The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"Cruel?"

Steven looked at Eloise as if she had just told a hilarious joke. His eyebrows raised slightly, and a cold smile lingered in his eyes. He stopped the car and turned to face her.

Raising his hand, he lifted Eloise's chin. His deep, dark eyes were especially captivating at that moment, like a powerful vortex.

Eloise stared into Steven's eyes, finding it increasingly hard to hold her gaze. His long fingers gently grazed her chin, as if he were touching a precious artifact. However, Eloise knew that I was moments like these when Steven was at his most terrifying. Eloise's body trembled slightly as she tried to pull away from Steven's grip, but he spoke, "El, do you remember the first time we met?"

Eloise's body shivered uncontrollably at his words. Her lips pressed together tightly as her expression darkened.

She could not bear to look at him because once she did, there would be no turning back. "I've forgotten."

"How could you forget those memories? It's when we are at our lowest that we truly realize what we want most. Just like when I first met you-you were willing to do anything to survive, stopping at nothing to achieve your goals." "But it's wrong; that's why I met you," Eloise could not help but say. "If I had a choice, I would rather never have met you."

Steven smirked. "I never believed in fate. If you do, you've already lost." His long fingers traced along her jawline, lifting her chin higher. "People often make sacrifices to get what they want. There's nothing wrong with that.

"El, once you get what you want, as long as everything you do afterward is good and righteous, the gods will forgive you. Understand?" He laughed softly, "Are you scared?"

Eloise pressed her lips together in silence, but Steven raised an eyebrow. "Focus on what drives you forward, and you won't feel afraid anymore.

"By the way, since you're here in Brookville, don't you want to see your old friends? Or revisit the place where we first met?"

Eloise's eyes turned sharp and icy. "No need. I'm tired and just want to rest."

Steven smiled. "Very well."

Eloise closed her eyes, but no matter how much she tried to push those memories away, they only grew clearer.

Steven was right. She did not want to go through those things she had experienced again. Meeting Steven was something the heavens

arranged, and whether it was good

or bad, it had already begun.

She bit her lip, struggling to turn her head away, trying to block out Steven's overpowering presence and his cold heart.

As the year-end approached,

companies were busy preparing for their annual parties. As Brookville's leading company, Collosus Group's yearly gala was always grand and extravagant.

Becky had been swamped with preparations for days. In past years, she at least had a few helpers, but this year, she was in a tough spot. Eager to prove herself, Janet had turned down the company's help, insisting on doing everything herself.

Yet as a pampered young lady,

Janet had no clue how to handle such tasks. While it was just an annual party, the logistics involved were complex and overwhelming.

swr

Janet was of little help, leaving Becky overwhelmed and exhausted, especially with the year-end reports also looming.

Becky nearly handed in her resignation but realized finding another company with benefits as good as Collosus Group would be nearly impossible.