her to sit. "What's the matter, Noelle? You've seemed distracted ever

replied, shaking her head. However, after glancing toward the

can I ask you

the Hoffmans?" Nancy asked, perceptive as

said, "It's nothing major. It's just... Charlie's mother spoke