A warmth spread through Noelle's chest, though she tried to sound annoyed. "Really, what will people think, seeing me in here like this?""It’s either the cart or the hospital. Take your pick!" Charles challenged her with a choice.Noelle's mouth opened, but no words came out. She chose to remain silent.Sometimes Charles could be so overbearing, Noelle thought. However, in a strange way, his assertiveness was kind of endearing.Noelle knew Charles was only fussing over her because of her sprained ankle, and she realized that not every guy would be so thoughtful. She bit her lip and sat still in the shopping cart, twiddling her fingers. She was grateful, indeed, but she was also an adult, and being carted around by Charles was just plain weird.Out of Noelle's sight, Charles let a smile creep into his eyes, a fond grin that made everyone else around wish they had someone to look at them like that.Pushing the cart with one hand and juggling some groceries with the other, Charles
Noelle, believing it was better to avoid making a scene, tugged at Charles's hand to keep him quiet. "We're really, really sorry!""Look, ma'am, you seem like a sensible person. There's been no harm done today, so we'll let it slide this time. However, you and your husband need to watch it from now on. What you do at home is your business, but in public, you’ve got to mind yourselves. Think about it. The mall is huge, with tons of people around. Something could go wrong, you know?""Yes, sir. That makes total sense. We've got it," Noelle said, flashing another smile and quickly adding, "We’re really sorry about this, won't happen again, promise."After her apology, Noelle shot Charles a look that could freeze lava. Noticing Charles's growing impatience, she took his hand and gave his palm a secret pinch. "Hey, it's no biggie, right? We messed up, that's all. Your turn to say sorry.""Me, apologize?" Charles scowled. Noelle's warning glance, however, told him this was not the time f
"What... what?" the guard's eyes bulged, "You're kidding, right?""Do I look like I'm kidding?" Ronald had adjusted his collar, "Next time, pay attention. The big boss does what he wants, especially with his wife."Ronald gave the guard's shoulder a reassuring pat, "You got lucky today, bumping into the boss's wife!"The guard was speechlessNoelle carefully led Charles away, trying to read his mood. She had attempted to slip her hand away from his, but he gripped it even tighter.Noelle bit her lip. "You're not mad, are you?"Charles stayed silent, and Noelle really thought he was mad. She stopped and pulled at his hand. "Don't be so touchy. The guard was right. We did cause a scene, and he was just doing his job."Charles stopped. A ticklish feeling in his palm made him raise an eyebrow, amused. He had put on a stern face to play along with Noelle. Turning to her, he had said, "But you thought I should apologize?"Noelle bit her lip, feeling cornered. She had not expected Cha
"Nelly." He said her name like it was something sacred.Noelle blinked up at him, "Yeah?""It's nothing." Charles inhaled deeply, releasing her gently to avoid frightening her. He grabbed something and started walking. "Come on. We've wasted enough time, and you said you were starving, right?"At his words, Noelle patted her stomach, "I'm totally starving!" She decided not to dwell on Charles's earlier behavior. "So, who's cooking today, you or me?""I'll cook if you drive us home," Charles offered with a smile. "Let's hit the road!"Ronald could not believe his eyes when he stepped out of the mall. There was his boss, the epitome of cool and distant, looking down at Noelle with such warmth, his arms full of groceries.Ronald shook his head in disbelief. The thought of his usually unapproachable boss living a normal life was almost too much. If Peter and Sean caught wind of this, they would never let him live it down.Ronald shivered as he tried to shake off the haunting image.
Noelle was not exactly thrilled by Charles's compliment. She gave a half-hearted smile and said, "So, is this the end of the road for Frotconn?"Charles took a moment, then looked at Noelle with a tilt of his head, a playful challenge in his gaze. "Why? Got a soft spot for it?"Noelle pressed her lips together, a little frustrated. "You know that's not what I’m saying." She tried to keep her feelings out of it but could not help asking, "Does it have to go down like this?""Stay out of the business stuff. There are things I cannot share with you," Charles replied firmly. "You'll be in the loop when you need to be.""Fine," Noelle conceded, letting the subject drop.Noelle could tell there was more to the story than Charles was letting on. It was not just one thing that had him so determined. She smiled half-heartedly. "If Frotconn goes under, what'll happen to me?""You're smart. You'll land on your feet," he said, tapping his knee as if to emphasize his point. "Take a left here.
