The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Tania initially intended to follow Peter upstairs, but Noelle quickly held her hand. "Tania, come sit with me!" "But Brandon..."

"Peter can take care of Brandon. Come sit down. I wanted to ask you about your trip to the hospital today."

Reluctantly, Tania watched Peter carry Brandon upstairs. Charles shot a long look at Noelle, shook his head, and then followed Peter up.

Peter undressed Brandon and took him to the bathroom to clean him up. When he emerged, he noticed Charles waiting there with an amused look on his face. Peter frowned slightly. "Need something?"

With his arms crossed, Charles leaned against the wall, observing Peter in full dad mode. "I never thought I'd see you like this."

Peter cast an indifferent glance at him. "You're just jealous."

Charles raised an eyebrow, neither agreeing nor denying. "What happened today? Let's hear it."

Peter was quiet for a moment before saying, "Jack's back. What else could it be?" He placed Brandon on the bed, tucked him in, and motioned for Charles to step outside. Charles grinned. "So, I heard you took Tania to the Lennon residence?"

Hearing that, Peter's footsteps paused for a moment. "Since he's back, I figured i might as well play along."

"Keep Tania safe."

"No need to remind me of that." Peter frowned slightly. "Anything else?"

"So, you've been sidelined." Charles didn't phrase it as a question but a fact, sounding a bit amused. "Your old man sure is something. Passing over a gem for a bunch of worthless stones."

Peter fell silent for a beat, and Charles continued, "What do you plan to do?"

"Take things as they come. Besides, I never planned to stay at Lennon Group for long anyway. His return actually makes things easier."

"Sir Lennon might just die from anger if he hears you say that." Charles gave Peter's shoulder a firm pat. "Let me know if you need anything."

Since Xylos had treated one of the Hoffmans this way, Charles felt no need to hold back.

Peter's eyes gleamed. "Not yet, but about that proposal you made to partner with Lennon Group..."

"I'm on it." Charles smirked. "And the company in Cascade City?"

"With Steven there, I'm not worried. Lennon Group's share price is going to plummet soon, so keep an eye out. It's not the right time for me to

1ut you and Steven can handle it

as you see fit."

Peter then got to his feet. "It's getting late. I'll head back."

"Peter," Charles called out lazily as Peter turned to leave. "You know, you already had her at your place, yet you still brought her back."

Peter narrowed his eyes and met Charles' half-smiling gaze. "You're Tania's cousin, so you should be on her side."

Charles dropped his smirk. "She's

my cousin, but her being here is

seriously cutting into my time

Noelle. Peter, if you have any

decency left, settle this soon.

There's no sense in dragging it out while you've got a son in the picture."

Peter's eyes glinted, and he gave a meaningful smile. "Charles, are you envious or maybe even a bit jealous?"

"Get out!"

As Peter expected, within three days of Jack's appointment, Lennon Group began showing signs of instability. In fact, internal unrest started brewing the moment Jack took over.