Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Cherished Wife: Kabanata 1201 - Kabanata 1210

Noelle did not wait for Maxwell to give her the go-ahead. She headed straight for Charles's break room, grabbed a carton of cream and a bag of coffee grounds from the fridge, and got to work using Charles's fancy coffee maker intended for guests.She had planned on brewing a quick cup of joe, but with time to kill and an extra person in the mix, she figured it was better to stay busy than awkwardly hang around Maxwell. Making the coffee gave her something else to focus on.Maxwell watched Noelle. She was unflappable and detached, as if his chilly vibe could not reach her. Her lack of reaction left him feeling unexpectedly flat.Who would not be at least a little intimidated by him? However, Noelle did not seem scared in the slightest.Maxwell had to concede that if he had to pick someone amongst Kelly, Janet, and Noelle, Noelle was the best choice, without doubt.However, no matter what Noelle did, Maxwell could not bring himself to like her. Even from the start, he just could not

Sure enough, Maxwell's face twitched, and he blurted out, "If you're on leave, why are you even here at the company?"What kind of leave are you taking? I should've guessed. Women like you just laze around all day once you get what you want. You're only after Charles's money. I suggest you divorce Charles as soon as you can. The Hoffman family will never welcome someone like you!""Someone like me?" Noelle touched her chest, feigning thoughtfulness. "Well, I think I'm pretty great.""Y-you're utterly shameless!""I'm just telling it like it is. Charles thinks I'm fantastic, and that's all that matters! Besides, don't you want to know what kind of leave I've taken? I've gone ahead and taken... ten whole months!""T-ten months?" Maxwell's jaw dropped, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. He gaped at Noelle, and then his gaze dropped to her belly. "You're pregnant?" He was utterly flabbergasted.Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "You hit the nail on the head, Sir Hoffman!""Feeli

Charles lounged on the couch and beckoned Noelle over. In one swift move, he pulled her down to sit on his lap. His rough fingers gently played with hers, giving them a little squeeze. "You worry too much, you know."Noelle stuck out her lower lip in a pout. "I'm not worrying over nothing. It's just that he's your grandpa." Who else would dare to get into a spat with an elder?Charles chuckled and playfully pinched Noelle's nose. "I didn't mean to stir things up, but if it works out, why not go with it?""I just can't beat you in an argument," Noelle said, her eyes dropping to Charles's fingertips. She copied Charles, pinching his fingers, and was surprised to find his bones were much larger than hers.Charles watched Noelle play with his fingers, a smile tugging at his lips. Her childlike antics always melted his heart."How was the check-up?" he asked.Noelle bit her lip. "Dr. Ellison gave me the green light. All my stats are good. She told me to rest but not turn into a couch

Noelle could not help but smile when she saw Charles looking so unfazed. She let out a little sigh. Charles caught her eye. "Not feeling it?" Noelle quickly shook her head. "No, it's not that!"She was seriously starting to admire him more and more. She had barely made a move, yet he immediately picked up on it.Charles nodded. "Hey, if you're not feeling it, just let me know. We don’t have to stay here. Peter's got a bunch of places in my name, so we can mix it up!""No way!" Noelle laughed, shaking her head. "Why would we move from one place to another? I like the old mansion. It's got staff and everything. It's perfect!"Charles gave her a look that was loaded with meaning.Up front, James caught bits of their exchange and was left wondering if this was the same Charles he knew. Ever since Noelle came into the picture, he had changed so much. He seemed warmer and more down-to-earth now.They pulled up to the Hoffman family estate, and the staff was already out front waiting.

Noelle gave Maxwell a curious look when she heard him. Maxwell caught her eye and felt his cheeks heat up with embarrassment. He quickly averted his eyes and coughed to cover it up. "You’d better watch it," he warned playfully. "If you upset my great-grandson, I'll have to show you the door!" He pointed at Noelle, trying to sound stern.Noelle raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips at Maxwell's antics.Maxwell was a real piece of work, an old man who still threw tantrums like a toddler. He was the definition of a ‘man-child’!"Sir, dinner's all set!" James announced, popping up beside Maxwell. "When should we dig in?""Now!" Maxwell eyed Noelle's tummy. "We wouldn't want rumors flying about us neglecting an expectant mom!"Noelle's eye twitched in annoyance as she exchanged a knowing glance with Charles, who chuckled and gently took her hand.Maxwell looked around. "Where's Mateo and that lady?""Mr. Mateo is still out, and as for Madam Baker..." James was cut off as C