The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Brian did not say anything more. Noelle got the message, though she was not quite ready to drop the topic. "Why? Can't you get over her?" Her?

Brian gave Noelle a puzzled look, then responded, "How do you know about her?"

It was true? "I don't know her. I've just heard that you had a thing for someone once, but I don't know who. Mr. Parker, people have to move on, you know..."

"Ms. Shaw, my personal life isn't something I need to report to you on."

Noelle's face tensed for a moment, then she let out an awkward chuckle. "Sorry, I crossed a line."

For the rest of their time together, they mostly kept to themselves, speaking only about work. Afterward, they headed back to the office. Noelle stepped out of Brian's car, and he drove off to the garage while Noelle headed inside.

In the grand lobby of the Colossus Group skyscraper, Noelle found her way blocked by two stern-faced men in crisp suits. "Ms. Shaw?"

"That's me. And you are?"

"We've been sent by Sir Hoffman. He requests your presence," the man with the dark sunglasses stated firmly. "Please come with us."

"Sir Hoffman?" Noelle's brow furrowed in confusion, her gaze sweeping across the lobby before settling back on the duo. "You mean Charles' grandpa ?"

Only someone with serious clout like Sir Hoffman could waltz into the Colossus Group and whisk people away on a whim, especially with the weighty name 'Sir Hoffman' in tow.

She chewed on her lip, weighing her options for a brief moment. "Can I at least go upstairs to drop off my things?"

"Ms. Shaw, if you're aware it's Sir Hoffman, then there's no time to waste. Let's go now."

The suits were not asking-they were telling. "Our boss wants to see you, and that means you drop everything and come, no matter what or where."

A sharp tug at the corner of her mouth betrayed Noelle's irritation. That was beyond arrogant. Even Charles had not been that overbearing when they first met.

"Please, after you!"

Left with little choice, Noelle managed a tight-lipped smile. "But you've got to let me call my boss and hand off these documents. They're crucial, and he'll need them right away."

17.

The two guys in suits were clearly not thrilled, their brows knitting together in a sign of growing impatience. Noelle did not let that stop her. She was on a mission and dialed Brian's number, just as he walked in from outside. Spotting Noelle, Brian's expression shifted to a slight frown. "Ms. Shaw."

"Mr. Parker, I'm so relieved to see you," Noelle said, rushing over to him with a stack of papers in hand. "These are the documents you needed, right? You mentioned they were super important."

"Yeah, they're important, but they're

not ready yet. Didn't I ask you to finish them by this afternoon?" Brian replied, his eyes briefly flicking to the two men lingering behind Noelle, who seemed fixated on her

Brian's gaze returned to Noelle, who quickly explained, "Mr. Hoffman is waiting on this paperwork, but I've got to run out for a bit. Could you

please finish them up and pass net

them on to Mr. Hoffman?" She

handed over the documents and gave Brian's hand a meaningful squeeze. "Make sure Mr. Hoffman gets them."

Brian narrowed his eyes reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Mr. Hoffman gets the documents. If you're in a rush, go handle your business! Call me if you need anything." "Thanks. I'm counting on you, Mr. Parker!" Noelle let out a relieved breath, then turned to address the impatient duo. "So, where is Sir Hoffman sending me? Lead the way, please!"