The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"I know that," said Charles.

Meanwhile, Noelle had gone upstairs, but she still felt suspicious about Charles' behavior. It was not that she was overthinking. After spending so much time together, she had grown familiar with his moods. Earlier, she had sensed the emotional turmoil he was suppressing. Things were not as simple as he made them seem, but since Charles had chosen not to say anything, she decided not to press him. After hanging up his coat, she lingered upstairs for a while. When she finally came down, she only saw Nancy in the living room. Charles was nowhere to be seen. "Aunt Nancy, where's Charlie?" Noelle asked.

"He's in the kitchen. Come sit with me," Nancy replied with a smile, waving Noelle over.

"But I told him I'd cook dinner tonight!" Noelle said, a little surprised.

"No need. Charlie is handling it. You just come and keep me company for a bit."

"Alright." Noelle glanced toward the kitchen and saw Charles washing vegetables. Smiling, she tapped the kitchen door. "You're cooking?"

Charles turned around. He had put on an apron, which made him look somewhat amusing. Noelle's eyes narrowed with delight, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Charlie, you look like a househusband!" she teased, pulling out her phone. "Strike a few poses! I'm making this my screensaver."

Before Charles could react, Noelle had already taken several photos and scampered away with a giggle.

Charles shook his head with a helpless smile, watching her retreating figure. Meanwhile, Noelle sat beside Nancy and eagerly showed off the photos. "Aunt Nancy, look! Don't you think Charlie looks good in these?" Nancy leaned in to have a look, laughing softly. "He looks wonderful! Better than ever, actually."

Charles' gaze in the photos was filled with unmistakable affection. Nancy saw this clearly-there was no doubt or hesitation. The worry that Charles might see Noelle as a replacement for someone else was unfounded. "And your photography skills make it even better. The photos you take are always the best."

Blushing, Noelle asked, "Really?" She glanced at the photos again, finding them even more delightful. She quickly set one as her new screensaver.

...

Meanwhile, Maxwell had finally

obtained Noelle's background information. As the head of the

Hoffmans, he cared deeply avel

Charles' personal affairs.

However, the report did not offer much beyond what they already knew nothing revealing or unexpected.

Rather than acting immediately, Maxwell chose to remain silent for the time being.

Clarisse, on the other hand, was far

more restless. She was still recovering in the hospital but somehow caught wind of Charles relationship with Noelle. Ignoring her injuries, she set out to confront Noelle directly.

When Noelle encountered Clarisse, she was genuinely taken aback. She had seen Clarisse briefly at the year-end party but had not spoken to her. Today, Noelle had just finished meeting Teresa when she found herself cornered.

"Our madam wishes to speak with you," said a man standing in her path.

"Your madam?" Noelle asked curiously.

The car door swung open, revealing Clarisse's pale face.

At that moment, Noelle instantly understood the reason behind the unexpected encounter-Clarisse must have learned about her marriage to Charles.

Noelle gave a polite smile and greeted her, "Mrs. Hoffman."

Clarisse sneered coldly, "There's no need to play dumb with me."

Noelle furrowed her brows slightly. "What do you want from me?"

"Are you and Charlie married?" Clarisse's voice was sharp, and her expression was fierce, as though she wanted nothing more than to tear Noelle apart.