The Cherished Wife



Noelle turned and gave Sean a quick look. "Mr. Smith, could you drive me home, please?"

Sean nodded. "My car's just outside."

"You Smith family brat!" Maxwell stopped Sean with a sharp look. "Are you sure you want to cross the Hoffmans? Charles is still oblivious to his duties and destiny. Are you going to help him blunder through his confusion?"

"Sir Hoffman," Sean replied, puzzled. "I'm not sure what you're getting at. Charles has made plenty of tough calls in the business world with clarity and conviction. I don't think he's lost when it comes to what he wants. Besides, I haven't done much today. I'm just helping Charles by taking his wife home."

"You... Are you really going to be so thankless?"

"So, what's your big plan? Leave Noelle hanging around here while you play the waiting game with her?" Sean could not help but chuckle. "Looks like you backed into a corner and had to pull a stunt like this, huh?"

Maxwell's brow creased in frustration as Sean pressed on. "Sure, the Hoffmans are a big deal in Brookville, but don't you dare sell the Smiths short. I might not be all that into the business drama, but that doesn't mean we're short on players." His gaze shifted to Noelle. "Sir Hoffman, are you snubbing Noelle because you think she's not good enough for Charles?"

Maxwell kept mum, and Sean's grin turned sly. "Or is it possible you're clueless that Noelle is one of us Smiths?"

"What are you talking about?"

Maxwell was not the only one floored by the comment. Noelle was just as taken aback.

Noelle sneaked a peek at Sean, who

flashed her a wink and that

disarming grin of his. "You know, Sir

Hoffman," Sean said, "the Smiths

et

might not have much, but we're certainly not short on men. But girls are a rare gem in our family. I'm my dad's only son. My mom's always wanted a daughter, but she's not strong enough for another kid, so we've kind of adopted Noelle here. Technically, she should be calling me 'big bro'. Do you still think she's not good enough for Charles?"

et

Noelle's mouth hung open, ready to protest, but she hesitated, realizing that anything she said might just make things worse. Even though she knew Sean was spinning a tall tale, he was doing it to get her out of a tight spot.

She caught Maxwell's doubtful look and glanced back at Sean, who did

not even flinch. "If you aren't keen my sister, I guess I'll just have to- take her home. I wouldn't want to give you a heart attack, and it

doesn't do my mom any good to

gnnoveldrama

miss her daughter!" Content belongs

Sean moved to take Noelle away, but Maxwell was not about to let them slip away that easily. He signaled for the bodyguards at the door to step in. Sean's face darkened. "What's this about, Sir Hoffman? Has the respect for the Smith family name just vanished into thin air?"

"You can go, but this woman stays! Listen here, you Smith brat. Don't think you can pull one over on me with your sweet talk. There's no way I'm letting her end up with Charles."

"Really now?"

Out of nowhere, a chilly voice drifted in from outside, followed by a series of crashes.

Maxwell's goons were all knocked to the floor. Noelle whipped around. "Charles!" Her eyes sparkled with delight.

Charles surveyed the fallen men and then glanced at Ronald and Andrew. "Take their weapons away!" he commanded. Then, the stormy look on his face softened as he approached Noelle, checking her over. "Are you okay?"