The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 835

Charles' gaze darkened, his entire demeanor radiating coldness. "You can try."

"Do you think I won't? Bring that woman here right now! I want to see for myself what makes her so special-or is it just that you can't let her go?" Maxwell barked through the phone, his anger palpable. Charles ended the call and looked up at Noelle and Nancy.

Sensing something was off, Noelle asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did something happen at the company, or is it the Hoffmans?"

"It's nothing. Just a minor issue," Charles replied calmly, though his tone hinted otherwise.

He turned to Nancy. "Aunt Nancy, I need to head back to the residence for a bit. Would you and Nelly be alright going home on your own?"

Nancy instantly grasped the situation and glanced at Noelle before nodding. "Yes, that's fine. I'm feeling a bit tired anyway and could use some rest."

"Good. I'll have Ronald come and take you back shortly," Charles said.

"There's no need, Charlie. Just go handle what you need to. I can take care of Aunt Nancy," Noelle insisted. She was concerned by how serious Charles seemed.

"I can't leave you two on your own, especially with Aunt Nancy not feeling well. Stay here at the garden house for a bit. Ronald will be here soon." Charles dialed Ronald's number and gave him instructions. "Alright," Noelle agreed reluctantly. While she was not worried for herself, Nancy's health was a priority.

Charles left immediately, driving straight to the Hoffman residence. By the time he arrived, the atmosphere there was heavy, like the air before a thunderstorm.

As soon as his car pulled up, James rushed to open the gate. "Mr. Charles, you've returned?"

Charles gave a brief nod. "Is Grandfather alone?"

"No, both Mr. Mateo and Mr. Henry are here as well." James glanced behind Charles. "Mr. Charles, did you come alone?"

Charles smirked slightly but said nothing as he walked past James and went into the residence.

The tension in the house was palpable. The moment Charles entered, Maxwell's sharp eyes fell on him, his expression darkening when he saw that Charles had come alone. "Where is that woman?" Maxwell demanded, his anger simmering.

"What woman?" Charles responded casually, shrugging off his coat and handing it to James. He scanned the room, noticing that Mateo, Henry, and even Chloe were present. Chloe gave Charles a subtle look, but Charles only cast a fleeting glance in her direction, showing no particular reaction.

Maxwell, who was seething,

slammed his cane against the floor. "Don't play dumb. The household staff saw her. She was in your car when you came to pick Nancy up.

Do you think everyone here is a fool?"

QUMS

"If you already know, why bother asking me?" Charles replied coolly, settling comfortably into a chair.

He remained utterly unbothered. He was the calmest presence in the room despite the tension.

Maxwell snapped, "I told you to break up with her-immediately! Don't think I don't know what's going on in that head of yours. Listen carefully-Kelly was impossible, and this one is too.

"She's not Kelly. She's just someone who happens to look like her. Whatever feelings you still have for Kelly, bury them for good."

Maxwell's tone was harsh and unwavering. He was resolute. No matter who this new woman was, as long as she bore Kelly's face, he would not allow it.

Charles let out a faint scoff, rubbing

his thumb thoughtfully along the base of his other hand. Then, a quiet chuckle escaped his lips.

ve

"Grandfather, it seems you truly don't understand me at all.