The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

However, Charles grabbed Noelle's hand as she was about to go. Noelle turned around and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?" "Ignore him," Charles grumbled, casting a displeased glance at the shameless man nearby. "If he wants to eat, he can help himself."

Sean clicked his tongue in mock dismay and shrugged nonchalantly. "It's really tough trying to mooch a meal off you. I always have to gauge your mood."

Despite his words, he made his way to the kitchen without hesitation as if it were his own home. He grabbed the cutlery and even brought out a bowl for Arnold, placing it on the table. Charles shot Sean a dark look. "Don't let that dog get near the table, or I'll throw both of you out."

Sean shivered slightly and exchanged a pitiful glance with Arnold, who looked equally forlorn.

Arnold shifted his pleading gaze from Sean to Charles, but upon seeing Charles' stern expression, he wisely turned his attention to Noelle instead.

Noelle was already charmed by Arnold's antics. She tugged on Charles' sleeve and said, "Come on, let's eat. I'm starving!" She then addressed Arnold, "Be good, and we'll feed you after we finish, okay?" Arnold whined softly, pawing at the floor and rolling over in a display of cuteness before trotting off to the living room.

"It seems Arnold really likes you, Noelle!" Sean remarked with interest as he started preparing his food.

However, Charles' dark stare quickly silenced him. Sean sighed dramatically and muttered, "Seriously, married men are just... so jealous."

Charles gave Sean a sideways look. "Are you asking for a fight?"

"No, definitely not. I just came for a meal, Charles, don't get violent!" Sean quickly dropped the subject and focused on his food.

Noelle observed the interaction between Charles and Sean, unable to suppress a smile. She picked up some beef and placed it in Charles' bowl. "Charlie, eat up!"

Charles turned to her, his eyes filled with warmth. "You too. Eat up."

Sean could not help but shudder at the sight. He was beginning to regret coming over for dinner. He had not expected to be bombarded with such obvious affection from he couple.

After dinner, Noelle began cleaning up while Sean followed Charles into the study. Sean rubbed his nose and chuckled. "It seems like life has been treating you well lately." Charles narrowed his eyes. "If not for your intrusion, it'd be even better."

Sean's expression faltered for a moment before he sighed. "If the others saw you like this, they'd probably wonder if you're an imposter."

"Get to the point," Charles said, pulling out a cigarette and offering it to Sean.

Sean waved it off. "I've quit."

Charles raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Didn't think you could give up anything." Then, he added, "So, what did you come here for today?"

"Of course, nothing escapes you. My brother mentioned that there's been some movement in Kerlsberg. Technically, this is your business, and my brother doesn't have much of a connection with you. But since I was the mediator last time, he wanted to show his appreciation for you marrying Noelle."

Charles shot Sean another look, and Sean quickly added, "Just saying. No need to get so jealous." "Go on."

"Alright, my brother just wanted to give you a heads-up."

"I'm already aware of it," Charles replied, putting the cigarette away. "But you should be careful too."

"Don't worry about me. I've got

nothing left to lose. I'm more

concerned about them coming after you and Peter. As for the eldest amongus, I'm not too worried. Despite his usual lightheartedness, Sean could be serious when needed.