The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Noelle and Sean entered the Shaw residence one after the other. As soon as the maid saw Noelle return, she quickly came out to greet her, "Ms. Noelle you're back!" The maid took a good look at Noelle and Sean. "And this must be Mr. Smith! Madam mentioned that you'd be bringing her new son-in-law today!"

The maid extended her hand, saying, "Please let me take these things for you!"

Sean squinted slightly, casting a sideways glance at Noelle. She felt both helpless and embarrassed. "Fay, just call him Mr. Smith," Noelle said while glancing at Sean. "Bob, give Fay the bags."

Sean's expression immediately softened with a harmless smile, his narrow eyes lingering on Noelle as he curled his lips.

"Alright!" He handed all the gifts over to Fay and felt much lighter, then gestured for Noelle to join him.

Noelle pursed her lips and walked over to take Sean's arm. Leaning closer, she whispered, "Don't mind it. I don't know why my mom said that either."

Sean smirked, his lips twitching slightly. "It's fine."

Noelle might not have understood, but Sean did. The Smiths were an established family in Brookville, and Bob's unique status meant that if someone managed to connect with him, they would be tied to both the Smith and the Jones families. Jade was not just cunning; she was quite clever.

Jade had been waiting all morning. Since Winter was a big star and her relationship with Xavier had been strained lately, the two had not arrived yet. Instead, Noelle had shown up with Sean.

Jade heard them the moment they stepped through the door. Seeing Noelle and Sean walking arm-in-arm, a calculating glint flickered in her shrewd eyes.

Though she felt bitter about such a great match going to Noelle, the thought of linking with the Smith and Jones families made it tolerable.

"Noelle, Bob, you're back!"

Acting all warm and friendly, Jade walked over and subtly pulled Noelle away from Sean. She narrowed her eyes as she glanced at her daughter. "Why are you so late?"

Noelle smirked, slipping out of

Jade's grip and walking back to

Sean's side. "Bob wanted to pick out

a gift for Grandpa. What's the

matter? Are you angry that I'm late, Mom?"

Jade's expression stiffened. She had not expected Noelle to talk back in front of Sean, and her expression soured. "Of course not. You were

choosing a gift for your de

so it's fine even if you're latel

What else could Jade say? Not much, especially with Bob, the future heir of the Smith and Jones families, standing right there.

It made her even more conflicted about whether pushing Noelle toward Bob was a good or bad decision.

"Come, come, don't just stand there. Have a seat." Jade quickly adjusted her demeanor and turned to Sean. "Fay, hurry and serve a drink to our family's new son-in-law!"

Noelle squinted. "Mom, Mr. Smith and I are still just friends, so it's not quite right for you to call him that, is it?"

She glanced at Sean, who put on a faint smile. "Mrs. Shaw is probably just being kind and likes to treat everyone warmly," he responded.

As he spoke, Sean's seemingly innocent smile carried a hint of sharpness. It had an edge that made Jade feel uneasy for some reason.

She laughed awkwardly. "Noelle, my

child, I'm only concerned about you.

Look, you and Bob have known each other for so long. And since Bob has come over this time, I assume your marriage is all but settled, isn't it?"

BUMS