Sean's grin was disarmingly innocent as he adjusted his glasses, looking innocent.Noelle forced a laugh, her nerves still jangled. The phrase 'wolf in sheep's clothing' popped into her head unbidden, and she could not help but think it was the perfect way to sum up Sean right then.Charles squinted, a frosty glint in his eyes, "Showing up unannounced?""Don't tell me my Noelle isn't happy to see me." Sean's eyes landed on Noelle with a playful smirk. "Hmm?"Noelle forced a laugh, "You two chat. I'll just be in the kitchen!"Charles caught Noelle's hand just in time. "You okay? You look a bit shaken."Noelle gulped, shaking her head, "I'm fine, really. I just got a little spooked, but I'm all good now!" She wriggled her hand free from Charles. "You can catch up with Sean, I'll get started on dinner!"Seeing Noelle practically bolt away as he opened his mouth to respond, Charles could not help but let out a stifled laugh.Sean, catching this rare sight, teased, "What's this? Try
'Got nothing to do with me? What are they talking about?' Noelle had just stepped out of the kitchen when she overheard Sean's comment. She stopped in her tracks. The sight of the massive, dark silhouette made her hesitate, and she stayed put.Arnold noticed Noelle's reluctance and let out a couple of sad howls, feeling totally rejected. He bounded over to her. Noelle, startled, quickly backed into the kitchen. "No, no, stay back!""Arnold!" Charles's voice was deep and icy, cutting through the air. Arnold froze, his four paws halting mid-stride. He turned to Charles with a look that screamed, 'I'm hurt.'Noelle could not help it. Arnold's dramatics cracked her up, and she let out a laugh.That was all Arnold needed. He perked up, howled joyfully, and dashed over to Charles, playfully tugging at the hem of his suit pants. He howled again, this time with a wag in his tail, as if to say, ‘See, she loves me!’Charles surveyed the scene—Noelle, Arnold, and Sean—with his piercing gaze,
Sean, of course, ended up staying for dinner.He could not stop raving about Noelle's cooking, and she blushed at the compliments. Post-dinner, Noelle tackled the dishes while Sean and Charles headed to the study upstairs to get down to business. Arnold, meanwhile, was huddled in a corner, his puppy-dog eyes fixed on the kitchen door, silently pleading for Noelle, the lady of the hour, to notice him.Once upstairs, Charles flicked a cigarette Sean's way. "Let's hear it."Sean smirked and let out a low chuckle. "You always know what's on my mind."Charles tapped his fingers on the chair, his expression tight, "Believe me, there's nothing I want less." He paused before adding, "So, what's the latest drama with the Smiths?""Oh, it's my cousin again!""Is it Andy?" Charles's lips curled into a half-smile, "What's he gotten himself into this time?""Who's Andy? The Smiths don't even recognize that name!" Sean said with a half-smile. Talking about his cousin could fill books. "Why'd
Noelle gave Charles a reassuring smile. "I just can't sit still. Dr. Ellison said this is normal and suggested I move around more. You go ahead and focus on your work!"Charles smiled back before lowering his head to continue working.When Ronald entered, he saw a peaceful scene. Noelle was leaning against the couch, holding a project file that she had read halfway through. However, her head was tilting forward slightly as if she had dozed off.Charles, who was seated at his desk, was busy writing. He would still occasionally glance up to check on Noelle. Seeing that she had fallen asleep and her head was slumping awkwardly, he quietly stood up.He carefully removed the file from her hands and gently supported her waist to lay her flat on the couch.Ronald knocked lightly before stepping in, just in time to witness Charles' meticulous movements. He was so delicate and protective, treating Noelle as if she were a priceless treasure.Unintentionally, Ronald found himself mimicking
Although Noelle had confidently agreed to help Arya earlier, deep down, she was not entirely sure of herself. She was worried Charles might insist on not letting her participate.Hearing him say this now, she smiled brightly. "Charlie, does this mean you agree?""Do I have a choice? Look at you, acting so aggrieved as if I bullied you!" Charles sighed, clearly unable to resist her. "But let's set some ground rules. You can give suggestions and handle simpler tasks, but don't overstep or get too involved. And absolutely no site inspections. Understood?""Got it! I know my limits. Don't worry," Noelle replied earnestly, knowing she had to keep her word since Charles had granted her some leeway."I'll just handle the preliminary work. Arya mentioned Mr. Parker is away on a business trip. Though others have been assigned to help, Arya hasn't been able to coordinate well with them, so they've been more of a hindrance than a help. That's why I decided to step in!"Charles nodded and gla
"Hm?" Charles raised an eyebrow, his gaze landing on the file in Noelle's hand.With a swift motion, he took the file and saw it was a project proposal. His eyes shifted back to Noelle's face. "What's this?""Ah, I…" Noelle had been so focused on calming Charles down that she had not expected to get caught so quickly. Laughing nervously, she wrapped her arms around Charles' neck. "Hehe, I hadn't visited the project department in a while, so I went to take a look, and, uh…""And then you assigned yourself a major project?" Charles lifted the proposal, his gaze steady and fixed on her.Noelle bit her lip, her eyebrows knitting together. "Are you mad?""Do you even care if I'm mad or not?" Charles retorted, making Noelle feel even more conflicted. "Of course, I care!""Then why didn't you stay in the office like I told you to?""Charlie, I'm sorry!" Noelle stuck out her tongue, realizing Charles might actually be upset. She pressed her forehead against his, trying to appease him.
