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Chapter 991
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The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 992
Charles set Anna down and patted her small shoulder. He then said to Chloe, "It's getting late, Chlo. I'll take you home."Chloe had been feeling quite uneasy sitting here. If Maxwell had not inexplicably called her back, she would not have wanted to get involved in this mess at all.She knew what Charles was capable of. Over the years, she had seen it firsthand. Hence, in this situation, she would either not take sides or stand with Charles.Chloe was a smart person. She had managed to stay out of trouble within the Hoffmans all these years for a reason. She nodded and stood up. "It is late. Anna has school tomorrow, so I'll head out now."As Chloe walked past Kelly, she could not help but glance at her before picking up Anna. "Anna, how about Uncle Charles take us back home?""Yay, yay! Anna hasn't seen you in so long and missed you terribly!" Anna clapped her hands excitedly. "Anna loves you the most, Uncle Charles."Charles curved his lips. "I love you too, Anna." He reached
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 993
Charles placed Anna in the seat and got into the driver's seat while Chloe carefully got into the car. She sat next to Anna and casually held her.Charles entered the car but did not start it immediately. He rested one hand on the steering wheel, and the interior remained dark except for the faint glow from the Hoffman residence. It made the atmosphere extremely dim and heavy."Charlie, Iโ""I know. Grandpa called you back," Charles interrupted Chloe before pausing for a moment. "Do you also think that now that Kelly is back, I'll divorce Noelle?"Chloe was slightly taken aback. "Why would you ask that?" Feeling truly surprised, she added, "That child..."Charles chuckled softly and glanced at Chloe but did not explain. "I'll take you home.""But Charlie... I don't think Grandpa is joking this time. He..." Although Charles was formidable, the Hoffmans were such a large family. The pressure on him had to be immense.Chloe did not understand why Charles was so fixated on Noelle, a
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 994
Charles rubbed his forehead, feeling the ache gradually fade away as he listened to Noelle's cheerful chatter. He smiled and said, "Looks like you're not too satisfied with the outcome.""Of course not," Noelle replied. Ever since discovering she was not really part of the Shaws, her thoughts on her life had changed. She wanted control over her own fate, not to be treated like a pawn in someone else's game.First, it was Simon, then Bob, and now Sean. If things with Sean did not work out, would they bring in someone else? Noelle hated being treated like a bargaining chip or a piece on a chessboard. "I'm so bored. But I can't just leave right now," she muttered."What about Sean and Bob?""Oh, they've been roped into conversations. They're the stars of the show, after all. Just think about who's here at my dad's birthday banquet. Of course, everyone's flocking to them," Noelle added with a sigh.She was uninterested in the commotion. "Charlie, I miss you so much!"Feeling a tug
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 995
Even though Sean was impressive and known as one of the top young heirs in Brookville, he was, after all, just a doctor.Jade thought that Sean could not help the Shaws much in terms of business. "You should cut off contact with Sean as soon as possible. Bob is the one I prefer. You know that I'm good friends with Bob's mother.""Yes, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would've forgotten. You are indeed good friends with her. So, why don't you talk to Mrs. Smith instead?""You..." Jade raised her hand. "Don't be ungrateful! I'm telling you, the fact that you know people from the Smiths and can connect with them is all thanks to me! Not only are you ungrateful, but you show no respect for your elders. I'm your mother!""Enough!" Noelle interrupted Jade, her expression darkening. "I respect you as an elder, but you know very well how you've treated me all these years. As for how I know Sean and Bob, that's my own business."You should reflect on why you don't even recognize the son of yo
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 996
Bob nodded again and said, "It's getting late."Noelle agreed, "Indeed." It was time to head back. She had been at the Shaw residence long enough, and since she had just upset Jade, she feared Jade might cause trouble if she did not leave soon. "Let's go, then!"Bob nodded. "I'll walk you over to find Sean."Noelle quickly caught on. "Thank you."With Bob by her side, others would not dare bother her, and Jade would not have the chance to confront her.Sean had already shaken off the crowd and was looking for Noelle. Seeing her approaching with Bob, he breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought you had wandered off. If anything were to happen to you, Charles would hold me accountable!""You're exaggerating!" Noelle could not help but laugh, especially after seeing Sean's dramatic gestures.She shook her head helplessly. "Now that you've seen that I'm fine, you don't have to worry about Charles settling scores with you.""Well..." Sean raised an eyebrow smugly. "But don't think I'm a
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 997
After Samuel made his statement, he let Eli help him upstairs, leaving Jade clenching her fists in frustration.All the frustration she had endured today was because of that brat, Noelle. Not only had Noelle failed to be of any help, but she had also created more issues. "Julian, I don't care what Dad said. Noelle must marry someone from the Smith family!"Julian looked troubled. "But Dad, heโฆ""He? He's so old now. Does he still run the company's affairs? Do you have any idea what shape the company is in right now? If we don't get support from the Smiths, you know what will happen to City Ring Corp."Julian's expression darkened. "Let me think about it.""Hmph! You'd better think carefully!" Jade muttered before putting on a cheerful expression again and going back to entertain the guests.With a twisted expression, Winter clung to Xavier's arm and sneered, "See? I told you, Noelle's something special now. She's connected with all these big shots in Brookville, and even my paren
