The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

After Mateo left, Chloe and Henry remained seated in the living room. Chloe felt an overwhelming discomfort settle over her.

The Hoffmans were like a cage, imprisoning more than just Charles. The only difference was that Charles had the courage and ability to fight back-something she lacked. "Uncle Henry..." Chloe's voice was soft.

"Go home. I'll handle your grandfather," Henry reassured her, waving his hand. "Charlie is still sentimental, at least enough to hold back. Remember that."

"I understand, Uncle Henry," Chloe replied quietly.

After leaving the Hoffman residence, Charles' expression remained dark. It did not take long for Henry to call him.

"Uncle Henry," Charles answered, his tone controlled.

"Your Aunt Nancy..." Henry began.

Charles replied, softening his demeanor slightly, "She's at Phoenix Tree Residence. Don't worry, Uncle Henry. I'll take good care of Aunt Nancy. She'll be staying at Phoenix Tree Residence for now, and Nelly will be with her. You can rest easy." Henry sighed, the weight of the situation apparent in his voice. "The way you spoke today... Some of it was too harsh."

Although Henry did not oppose Charles and Noelle being together, he still saw Charles as a child of the Hoffmans, who were bound by their rules. "Your grandfather is trying to look out for you. And since he doesn't know Noelle, it's natural he might misunderstand her." "Thank you for your words, Uncle Henry. But some things have to be made clear," Charles said sincerely.

Henry paused for a moment before continuing, "You know your grandfather and father were very fond of Kelly back then. What happened three years ago deeply angered them. After that, they've never accepted Kelly again.

"And now, with Noelle... With her face and background, are you truly certain you're not going through a moment of confusion?"

"You're asking if I see Nelly as Kelly's replacement," Charles said, his voice calm, betraying no emotion.

Henry hesitated before confirming, "Yes."

"No. I'm fully aware of what I want. It has always been Nelly-no one else. Uncle Henry, you and Aunt Nancy don't need to intervene. I'll handle this Charles' tone remained steady.

"If that's the case, I have nothing more to say. But remember what you've told me today-that your love for Noelle has nothing to do with Kelly. You didn't marry Noelle because of Kelly."

"Uncle Henry, I'm not a child. There's no need to keep testing me," Charles responded with a trace of

amusement. "With who I am now, I can have any woman I want But the

only one I want is her."

After ending the call, Charles gazed ahead as he got lost in thought. After a moment, he dialed Ronald's number.

"Where's my wife?" Charles asked.

"I've safely dropped off Mrs. Hoffman and Ms. Nancy at Phoenix Tree Residence. But someone followed us, most likely someone from the Hoffmans," Ronald reported respectfully. Charles replied with a nod, "Understood. There may be an investigation into Nelly's background soon. Make the necessary arrangements." "Yes, sir."

"And find out what Kelly has been up to. Who's been around her?" Charles' tone sharpened.

"Mr. Hoffman, are you..." Ronald hesitated, uncertain of Charles' intent. "The last we tracked, Ms. Anderson was in Kerlsberg, but now-" "I want precise information," Charles cut in, his voice cold and unwavering.