LOGINShare
Chapter 181
Related chapters
The Cherished Wife Chapter 182
Teresa finally calmed down and gave Noelle an exasperated look. "My calmness depends on the situation. I mean, this is Charles Hoffman we're talking about! How can that not be shocking? Just ask Rowena.""Exactly. Teresa is absolutely right," Rowena agreed, nodding earnestly. "When I first heard that she married Charles, I had the same reaction as you, Teresa." Rowena hooked her arm around Noelle's shoulder. "But seriously, there's no time like the present. Since you're going to introduce us to Charles, let's do it today. We're free, and it's the weekend. Who knows when your busy husband will have time otherwise?""Now?" Noelle thought for a moment. "Alright. Let me call him and see if he's available."The three of them found a comfortable place to sit, and Noelle dialed Charles' number. Rowena glanced at the screen and burst into laughter. "Teresa, guess what name Noelle has saved for Charles in her phone?""Hubby?""That's too cliche. Try again.""Sweetheart?""She's labeled
The Cherished Wife Chapter 183
"Didn't you say to call you when my friends were ready to meet? Is today okay?" Noelle asked cautiously while Rowena yelled from the side, "Hey, Noelle's darling, when are you treating us to a meal?"Charles' narrow eyes brightened instantly at Rowena's words, his lips curving into a smile. He suddenly felt a surge of good mood.He then waved to Andrew, indicating that he was leaving.Andrew stared at Charles in disbelief. To him, Charles had always been an imposing figure, someone who kept others at a distance. He had never seen this gentle side of Charles before. As Charles walked away, he exuded a soft aura."What the hell?!" Andrew's back was suddenly slapped by someone, and he instinctively countered with a grappling move. It led to a brief tussle before it stopped. "Don't slap my back like that."Andrew was big but not dim-witted. "By the way, is Mr. Hoffman in a celebratory mood lately?"Ronald was Charles' assistant and was often by his side, which made Andrew a bit envio
The Cherished Wife Chapter 184
Noelle instinctively wanted to refuse when she heard this. To her surprise, however, Charles agreed without hesitation, "Sure, get Noelle to drive you all back later."As he said this, he turned the car around and headed to the largest nearby mall to do some shopping.Rowena hung up the phone and looked at Teresa with a sly smile. "See? Charles is so easygoing!"Teresa shook her head disapprovingly. She felt Rowena's actions might not be appropriate. "This is the first meeting. We should make a good impression since he's Noelle's husband.""It's fine. We can also check out Noelle and Charles' home and see how well Charles treats her!" Rowena's intention was clear. She was not concerned about a meal but wanted to ensure Noelle was well taken care of.With Xavier as a precedent, Rowena was now cautious of everyone. Despite Charles' good impression the previous night, Rowena wanted to see for herself how Noelle was doing.Even if Noelle did not say it, Rowena could tell that Noelle
The Cherished Wife Chapter 185
Noelle bit her lip, unsure of how to explain. "It was a coincidence. I was drugged twice, and he saved me both times. Later, I found out he was my grandfather's student. "Do you remember my grandfather's favorite student? The prodigy who finished all university courses at a young age and then went abroad?""That's Charles? No way!" Rowena exclaimed, glancing at Noelle in astonishment. "You two are really fated! So, you married Charles because he was your grandfather's student?"Noelle shook her head. "You know my situation. Besides my grandfather, the rest of the Shaws treat me terribly." Noelle then told Rowena and Teresa the gist of what had happened.Rowena's eyes widened. "So, that's why you married Charles? This sounds so unreal. But the Shaw family members are truly awful. You're also a part of the family. How could they treat you like that?""That's not the main point. But is this truly what you want, Noelle?" Teresa was more concerned about Noelle's feelings. "I understan
The Cherished Wife Chapter 186
Noelle could not help but glance at Teresa a few more times. "I see you've been corrupted by Rowena!""What do you mean corrupted? I'm perfectly fine!" Rowena protested with a huff, "Teresa and I just can't stand seeing people bully you. They only pick on you because you're their relative. If it were me, I'd hang them up and give them a beating!""Oh, come on!" Noelle smiled wryly. "I know you too well. You're all bark and no bite!"The three of them chatted and laughed in the car. Noelle drove steadily and at a slow pace. Suddenly, a speeding car zoomed past them. The driver rolled down the window to make a mocking gesture."Who the hell is that? So annoying!" Rowena's temper flared immediately. "Noelle, overtake them."Noelle pressed her lips together and shook her head. "I'm not that skilled a driver. And why get into a fight with a stranger? Besides, we're almost there."Her calm demeanor made Rowena fume. "Didn't you see how that guy looked down on us?"Noelle laughed softl
The Cherished Wife Chapter 187
Not only Sean but even Rowena and Teresa noticed something different about Charles.Noelle smiled. "Yes, I'm back.""Hi, Charles. Remember me? We met last night." Rowena waved. "I'm Noelle's friend, Rowena. And this is Teresa.""Yes, hello!" Charles greeted them with a smile. Rowena's friendly greeting put him in an exceptionally good mood."Hey, hey, hey, Charles Hoffman. Is this how you treat your friends?" Sean could not stand Charles showing favoritism right in front of him."Do you have a problem with that? Why are you here this time?" Charles glanced at Sean. He had not invited him over.Sean pursed his lips. "Can't I just visit you after not seeing you for a while?" Sean had seen people burn bridges before, but not quite like this. His charming eyes, though smiling, gave off a menacing vibe.Charles narrowed his eyes, not bothering to respond to Sean. Instead, he walked over to relieve Noelle of her things, taking them in his hands. "Are you tired? Go rest with your frien
