The Cherished Wife

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"You... You got Charles to come?"

Noelle's eyebrow arched higher. "Why so shocked? You should've known he'd show up if you summoned me here." She let out a derisive snort. "Although, right about now, Charles is probably..."

She was mid-sentence when the door flew open with a bang. There stood a man with his hands clasped casually behind his back and a grin that seemed too innocent to be true. He winked at Noelle. "Hey there, Noelle."

Noelle could not help but return the smile. "Mr. Smith!"

Sean propped himself against the now ajar door, his eyes quickly scanning the room before landing on the door he had just booted in. "Sir Hoffman, you wouldn't mind getting a new door courtesy of me, will you?"

"Sean!" Maxwell glared at him, utterly shocked to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"Just hanging out. Charles got held up, so he sent me to keep an eye on Noelle. He mentioned some shady characters have been lurking around and trying to snatch her up. Isn't that right?"

Noelle's lips quirked up. "You're spot on, Mr. Smith. How many times have you dashed over to save the day now?" She laughed lightly. "But you might be here for nothing this time. Charles's granddad wouldn't hurt a fly, much less kidnap me. Right, Grandpa?"

Maxwell, gripping his cane, let out a disdainful huff. He was not buying any of it. "You think you can scare me by bringing the Smith kid here? Not a chance."

"What are you saying, Grandpa?" Noelle challenged with a playful lift of her eyebrow. "Are you really saying I have to leave Charles?"

"Noelle, you and Charles just aren't a good match. Just name your price to walk away from him..."

"I want 150 million dollars," Noelle cut Maxwell off mid-sentence. "So, Sir Hoffman, can you cough up 150 million dollars or not?"

"You've got some nerve, asking for 150 million dollars. Do you really think you're worth that much?" Maxwell's gaze at Noelle hardened, his eyes turning steely.

Noelle brushed off his intimidation. "Looks like you're not willing to pay. Or maybe you don't think Charles is worth 150 million?" "Whether he's worth it or not, I'm not giving you a dime!" He was determined to show Charles that Noelle was only in it for the cash.

"You think I'm after your money?

Please. Charles means more to me than 150 million dollars. If you can't afford the price, then don't bother trying to make deals with me. Noelle's expression turned

She had always known that her relationship with Charles would face challenges, especially once it

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became public. She thought she was ready for anything, but as the pressure mounted, Noelle felt the strain.

Her time with Xavier was marred by family betrayal and her sister stealing her man. With Charles, it began with secrets, and the family interventions were becoming all too familiar.

Even with the toughest heart, Noelle could not help but feel a twinge of embarrassment.

Why did everyone assume she was with Charles just for his money and the Hoffman family's prestige?

Noelle held her head high with

stubborn pride, keeping her back straight throughout, refusing to show any sign of weakness. Her eyes were icy as she faced Maxwell, but they shone with unwavering determination. "Sir Hoffman, the Charles I love isn't defined by his wealth. Even if he ends up with nothing, I'll stick by him. The only way we'll part is if our love ever fades one day. Otherwise, nobody can tear us apart, not even you."