The Cherished Wife



Noelle met Charles's concerned gaze and quickly nodded. "I'm fine, really. They didn't lay a finger on me." She flashed him a smile. "What brings you here?"

"Do you really have to ask?" Charles teased, gently tapping Noelle's nose. Sean, standing off to the side, could not take the mushy display any longer and gave a couple of pointed coughs. "Hey, lovebirds, mind taking the romance somewhere else? I did come here to lend a hand, you know."

Suddenly self-conscious, Noelle gently pushed Charles back. "We owe you one, Mr. Smith!"

Charles acknowledged with a nod. "Thanks." He then added, "Stand by Sean."

Charles brushed Noelle's shoulder with a reassuring touch before stepping past her into the fray. His gaze was sharp as it met Maxwell's, who seemed to nearly turn a shade of angry green at the sight of him. "What are you doing here!"

"Why shouldn't I be here?" Charles's voice was calm, his hand casually tucked into his pocket, betraying no emotion. "Grandpa, that was a pretty clumsy move on your part."

"You..."

"Trying to tie me up with work wasn't smart. If you wanted to see Noelle, you could've just told me. I wouldn't have stood in your way!" Charles's words hung in the air for a moment. "Grandpa, I don't care why you're whisking people away from the company, but when you take my wife without asking, I can't just look the other way."

"Charles, are you really going to challenge me over her? Do you have any idea what she just told me? She said..."

"It doesn't matter what she said.

What matters is, next time you want to see Noelle, give me a heads up. wouldn't want to get the wrong idea that someone's out to hurt her you know what I'm capable of, Grandpa. Mess with my people, and there will be consequences."

With that, Charles spun on his heel, took Noelle by the hand, and they left together. Sean, ever the picture of relaxed charm, leaned against the doorframe, watching the drama unfold. After a moment, he flashed his trademark grin. "Sir Hoffman, I'll be on my way too. Charles, wait up!"

At Phoenix Tree Residence, Noelle filled two mugs with coffee and passed them to Charles and Sean before sliding into the seat next to Charles. "I owe you one for today, Mr. Smith."noveldrama

"Come on, we're practically family, Sis." Sean whistled, giving Noelle a playful eyebrow raise.

Noelle blinked, a bit startled, before catching on. "Mr. Smith, cut it out. I know you were just trying to have my back!"

"Just trying to have your back?" Sean frowned. "That's not the only reason. You're acting like you don't need me anymore now that you're safe, but when have I ever gone back on my word?" He turned to Charles for support. "You know what I'm talking about, right?"

Charles's gaze was sharp, a spark of curiosity in his eyes as he met Sean's challenge with a smirk. "You really played your cards right, didn't you?"

Sean's smile was a mix of pride and mischief. "What can I say? I always look out for my sister. Right, Sis?" He had grown quite fond of calling Noelle that. "Her place in the Shaw family is awkward, and it's the same with your Hoffmans. But with us Smiths, it's a whole different story. Even if your grandpa isn't her biggest fan, if she's with us, he wouldn't dare lay a finger on her!"