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 998
Noelle did not bother with Sean or Bob anymore and dashed toward the black Bentley."Charlie!"The man inside the car noticed her running over, and a smile softened his previously somber expression. The next moment, he opened the car door, and Noelle threw herself into his arms.She hugged Charles tightly, her head resting against him as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Charles had not even fully stepped out of the carโonly one leg was on the ground. Looking down at the small head burrowed against him, he reached out and gently stroked her hair. "What's up?""Nothing!" Noelle sniffled. "I just missed you." Then, she added, "Why are you here?""I missed you too," Charles replied, his low voice carrying a hint of warmth. He smiled. "You didn't want to see me?"Noelle quickly shook her head. "How could that be? But didn't you say you were still at home when we talked just a little while ago?"She thought back to their call, which had been about half an hour earlier. Here he
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 999
Charles glanced at Sean but coldly ignored him, instead nodding politely toward Yitty. "Good evening, Mrs. Smith.""Very good, indeed," Yitty replied, her gaze flickering between Charles and Noelle. "You got married without telling little old me?"Charles chuckled softly. "Our marriage was kept low-key, and only a few close friends were aware. We planned to inform you when we held the wedding banquet."Yitty nodded approvingly. "You're quite fortunate. Ms. Shaw is gentle and graceful. Seems like our Bob missed out," she teased.She then glanced knowingly at both Charles and Bob, who shared a quick, understanding smile."Mom, Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Shaw were already married before I met them," Bob added."That early?" Yitty looked a bit surprised, then turned to Noelle with a curious expression. "But it seemed like the Shaws weren't aware of itโฆ"Noelle offered a slightly embarrassed smile. "Only my two grandfathers know about our marriage."Yitty nodded again. "Well, it's best for
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The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1898
It was not a big deal. She only had to avoid seeing him.That did not matter as Liliana knew she never planned to see Sean again anyway.Seeing how easily Liliana agreed, a shadow flickered across Sean's gaze, though he quickly concealed it. His expression remained cold as he stared at her. "From now on, wherever I am, you are not allowed to be there. If you see me, go the other way.""Alright." Liliana kept her head down, refusing to look into his icy eyes.She was afraid that if she did, it would hurt even more. So she chose not to look at him at all."Remember what you just said." Sean shot her a withering glance before turning to leave. After a few steps, however, he suddenly stopped. "And don't ever like me again."Liliana froze.Then, she heard his voice again, calm and laced with disgust. "Being liked by someone like you makes me feel dirty."She watched his figure disappear into the darkness, realizing just how deep his loathing for her ran. It was so deep that even the
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1897
Sean narrowed his eyes, staring intensely into Liliana's. "I'll ask you one last timeโwhy did you do it?"The moment the words left his mouth, he felt Liliana stiffen. She had not expected him to ask this question.Why?How was she supposed to explain something she never did?However, Liliana knew that after more than a year, no matter what she said, the outcome would remain the same.Sean had come looking for her not because he wanted an answer but because, in his entire life, no one had ever dared to scheme against him. She had simply walked right into his line of fire. Even though she was not the one who set him up, he had already decided that she was guilty.Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, she just stared at him, lost in thought.It took her a long time before she finally spoke. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. "What ifโI'm just saying, what ifโI told you I liked you?"Her voice was so quiet it nearly vanished in the night air, but Sean still heard it.His
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1896
Sean's chest burned with fury at Liliana's words. His usual mischievous glint was gone, replaced by an icy sharpness.Liliana instinctively stepped back, fear flashing in her eyes as she stared at Sean. She had no idea how to face him.She had never seen him like this before. His rage was overwhelming, smoldering like an unquenchable fire.Swallowing hard, she forced herself to hold his gaze. However, Sean, watching her, only felt more enraged. How could this woman be so utterly heartless?He had always treated her like a younger sister, protected her, and cared for her. Yet she had betrayed him and plotted against him."I know you hate me," Liliana said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "What I did was wrong. I shouldn't have set you up. But I didn't succeed, did I?"Look, I knew I was wrong, so I left. I never asked you to take responsibility. In the end, wasn't I the one who suffered more? As a girl, wasn't it worse for me?""Very well, then." Sean clenched h
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1895
