The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Noelle was briefly stunned but then nodded. "Yes, we're married."

She had no intention of hiding it. Since Clarisse already knew, there was no need to lie.

Clarisse's expression darkened further. "Get in the car."

Noelle nodded again. "Alright."

As soon as Noelle got in, the car sped off.

Neither of them spoke during the ride, but Clarisse's eyes roamed over Noelle without restraint, her disdain plain to see.

Noelle took note of it-her future mother-in-law clearly did not like her.

Clarisse silently scrutinized Noelle from head to toe, her gaze filled with contempt-especially since Noelle's face resembled Kelly's so closely.

Noelle remained quiet, choosing to wait and observe. If her opponent did not act, she would not either. Not knowing Clarisse's true intentions, Noelle kept her guard up and made sure not to reveal any of her cards.

After about ten minutes, the car stopped in front of a quiet-looking restaurant. Clarisse stepped out, casting a glance at Noelle, who followed suit.

They entered a private room, and Clarisse handed Noelle the menu. "Ms. Shaw, please order."

The use of 'Ms. Shaw' was enough for Noelle to understand this was not going to be a friendly conversation. "You can order. I'm not picky."

"Not picky? Yet you managed to choose the best," Clarisse said, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Noelle paused slightly. "I assume you invited me here to discuss my marriage to Charlie?"

Clarisse snorted, slamming the menu onto the table. "Since you've brought it up, let's not beat about the bush. You're not suitable for Charlie. Leave him at once!"

Noelle's gaze darkened. As expected, Clarisse was here to oppose their marriage.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Clarisse demanded.

"Whether I'm suitable for Charlie or not, I believe that's something only he and I can decide," Noelle replied calmly.

Even though Clarisse was Charles' mother, Noelle would not back down if someone wanted to break them apart-even if it was his mother.

"You... Someone like you doesn't deserve to be with Charlie. Your background and status can't help him. You only drag him down!"

by

Clarisse listed Noelle's flaws one!

one. And don't think I don't know. You're only with Charlie for his money, power, and status!

"No, you've misunderstood. I'm with him for who he is. He treats me well, and that's all that matters. It has nothing to do with his money, power, or status," Noelle responded firmly.

IMS

Clarisse sneered as if she had just heard a joke. "I've seen women like you before. You all say it's not about the money. So if it isn't, why not marry a poor man?"

Noelle narrowed her eyes slightly, realizing just how deep Clarisse's dislike for her ran.

"So, you're saying I have to marry a poor man to prove my love is genuine?" Noelle's voice turned cold, matching Clarrise's sharp gaze.

"And what about you, Madam Baker?

Why didn't you marry a poor man?

After all, the Bakers are quite wealthy. You could've taken in a penniless man as a live-in

son-in-law. Why did you marry into the illustrious Hoffmans, one of Brookville's most prominent families?"