The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Charles glanced at the disorganized pile of documents on the desk, pushing them aside. "Throw these away and have them produce something presentable immediately." He then looked up and added, "Brian, stay behind."

Brian had been ready to leave, but he paused upon hearing Charles' command. "Mr. Hoffman, do you need something from me?"

Charles stood up, giving Brian a quick glance. "How is the development plan for the West City plot coming along on your end?"

"We're in the preliminary evaluation phase. The risk in West City is quite high, and it's located in the suburbs. Some of the land there has already been abandoned," Brian explained, hesitating briefly.

"I visited the area recently. There's a psychiatric hospital and a drug rehabilitation center nearby. The area was previously deemed unsuitable for development. Mr. Hoffman-"

Charles raised his hand, cutting Brian off, "This isn't urgent right now. Finish the evaluation first. There's talk of those facilities being relocated. Since the land hasn't been officially designated, it's unclear whether they'll fall within the development area.

"But since you've brought it up, we must prepare the necessary precautions. I intend to secure that plot for development." Charles' stance was unmistakable he was determined to acquire the land, and any obstacles had to be overcome.

Understanding Charles' firm position, Brian nodded. "I'll ensure everything is handled properly, Mr. Hoffman. You can rest assured."

Brian had returned from abroad with great ambitions but had encountered numerous setbacks in Brookville. Many companies could not accommodate his vision, leaving him disheartened. However, after joining Collosus Group, Brian found that Charles' methods and foresight aligned with his own ambitions. He admired Charles deeply for his strategies and far-reaching vision.

Despite viewing Charles as his idol, Brian was surprised that Charles had bent the rules for once.

Brian recalled that woman named

Noelle, whom he had briefly investigated. Although she had

managed one impressive project, that alon

did not justify everything. Given that she had previously worked at Frotconn-a company Brian did not think highly of he had not expected Charles, the head of Collosus Group, to personally call him and express his interest.

"Is there something else?" Charles noticed Brian's hesitant demeanor. "Speak."

"About Ms. Shaw... May I ask, who is

she to you?" Brian carefully chose

his words, contemplating how Charles might react. "I don't mean to imply anything negative, but I've never seen you bend the rules for anyone."

"You think that's bending the rules?" Charles propped his chin on his hand, his gaze seemingly absent as he looked over the papers on his desk.

Brian felt uncertain about Charles' response, unsure if he had crossed a line. He glanced at Ronald for help, but Ronald wisely turned away as he sensed the danger. He pretended to be busy. Brian was digging his own grave, and Ronald had no intention of joining him.

Was it not more fun to remain alive?

Charles noticed Brian's nervous expression and smirked. "If you think it's bending the rules, then so be it."

This left Brian and Ronald speechless.

Charles set down the papers in his hand. "If I'm going to bend the rules, I might as well do it thoroughly."

He stood up, selecting a document

from the pile and handing the rest to Ronald to manage. "Take good care of her. Give her all the best

opportunities. Although she had worked in a project department

before this, her experience there was

limited.

"Since you think I'm bending the rules, then let's see it through. Give her the best resources and help her get up to speed quickly. Also, include her in the West City Development Project."