"Yeah!" Arya sighed in frustration. "I have no idea when Mr. Parker will be back!""Let me take this one!" Noelle said, pulling one of the files from Arya's desk. "If you trust me, that is.""Of course, of course. How could I not trust you? I know how good you are at this. But will Mr. Hoffman let you work on it?""It's fine. I'm just killing time anyway. Whether I do this or something else in his office, it's all the same!"Noelle glanced at her watch and realized it was getting late. She patted Arya on the shoulder. "I need to go now, or Charlie won't bring me along next time."Noelle took the proposal into the elevator, and just as the doors closed, her phone rang. It was Charles. "Where are you?""Oh, I got bored, so I wandered around downstairs. I'm heading back up now!" Noelle replied, watching the floor numbers tick upward. "A few more floors. Charlie, are you done with the meeting?""Mhmm," Charles responded, raising an eyebrow. He glanced around before settling back int
"Without a word?" Noelle blinked in surprise. "Didn't I tell Mr. Parker? Where is he?""Don't even mention him right now," Arya grumbled. "Mr. Parker is on a business trip, and guess what? He left me to clean up this mess!"She glanced around at Noelle with mock exasperation. "You don't seem like anything's wrong, yet the rumors about you at the company have been absolutely wild. Where have you been?""Don't worry about me. What's keeping you so busy?"Arya pointed at the pile of documents on the desk. "Look at all this!" She scratched her head in frustration. "Honestly, I feel like I'm drowning. Sure, Mr. Parker reassigned some people to help before he left, but it's still overwhelming. Now, I truly understand just how helpful you were."Noelle walked over, casually flipping through the files and noticing numerous project proposals. "Are these all for this year?""Yeah!" Arya sighed, visibly stressed. "I think our department is seriously understaffed, and then you just vanished
Noelle knew her question was a bit rude, especially since Grant was Kelly's brother. Asking something like that seemed strange, but she could not stop herself—it just naturally came out. Deep down, Noelle always felt that Grant and Kelly were too different to be siblings.…Meanwhile, Grant stared at the message Noelle had sent, his expression softening with a faint smile. His slender fingers brushed against the screen, lightly tracing over the words. The smile in his eyes deepened.Kresten, standing across from him, could not help but shiver at Grant's smile but dared not comment.[She's going back.] Grant then pocketed his phone and looked up at Kresten. "Is everything ready?""It's all prepared, sir, but Ms. Kelly still refuses to leave," Kresten replied cautiously, glancing at Grant. As expected, Grant's expression darkened."She refuses? In that case, take Seth and leave without her!""But…" Kresten hesitated. Seth was still so young, and it seemed heartless to do this.
"Alright, alright. I won't wander off!" Noelle felt Charles was being overly clingy. "Now, go already!"Charles finally turned to Ronald and said, "Let's go."Ronald, who had been covering his face after witnessing Charles kiss Noelle, felt Charles' gaze sweep over him. It sent an inexplicable chill down his spine. Straightening up immediately, he responded, "Yes, sir!"As they exited, Charles could not help but give another instruction, "Have Becky assign someone to stay nearby. If Nelly needs anything, it should be handled immediately.""Yes, sir!"After Charles left, Noelle began aimlessly wandering around his office. She roamed back and forth a few times before realizing how bored she was. With nothing better to do, she picked up her phone and started browsing the internet.Since it was a weekday, Rowena was too busy to chat with her. Apparently, Rowena was tracking some big celebrity, with her editor pushing her to land a major headline this month. After cheering Rowena on
Previously, Charles did not live at the Hoffman residence for extended periods, so Maxwell could ignore most of his behavior. Now, however, with everyone under the same roof, Charles' actions clearly showed he had little regard for Maxwell's authority, leaving the old man feeling stifled.Maxwell wanted to blow up and scold Charles, that cheeky brat. However, considering Noelle's pregnancy and the need to ensure her safety, he swallowed his anger and held it in.He grumbled to himself before turning to head upstairs, muttering under his breath about how infuriating it all was.James followed behind Maxwell, glancing at him before looking back at Charles and Noelle, his lips curving into a helpless smile.Perhaps Maxwell had not even realized it himself, but he was no longer as resistant to Noelle as he used to be. His current actions practically screamed acceptance, even if he would not admit it.After finishing breakfast, Charles and Noelle headed to the company. Since Noelle was
Noelle opened her eyes. She took a sip of water to rinse her mouth before spitting it out.Just as she reached for the toothbrush, Charles instructed, "Open your mouth!" Without waiting, he began brushing her teeth himself.The cool sensation in her mouth jolted Noelle awake. She blinked a few times and then took the toothbrush from Charles' hand. "I can do it myself. You should brush your teeth too!""Alright."Noelle then brushed her teeth, her legs swinging slightly as she sat on the bathroom counter. She even turned her head to watch Charles.The window by the bathroom was slightly ajar, allowing the crisp morning air to seep in, carrying with it a refreshing coolness. Although spring had passed and summer had arrived, the early mornings were still a bit chilly.Noelle squinted her eyes against the sunlight. When Charles handed her the rinsing cup, she quickly rinsed her mouth and placed the cup down.She hopped off the sink, but Charles immediately caught her hand. "Be care