The Cherished Wife Chapter 188
Charles took the paper and glanced at it, his brows furrowing together. "Are you sure?"Sean replied, "Don't you trust me? I tested it myself. So, you need to be careful, and keep an eye on your wife.""Yes. I understand," Charles nodded, putting away the test results. "Since you're here, stay for dinner.""Of course."The two friends went downstairs together, and they could hear the pleasant laughter of the three women in the living room. Charles' lips curled into a warm smile.Sean glanced at Charles and chuckled. "You're definitely smitten."Charles shot him a look. "Don't want dinner anymore?"Sean shrugged helplessly. "I'm just joking. No need to be so serious!"Noelle and Rowena were reminiscing about their school days, sharing embarrassing stories from when they were classmates and dorm mates. They knew each other inside out."What are you lovely ladies talking about?" Sean walked over, smiling harmlessly.Noelle stopped laughing and greeted him, "Mr. Smith.""No need
The Cherished Wife Chapter 189
Noelle entered the kitchen and saw Charles busy cooking. She stood at the door for a while. Sensing her presence, Charles paused and asked, "Why aren't you sitting with them?""We're all just sitting around while you're busy by yourself. Can you manage everything?" Noelle observed Charles for a bit, noticing his methodical approach to cooking. She watched for a while before asking, "Do you need any help?"Charles' movements hesitated slightly and then he nodded. "Check on the stew. I had it on high heat earlier. You can turn it down to a simmer now.""Okay!" Noelle walked over and took a sniff. "It smells great. What kind of stew is it?""Lamb stew," Charles replied after a moment. "You were drugged yesterday. There's probably still some residue in your system. Eating some stew will be good for you."Noelle smiled and nodded. "Alright. But what kind of drug did I take? I don't remember anything. And about Winter..." Noelle suddenly realized something had been bothering her all d
Latest chapter
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1534
Kelly had been spending the past few days with Seth, whose health had improved significantly. After the recent incident, Kelly stayed in Brookville for a while, using the time to reflect deeply. One of the reasons she had not left Brookville was because of Seth's biological father.It had been almost four years. Not too long, yet not short either.Kelly thought she had let it go, but the DNA report comparing Seth with Maxwell made her hesitate once again.She always knew Seth was not Charles' child. She was fully aware of who the father was, yet his true identity remained a mystery.During those months four years ago, that man had stayed by her side, sharing a deeply unforgettable time with her. It was so unforgettable that she had pushed aside questions about his identity or purpose, choosing instead to immerse herself in the moment with him.Yet she was nothing more than a pawn for him to use against the Hoffmans in the end.Strangely, Charles had been absent from Brookville du
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1533
Grant's expression turned ice-cold in an instant. "What are you planning to do?""Kelly is Noelle's biological sister. Sean said only enzymes extracted from close relatives' blood might save Noelle. Whether it works or not, I have to try," Charles replied. His gaze was intense in a way Grant had never seen before.Grant had not expected to ever witness such an expression on Charles' face. He frowned deeply but eventually nodded. "I'll try, but she still doesn't know she's part of the Smith family.""You didn't tell her?" Charles was visibly surprised. He had assumed Grant would have already told Kelly the truth.Now, hearing that Kelly had no idea about her connection to Noelle or the Smith family, Charles was taken aback."I'll bring her over as soon as I can. Give me some time.""Fine, but don't take too long. Nelly can't wait," Charles said firmly. He understood that revealing the truth to Kelly and convincing her to help Noelle would not be easy. However, since Grant had ag
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1532
Sean emerged with a somber expression. "Margaret has confirmed that there's a fresh needle mark on Noelle's arm. That shadow from earlier must have injected something into her, which likely triggered her immediate symptoms."Charles clenched his fists, the sound of his knuckles cracking filling the tense air. "What's the plan?""Before the virus spreads too deeply, we could try using blood from Noelle's close relatives to extract certain components that might counteract it," Sean explained.Charles narrowed his eyes. "Be clearer. What are you suggesting?""This idea isn't fully tested. I only came across it in medical literature, and there's no guarantee it will work. If the virus hasn't invaded her bone marrow, we might still have a chance."Charles' expression eased slightly, but a hint of apprehension lingered. He glanced at Sean, who hesitated before continuing. "We need to call in Uncle Harrison and Shirley. Ideally, we should also bring Kelly here.""Fine!"Harrison arrive
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1531
