The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Janet pointed at Noelle and stammered, "C-Charles, s-she's..."

A hint of displeasure flashed in Charles' eyes as he glanced sideways at Janet. He then shifted his gaze toward Clarisse in the audience. Clarisse wore an expression of shock. If it had not been for Mateo holding her down, she might have lost her composure. "Mother, I think Janet is tired from hosting. Why don't you take her to rest?" Charles suggested.

Clarisse snapped back to her senses and shot Noelle a sharp look. Noelle felt puzzled under Clarisse's piercing gaze.

Moments later, Janet began shouting hysterically, shedding her earlier poised demeanor. "No, Charles. I won't leave! This woman is a vixen. Have you forgotten what she did to betray you back then? How can you-"

"Enough!" Clarisse rushed over and grabbed Janet's arm tightly. "What nonsense are you spouting?" she hissed.

Leaning closer, she continued in a low voice, "Look carefully. This woman is not Kelly. Do you not understand the importance of this occasion?" Janet's eyes widened as she looked at Clarisse. "But Aunt Clarisse="

Clarisse interrupted, "Charlie, Janet seems exhausted. I'll take her to rest first. As for the rest of the event, carry on with the hosting."

"Take care, Mother," Charles replied calmly. He then gestured to Ronald to come over. "Have Andrew assign a couple of guards to follow them." "Yes, Mr. Hoffman!" Ronald promptly ordered Andrew to find two sturdy bodyguards. "Madam, Ms. Baker, this way, please."

Though Clarisse was unwilling, she knew this was not the right time or place to cause a scene. She reluctantly led Janet backstage to rest.

The earlier commotion quickly became a forgotten episode as everyone was aware that today was not an ordinary day. It was evident that the matter pertained to Charles' family, which was beyond their reach or concern. Mateo watched as Clarisse left, then glanced at Charles before looking at Henry and Nancy. He felt a headache coming on. "Looks like you two knew about this all along?"

Henry responded, "If that's what you think, Mateo, I won't deny it."

"And that woman..."

Henry squinted slightly while helping Nancy sit down. "We're getting older, Mateo. It's best not to meddle in too many things."

"But that woman, she..."

"Her name is Noelle Shaw. Didn't you hear earlier? She's from Collosusz Group's project department and is under Brian's supervision. Howe bad

could she be? Besides, nothing is set in stone yet." en FindNovel

Mateo frowned. "Seems like you know more than I do."

"Not really."

l.ne

Charles descended gracefully and scanned the room before stopping in front of Noelle with a smile on his face. "May I have the honor of inviting you to have the first dance with me?" He extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner.

Noelle hesitated for a moment. She glanced around and recalled Janet's parting words. Janet had seemed erratie, even spouting incoherent things. She looked entirely unhinged.

IMS

She kept mentioning 'her'. Who was Janet referring to, and why had she looked at Noelle so oddly?

"Ms. Shaw?" Charles noticed Noelle was lost in thought and raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Snapping back to reality, Noelle saw Charles' hand stretched out before her, his fingers elegantly poised.

Biting her lip, she placed her hand in his. "Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Hoffman."

Charles smirked as he gently led Noelle to the center of the hall. One hand held hers while the other chivalrously moved to her back.