The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Steven and Henry were playing a game of chess, and the chessboard was one of Charles' prized collections.

Charles raised an eyebrow slightly as he helped Noelle walk in. "Where did you find that?"

Steven narrowed his eyes. "Charles, you've been hiding this gem?" This chessboard was made of high-quality wood from the Mildfred Era, preserved with various spices and anti-corrosive materials. Charles had originally acquired it from an auction in Capiton, intending to keep it in his collection. He had not expected Steven and Henry to unearth it today.

However, Charles was not one to fuss over such things. He glanced casually at the board, noting the intense battle between the players. It was rare to see Steven meet his match in a game.

The two had distinctly different styles. Henry was aggressive, with a strategy that pressed forward relentlessly, while Steven was composed and cautious, playing each move with calculated precision. Every advance was a critical maneuver, both for defense and attack.

Meanwhile, Nancy and Eloise's side of the room was much more serene.

Nancy, as always, was calm and poised, with her unique approach to things. She was measured and deliberate.

At this moment, she set about preparing tea. She heated water with a set of teaware and meticulously picked and measured the leaves with a tea scoop.

Eloise was observing from the side, imitating her movements with earnest effort, which brought a satisfied smile to Nancy's face. "Stevie mentioned that you received your education abroad, but your calm and steady nature is commendable." "Thank you, Aunt Nancy."

Eloise responded, pausing when she saw Noelle approaching. "Ms. Noelle."

"No need to be so formal; you can call me Noelle. By the way, Elly, how old are you?"

"Twenty-three," Eloise replied. Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'm two years older than you, so you can just call me by my name."

"Sure, Noelle!" Eloise, who was now more relaxed, spoke more freely than before. Noelle smiled and joined Nancy, learning from her. "Your technique is quite good. Have you practiced before?" Nancy asked.

"I learned a bit from my grandfather when I was young," Noelle chuckled. She finished brewing the tea and carried two cups over to Henry and Steven. "Uncle Henry, Steven here's some tea."

"Thank you!" Henry accepted the cup with a nod of approval. "Charlie's wife is a good one."

Noelle smiled again. "It's getting late; Uncle Henry and Steven, why don't you stay for dinner? I'll get started now."

"I'll help," Charles said, following Noelle into the kitchen. Henry squinted, watching the two of them retreat with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Charlie seems to have figured things out," Henry remarked, placing a piece on the board. Unlike his previous aggressive moves, this one lacked a clear strategy. Steven paused, glancing up at Henry before chuckling softly. "Yes, compared to a few years ago, he's definitely different now, more... human."

"Exactly, it's that human touch!"

Henry agreed, watching Steven make kis move before relaxing with a laugh. "It's your generation's world

now. Up for another game??

"Sure," Steven nodded, picking up a piece with his long fingers.

While Noelle and Charles were busy in the kitchen, the others did not sit idle. An hour later, with the dishes, laid out on the table, Noelle came out of the kitchen wearing an apron and holding a plate of spicy garlic chicken.

"Uncle Henry, Aunt Nancy, Steven, and Elly, you can wash your hands and get ready for dinner."