"Make sure to cooperate well with Dr. Ellison, alright?"Charles leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Noelle's forehead before stepping out with Sean. "What's going on?"Outside, Peter, Tania, and Brandon were waiting. Brandon kept peeking into the room, and his curious eyes were wide with concern. "Uncle Charles, what's wrong with Aunt Noelle?"Charles' expression softened immediately. He reached out to tousle Brandon's hair gently. "Aunt Noelle is fine. She's just feeling a little sick.""Oh, then Bran will give Aunt Noelle some candy. If Auntie eats candy, she won't hurt anymore," Brandon said with childlike earnestness, pulling a few candies from his small bag and handing them to Charles."Uncle Charles, give these to Aunt Noelle!""Alright."Charles accepted the candies, his gaze drifting back to the room. He watched through the window as Noelle cooperated with Margaret's examination. His chest felt unbearably tight with worry."Have you figured out what to do yet?""Wh
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1530
"Mm, you didn't cry," Noelle said with a faint smile.Her face was still pale, but it was clear she had passed the peak of her pain.She placed her hands gently on Charles' face, slowly pulling herself up. After finding a comfortable position, she leaned into him, her head nuzzling against his chest like a mother soothing her child.Her delicate fingers traced the contours of his face. "You didn't cry."Charles could not help but tremble slightly. Lowering his gaze, he found Noelle looking up at him. She cupped his face with both hands, her body leaning closer, and her forehead was lightly pressing against his.She rubbed against him gently. "You were just worried about me," she said softly. Then, she placed a gentle kiss at the corner of his mouth."Our Charlie is the best, the strongest. How could he cry? Crying is my job."Noelle's smile was so tender and warm that it seemed to melt the storm brewing in Charles' heart.He carefully wrapped her in his arms, brushing his face
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1529
"She has the virus too?" Tania gasped sharply. She had never experienced an outbreak herself, so she did not realize how excruciating it could be. Seeing Noelle in such pain now, Tania froze. "Then, we...""Peter, take Tania and Bran outside!" Charles shot Peter a look. Peter nodded and led Tania out of the room.Charles took a deep breath, then grabbed Sean forcefully by the collar. "What do we do now?""Charles, calm down. Just calm down. I don't know the right treatment yet. I can only...""What did you just say? You don't know how to treat her?" Charles' voice was a growl, his eyes blazing with fury."Do you realize how much pain Nelly is in right now? You're a doctor, and you're telling me you don't know how to help her?"He lifted Sean off the ground by his collar, his entire body trembling with rage. "Look carefully! The person lying there is Nelly. She's your cousin. And you're telling me there's nothing you can do?"Charles' bloodshot eyes reflected his desperation as
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1528
"Yes, and coincidentally, the registered name is Yves Hoffman!"Charles' expression instantly darkened. "What did you just say?""The hospital keeps these records confidential, but I managed to pull some strings. Yves is someone from the Hoffman family!"Charles' gaze turned cold and sharp, locking onto the name. His tone was steely. "There's no one by that name in the Hoffmans."If such a capable person existed within the family, he would have known by now.Although the Hoffmans were a vast family, Charles was familiar with anyone who had notable skills or influence.The existence of this Yves puzzled him. If someone like this was truly from the Hoffmans, there was no way he would not have known.Peter's face grew serious. "If Kelly was indeed abducted and later gave birth to Seth, then this man could very well be Seth's biological father."If he's connected to the Hoffmans, it explains why Seth's DNA matches someone from your family."Charles nodded. "That was my theory as w
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1527
"What are you even saying?" Noelle reached out, gently pushing Charles aside and pulling him to sit next to her.Her delicate hands rested on his cheek, then traced over his brow bone. She shook her head with a soft laugh. "You're the one who saved me."Charles moved his lips as if to speak but swallowed his words when he met Noelle's eyes. "I just blame myself for not protecting you this time," he murmured."You can't blame yourself for that. The one to blame is the person who captured me. They were in the shadows while we were in the light. How could we know what they'd do next?"Don't dwell on it too much. Look at me—I'm perfectly fine now," Noelle reassured him, her hand lightly caressing his face. "You haven't been resting well these past few days, have you?"Her earnest gaze landed on him, leaving Charles no room to deflect. He nodded. "I missed you too much to sleep.""What a sweet talker!" Noelle smiled shyly before admitting, "I missed you too.""Charlie, do you know wh
The Cherished Wife Chapter 1526
Charles narrowed his eyes slightly. "Alright, understood."Ronald was still stiff from fear, and he felt as though his entire body was frozen. He was terrified Charles might lose his temper and send him flying with a single kick.He had not forgotten how Andrew had been on the receiving end of several kicks from Charles that day. Despite being much tougher than Ronald, Andrew was still nursing his aching chest from the encounter."Mr. Hoffman, I'll take my leave now," Ronald blurted before making a hasty retreat.Leaning casually against the edge of Noelle's bed, Sean scoffed, "Charles, look at you. Your subordinates are scared to death of you."Charles lifted his gaze, coldly sweeping his sharp eyes across Sean's face. "Aren't you leaving yet?""Damn!" Sean cursed under his breath. "Talk about burning bridges!"Turning to Noelle, he complained, "Noelle, look at your husband! Treating his cousin-in-law like this—give him a good scolding for me!"Charles cracked his knuckles, an
