The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Samuel descended the stairs as his gaze swept over everyone present. He gave Julian a warning look before saying, "Now that everyone's here, let's begin the meal." "Yes, let's start. Fay, go help in the kitchen," Jade said before tugging on Julian's sleeve.

"Everyone, let's head to the dining room."

With Noelle's support, Samuel took his seat and then pulled her hand, saying, "Noelle, where are you going? Sit beside me."

He pointed to the seat next to him and then turned to Sean. "Guests are always welcome. Since you're Noelle's friend, Mr. Smith, would you mind sitting next to me?"

"Of course not, sir. Today is the Shaw family's gathering. I'm the one who might be overstepping by being here," Sean replied. He then took the seat on Samuel's other side.

This arrangement placed Noelle and Sean in the two most important spots beside Samuel.

Jade's expression twisted in displeasure as she prepared to sit, but she had to hold back her irritation. "Yes, he's right. We have to treat our guests well."

Everyone settled into their seats, and the dishes were served. The Shaws had a rule forbidding conversation at the dining table.

However, with her mind occupied with schemes involving Noelle and Sean, Jade broke the silence. "Noelle and Bob, you two have known each other for quite some time now. What about your marriage plans-" "One shouldn't speak while eating. What's this? Is this how the Jones family taught you manners?" Samuel abruptly put down his cutlery, glaring sharply at Jade.

Jade's expression stiffened, though

inwardly, she felt great resentment toward Samuel. "It's not about manners. Since Noelle brought him home and with New Year's being such an important moment, bwas just concerned...

"I'm just worried about Noelle. Winter is already married and doing well with Xavier. I'm just worried that Noelle, as a young woman out there on her own, might be struggling.

"It'd be better for her to settle down and have a family. And with someone as outstanding as Bob, I don't want her to miss such a great opportunity!"

Jade's words sounded thoughtful, as though she had Noelle's best interests at heart. In reality, however, her true intention was to use Noelle.

"Noelle, don't you think I'm right?" Jade asked.

Noelle had been keeping her head down.

Hearing her name, she felt a twinge of bitterness When she raised her head again, her eyes met Jade's with sharpness. "Marriage is a significant matter, and traditionally, it should be guided by parents. But in this day and age, we advocate for freedom in marriage. As for..."

Noelle glanced at Sean and smirked. "As for Mr. Jones and me, we've only known each other for a short time.

It's too early to say whether we understand each other well enough, but we're friends.

"Besides, Mr. Jones doesn't live in Brookville. I think it's a matter that both he and I need to consider carefully."

"You..." Jade was clearly taken aback. "Noelle, my child, if you have no interest in Bob, then why did you bring him home? Isn't that misleading?"

Noelle's eyes gleamed with amusement, as if she had just heard a joke. "Wasn't it you who insisted that I bring him home today, Mom?"