The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Steven leaned against the railing in the hallway, looking up at Bob standing at the top of the stairs. Despite their height difference, Steven's presence was in no way diminished. He narrowed his eyes slightly, a cool smile flickering in their depths. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean by that, Mr. Andy," Steven said.

Bob's gaze turned sharp. "Mr. Fischer, you should know that Sean is still just a brat. There are some things he shouldn't know, and others he shouldn't do."

"It seems you care a lot about Sean, Mr. Andy. Similarly, I care about him too," Steven replied in an even tone. "I won't involve him in certain matters. You can rest assured of that."

Hearing this, Bob's brows remained furrowed, not relaxing in the slightest. "Then why are you back this time?"

"To see old friends," Steven smirked. "If I were here for that matter, do you think I'd come to Brookville instead of Cascade City?"

"Whatever you plan on doing, I can't stop you, Mr. Fischer. My only request is that you don't drag Sean into it. The future of the Smith family rests on him. He is, after all, the heir to the Smith family."

"Did you ever ask Sean what he wants, Mr. Andy? The things you all find so important may not mean the same to him." With that, Steven left Sean's place.

Bob's piercing gaze followed Steven's retreating figure, filled with darkness and depth.

When Steven arrived at his residence, he immediately sensed something was off. He did not turn on the light but scanned his surroundings.

In the darkness, most people's agility would be somewhat compromised. Yet having lived in the shadows for so long, Steven quickly adapted to the gloom.

His keen eyes swept around before he made his way upstairs. The presence grew stronger until a gust of wind from a sudden strike flew past him; Steven easily dodged it.

In the large study, two shadowy figures engaged in a swift and fierce exchange. Steven soon gained the upper hand, gripping the other person's throat.

"EI!"

Steven's cold voice carried a hint of

sharpness. "You're too slow!" The person he addressed as El paused, showing no signs of distress from

being choked.

She smirked, her voice light and playful in the darkness as she said, "You mean I should take you out before you even get inside?" Steven's dark eyes softened briefly before he released his grip and turned on the light.

The study was instantly illuminated. Steven stood by the door, one hand on the light switch, the other hanging loosely by his side. His relaxed gaze fell on the girl before him, his eyes reflecting a subtle movement.

The woman, clad in a sleek black outfit, exuded a striking presence Her long black hair was tied back, revealing her finely sculpted face. This was Eloise Naylor-El, as Steven called her.

Eloise's eyes also settled on Steven. Noticing his unusually formal suit, she was slightly surprised.

It was no wonder his movements had seemed somewhat sluggish earlier; it must've been because of his attire.

"You're late," Steven noted, glancing at his watch. Eloise pouted in response. "I wasn't. You just weren't here." Steven ignored her explanation. "Go rest. The third room on the left is yours. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to someone." Eloise paused for a moment but was not particularly surprised. "Understood."

She knew why Steven had returned this time and understood her role. To Steven, she was merely a pawn And for a pawn, the most crucial thing was to be useful, to be kept tightly within the grasp of the one who wielded it.

Eloise fully grasped this truth, which was why she had survived this long.