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Chapter 853
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The Cherished Wife Chapter 854
"Whoa, Charles, all done with work?" Noelle's eyes lit up as she scrambled up and pulled Charles onto the bed. She tucked him under the blanket and gave his hand a playful tug. "You wrapped up super early today!""Yeah, I got through most of it," Charles replied, casting a glance at Noelle's phone. "Catching up with friends?"Noelle nodded. "Yeah, Teresa. Hey, do you have the scoop on Brian?"Charles quirked an eyebrow, gave Noelle a quick once-over, then peeked at the glowing chat on her phone and grinned. "What's up? Trying to play matchmaker?""Would that be so bad?" Noelle grinned back. "Teresa's the quiet type, you know? She's not the kind to stir up drama. Brian seems like he'd be a good match for her.""It's not really up to you to decide if they're a good match or not," Charles teased, giving Noelle's nose a playful tweak. "They've got to figure that out on their own.""Just hear me out, I think there's a real shot here. A coworker spotted Brian and Teresa grabbing dinner
The Cherished Wife Chapter 855
Noelle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she swatted Charles's hand away. "You're so shameless!""Am I?" Charles's eyes danced with laughter. He curled his finger under her chin, lifting her face for another kiss. Their lips met in a tender, lingering embrace. When they finally parted, both panting softly, Charles teased her with a grin, "There's more where that came from, my lady. Care to indulge?"The following morning, Noelle descended the stairs, hand on her aching back, muttering about how Charles did not know how to go slow. Why on earth had she trusted a man's sweet nothings in the heat of the moment?"Up and about already?"Charles emerged from the kitchen with two small bowls in hand. Spotting Noelle's pouty, aggrieved expression, he cheerfully gestured to the dining table. "Come have breakfast. You've got a day at the construction site ahead, right? Don't starve yourself!"Noelle sulked over to the table, her reluctance fading as she saw the lavish spread. "Why'd yo
The Cherished Wife Chapter 856
However, something nagged at Noelle. She recalled Charles mentioning that Colossus Group had been giving Lennon Group the cold shoulder because of some issue with Peter. What changed, then?"Is something the matter? Is there something that's not making sense?""Nope, all good. I'll keep on reading!"Brian and Noelle had been so wrapped up in work that the afternoon crept up on them. Brian, ever the workhorse, often worked through meals and barely noticed his surroundings once he was in the zone. It was not until he closed his notebook that he spotted Noelle in the car, nibbling on something from an insulated lunch box."Whoa, I totally forgot about lunch," Brian said, approaching her with an apologetic grin."Want some?" Noelle offered, popping open the lid of her lunch box.Charles had packed comfort food, the kind that still tasted good even if it was not piping hot. Brian chuckled at the sight of the lunch box on the seat, a mix of amusement and self-reproach in his eyes. "You
The Cherished Wife Chapter 857
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 you
The Cherished Wife Chapter 858
Brian's eyes narrowed as he watched Noelle walk away with the two sharp-dressed guys. He did not waste a second before he bolted for the elevator and shot up to Charles's office.Becky, spotting Brian's rushed arrival, blurted out, "Mr. Parker, are you here for Mr. Hoffman?""Yeah. Where is he?”"Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Wells stepped out. Is it something urgent?" Becky eyed Brian, who looked a bit off. "Or you can tell me, and I'll let Mr. Hoffman know.""It's fine."With Charles nowhere in sight, Brian had to bail, but he could not shake off the worry for Noelle's safety. He whipped out his phone and dialed Charles, only to get the 'out of service' beep. Brian's frown got deeper.Meanwhile, Noelle was in the back of a car that was cruising along, destination unknown. She figured worrying would not help, so she braced herself to see what Sir Hoffman wanted. Given her last run-in with Clarisse, Noelle braced for a showdown, probably even tougher than before.Head down, Noelle fished
The Cherished Wife Chapter 859
Noelle had waited in the living room for a good half-hour, but Sir Hoffman was nowhere to be seen. She frowned slightly, curious about what he was really up to.Upstairs, Maxwell was glued to the surveillance screens, not missing a beat of Noelle's actions since she had walked in.What he had not anticipated was Noelle's ability to stay so calm. Time ticked by, and she barely moved an inch, only having asked for water at the start. She had not shown the slightest hint of impatience so far.Beside Maxwell stood James, the seasoned steward of the Hoffman family. He had caught Noelle's act too, and it left him a bit taken aback by the girl's knack.Maxwell's brow was creased with thought. "What's your take on her?"He was clearly asking James, who looked surprised. He took a moment before replying, "Sir Hoffman, I'm just a steward. I'm not the best at sizing up people!"Maxwell let out a dismissive grunt. "We can't keep this woman around!""Why not?""She's got an even cooler head
The Cherished Wife Chapter 860
"Really?" Maxwell's eyebrow lifted in surprise. He had not expected Noelle to answer so candidly. "But I've heard that you're not exactly on good terms with your family.""Grandpa, you also mentioned that's just what you heard, and you know how rumors are—some are true, and others are not. Just recently, I heard that the Hoffmans are at odds and don't support Charles as the heir!""You..." Maxwell stood up abruptly. "Noelle, let's cut to the chase. I don't care if you're married to Charles or not, but I'll never approve of you joining the Hoffmans. Don't you ever think they'll accept you as part of the family.""So, Sir Hoffman, we're not discussing family harmony anymore?" Noelle's demeanor shifted from meek to bold. She looked Maxwell straight in the eye, fearless."Sir Hoffman, since you’ve been so upfront, I might as well make my stance clear." Noelle cleared her throat and straightened up, forcing herself to remain composed. Her eyes sparkled with unwavering determination."I
The Cherished Wife Chapter 861
"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
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The Cherished Wife Chapter 2129
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
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Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2127
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
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Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2125
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
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"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
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"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
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"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2121
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you