Sean let out a cold chuckle, still gripping Liliana's chin. "You look like you feel wronged.""I don't." Liliana turned her head away. "As long as you say it, I'll do it.""Good. Then leave Vista University immediately. Leave Brookville. I never want to see you again." Sean looked at Liliana fiercely.Liliana's face turned pale. She clenched her fists and said, "Butโฆ I just started here. Vista University was the only one I applied to. If I leave nowโฆ I won't have anywhere else to go. I'd have to drop out.""That's your problem. It has nothing to do with me."His voice was indifferent and emotionless as if he were merely brushing away an insignificant nuisance.A sharp pain stabbed at Liliana's chest. Her face grew even paler, and she lowered her head, lost in thought.Sean stood there, watching her in silence. Neither of them moved.Time stretched between them, long enough that Sean almost believed the girl standing in front of him was nothing more than a lifeless figure.Then
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1894
Liliana felt a sudden chill despite the lingering heat of September. As she lifted her head, a sharp, piercing gaze swept toward her from the distance.Her chest tightened. She could not clearly make out the figure in the dim light, but she knew without a doubt that the person staring at her was looking directly at her. That person wasโฆPanic surged through her. She turned abruptly and tried to walk away, but Sean was faster.She had barely taken a few steps before a strong hand clamped down on her arm, gripping her with crushing force.Liliana winced as pain shot through her limb."Let go of me!" she cried out."Let go?" Sean scoffed, his voice laced with cold amusement. "Liliana, I never expected you to have the audacity to come back. Do you remember what I told you before?"The color drained from Liliana's face, and her body trembled involuntarily. It was still summer and the air was thick with heat, yet at this moment, she felt frozen to the core. She pressed her lips togeth
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1893
Liliana and Tania quickly became familiar with Helena and Naomi. The four of them often went to the cafeteria together and explored the nearby area.Helena was a foodie, and since Liliana and Tania were too, most of their conversations revolved around food. Being from the north, Helena preferred pasta dishes and often talked about delicious northern cuisine that the others had never tried.They made a pact that one day, they would visit Helena's hometown to experience it themselves. Their friendship developed naturally, and they got along well.However, Naomi, having been pampered since childhood, was not as easygoing. Although she blended in with them on the surface, she was not truly as close-knit with the group.Soon, the university held its freshman military training. Unwilling to participate, Naomi simply had her family provide a hospital note to excuse her, avoiding the entire training. Meanwhile, the remaining three bonded even more during the training period.Time flew by,
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1892
"No, I don't know him," Lilian replied bluntly."Really?" Tania sounded doubtful. Liliana's reaction had been too strange. "It was that day at World Trade Plaza when we went to buy model kits on the third floor, remember?"Tania had a good memory and naturally recalled the details. "That senior was there too. He was standing next to a girl. Yeah, it's the same one from earlier. Are they a couple?"She spoke with curiosity, but before she could continue, Liliana abruptly cut in, "Impossible! There's no way he'd like someone like her.""Huh?"Tania narrowed her eyes. Liliana's response only made her more suspicious. "Someone like her? Do you know hrt? Do you know what kind of person that girl is?""No!" Liliana quickly realized she had overreacted and immediately shook her head. "I just don't think they look like a couple.""Butโฆ the way you said it just nowโ""Tania, let's go! We still need to register and get to the dorms!" Liliana hastily interrupted, dragging Tania toward the
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1891
Joanna bit her lip and clenched her hands. "Sean, what are you looking at?"She interrupted his thoughts, pressing her lips together before hesitantly asking, "Seanโฆ could it be that you're interested in one of those two freshmen?"She was testing the waters.Sean's brows twitched slightly, and a sharp glint flashed in his cold gaze. Then, he let out a low, mocking chuckle. "What do you think? Do you believe I'd be interested in them?"Joanna's face paled instantly. On the surface, she remained composed, but inside, her emotions churned wildly.So, it was true. Sean was interested in one of them."Sean, which one do you prefer?" Joanna pressed further.Sean smirked, his expression unreadable. "Are you trying to dig into my personal life?""No! That's not what I meant, Sean. I'm just concerned about you," Joanna quickly denied, shaking her head.She had known Sean long enough to understand his temper. He despised anyone meddling in his affairs, and even more so, he loathed peop
The Cherished Wifeย ย ย Chapter 1890
"Let me take you two there.""That won't be necessary!" Liliana immediately refused, perhaps a little too quickly. Maybe it was Sean's unexpected initiative or maybe it was just her reaction that drew attention, but the people passing by all seemed to pause and glance in their direction.Joanna, too, was startledโnot just by Liliana's refusal but even more so by Sean's offer in the first place.In all the years she had known him, Sean had never shown any particular interest in anyone.Sure, he was approachable and easy to talk to, but at the same time, he was also the hardest person to actually engage with. She had been by his side for so long, yet every time she wanted to bring something up, she had to carefully gauge his mood before even daring to speak.Yet now, Sean had taken the initiative. He had offered to helpโsomething she had never seen him do before.Who were these two girls?What was so special about them that Sean would go out of his way like this?Joanna, who had
