The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"That's true. Ms. Nancy's condition has been quite severe lately, and although Mr. Clarrise hasn't done anything specific, her attitude toward Ms. Nancy hasn't been very good," James agreed that Henry and Nancy leaving for a while was for the best. "But is it okay for Mr.

Henry to take care of Ms. Nancy on his own?"

"You don't need to worry about that. Henry can take care of his own wife just fine," Maxwell replied with a slight smile.

In truth, Henry had been his favored choice for a successor back in the day, but Henry's heart was not in it, and Maxwell had not pushed further. Later on, with Charles's emergence, Maxwell felt reassured.

The car sent by Charles was parked a little distance from the Hoffman residence-close enough for Henry and Nancy not to have to walk too far, but out of sight of the Hoffmans' household. Ronald and Andrew got out of the car. "Mr. Henry, Ms. Nancy."

They quickly took the luggage. After helping Henry and Nancy get in, they started the car.

Henry's gaze fell on Ronald and Andrew. He knew Ronald, Charles's capable assistant, but the other man seemed unfamiliar. Andrew exuded a strong presence, but it lacked any menacing aura.

Having seen his share of the world, Henry could tell Andrew was skilled in martial arts. It seemed Charles had thought of everything.

"Mr. Henry, Mr. Hoffman is already waiting at Phoenix Tree Residence. How is Ms. Nancy feeling? Mr. Hoffman has arranged for a specialist from abroad to come and see Ms. Nancy, someone who has expertise in her condition," Ronald said. "Mm," Henry nodded and poured a cup of warm water for Nancy. "Here, have a sip."

Ronald could not help but feel awkward watching Henry's tender care. It seemed he could not escape being the third wheel no matter where he went; he was already used to seeing his boss and Noelle, but he had not expected Henry to be the same at his age. When they arrived at Phoenix Tree Residence, Ronald led Henry and Nancy inside while Andrew followed, carrying the luggage.

From the garden, Arnold sensed the presence of strangers and began barking loudly.

Noelle, who had been swinging on the swing set in the yard, quickly stood up. "Arnold, quiet!"

Noelle's soft voice cut through the commotion. Holding the now-calm Arnold in her arms, she smiled and gently petted the dog, soothing him. "It's okay, we have guests; no barking."

With Arnold in her arms, Noelle looked up, catching Henry and Nancy off guard.

"Ke..." Nancy started to say, but Henry gently squeezed her hand, shaking his head. Nancy then fell silent, sighing softly.

Noticing Henry and Nancy, Noelle approached them with a warm smile, greeting them politely. "You must be Uncle Henry and Aunt. Nancy I'm Noelle, it's nice to meet you, she said, still smiling. "I'm Charlie's wife."

Henry and Nancy were stunned once more and turned to Ronald for confirmation.

Ronald gave a sheepish smile. "Mr. Henry, Ms. Nancy, this really is Mr. Hoffman's wife, Noelle."

With Ronald's affirmation, Henry finally believed it. Yet, upon seeing Noelle's face, his emotions grew complicated.

Noelle did not realize what Henry and Nancy were thinking. She assumed their surprise was due to discovering that Charles had gotten married.

"Uncle Henry, Aunt Nancy, please

come inside and sit down. Charlie is

in the study; I'll go get him," Noelle offered, placing Arnold down before leading the way into Phoenix Tree Residence.

en FindNovel

Henry and Nancy watched Noelle's retreating figure with conflicted expressions. "Henry, she..."