The Cherished Wife

Noelle turned and gave Sean a quick look. "Mr. Smith, could you drive me home, please?" Sean nodded. "My car's just outside."

"You Smith family brat!" Maxwell stopped Sean with a sharp look. "Are you sure you want to cross the Hoffmans? Charles is still oblivious to his duties and destiny. Are you going to help him blunder through his confusion?"

"Sir Hoffman," Sean replied, puzzled. "I'm not sure what you're getting at. Charles has made plenty of tough calls in the business world with clarity and conviction. I don't think he's lost when it comes to what he wants. Besides, I haven't done much today. I'm just helping Charles by taking his wife home." "You... Are you really going to be so thankless?"

"So, what's your big plan? Leave Noelle hanging around here while you play the waiting game with her?" Sean could not help but chuckle. "Looks like you backed into a corner and had to pull a stunt like this, huh?"

Maxwell's brow creased in frustration as Sean pressed on. "Sure, the Hoffmans are a big deal in Brookville, but don't you dare sell the Smiths short. I might not be all that into the business drama, but that doesn't mean we're short on players." His gaze shifted to Noelle. "Sir Hoffman, are you snubbing Noelle because you think she's not good enough for Charles?"

turned sly. "Or is it possible you're

are you

the only one floored by the comment. Noelle was just as taken

much, but we're certainly not short on men. But girls are a rare gem in our family. I'm my dad's only son. My mom's always wanted a daughter, but she's not strong enough for another kid, so we've kind of

mouth hung open, ready to protest, but she hesitated, realizing that anything she said might just make things worse. Even

who did not even flinch. "If you aren't keen my sister, I guess I'll just have

but Maxwell was not about to let them slip away that easily. He signaled for the bodyguards at the door to step

Sir Hoffman? Has the respect for the