Semua Bab The Cherished Wife: Bab 601 - Bab 610

"Hmm." Winter nodded, giving Suzy's hand a quick squeeze. "You understand me. I've got to stop by Xavier's company later, so I can't hang with you all. Just let me out at the next corner, okay?""Sure!"Once Winter stepped out, sunglasses on and in disguise, Suzy's smile vanished. She settled into her seat, quiet as a mouse.Jane noticed Suzy's quick switch from cheery to serious. "I thought you and Winter were close?"Suzy turned to her. "Of course. You know that, right? We've always been super close!" However, as she spoke, her face told a different story.Jane arched an eyebrow, sensing something off, but she was not about to dive into that drama. "Whatever's going on with you and Winter, just keep me out of it.""Don't worry, Jane. I'm not one to start trouble. Besides, I'm Winter's pal. Everything I do, I do for Winter's sake."Jane gave Suzy a long, hard look, shook her head a little, and dropped the topic.They followed Ronald's car until they pulled up at a restaurant.

Ronald handed Charles the list from Royal Star Entertainment. Winter's name was nowhere to be found. Charles glanced at it and tossed it aside. "So, nobody at Royal Star Entertainment is into Winter, huh?"Ronald shook his head. "Winter’s like a lone wolf. She barely hangs out with the Royal Star crowd. She's too proud to learn from the veterans and too aloof for the newbies. Honestly, it's a wonder she's lasted this long in showbiz. It must be her agent's doing, because Winter wouldn’t last long alone."Charles smirked. "Well, let's shake things up. Add her to the list. Throw in Brielle and Lara, as well as... this one." He pointed at a random name. "I heard Winter's agent's been knocking on your door."Ronald's mouth twisted in surprise. "Mr. Hoffman, you've got eyes everywhere!" He had not even reported it yet, but somehow, Charles was already in the loop.Charles glanced up, giving Ronald an indifferent look. "Ruby was about to head downstairs to find you when she spotted Winte

However, this year was different. Janet was in the picture, and Becky had a feeling that if she were to dance with Charles as usual, Janet might not take it well—to put it mildly. More importantly, Becky had a nagging feeling that Charles had changed. She could not tell if it was just her imagination, but she was pretty sure that Charles had someone else in mind for this year's opening dance.Charles's mood had been pretty downcast, but Becky's words were like a switch flipping on a light. His eyebrow quirked up, and he shot her a look of approval. "What do you think?""I think we need to shake things up this year. Mr. Hoffman, you and I dance every year. It's kind of become predictable." Becky let out a small laugh, and when she noticed Charles did not seem upset, she relaxed and went on. "Do you have anyone in mind, Mr. Hoffman?"He looked at her, signaling her to continue. Becky inhaled deeply. "Mr. Hoffman, you're a catch. Lots of women at the company think so. What if we did a

Janet hovered by the car door, peering into the car like a detective on the trail.Noelle had just settled into the seat and was straightening up, her fingers reaching for her phone to call Charles when a sudden shadow made her jump. She twisted around and came face-to-face with Janet's face, magnified and almost plastered against the window.Noelle's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she clutched her phone tighter. Janet's intense and unblinking eyes bore into hers through the glass.Noelle was petrified, forgetting that the window was tinted. Though she could see outside, Janet could not see inside. Her heart was racing so fast it felt like it was about to jump out of her mouth. She gulped, convinced that Janet had spotted her. However, after an agonizing wait, Janet did not make a move. She just straightened up, leaned casually against the car, and started fiddling with her phone out of sheer boredom.It was only then that Noelle let out a sigh of relief, remembering that

Charles gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. Janet's words had hit him like a punch, and he was seething.Noelle gently took his clenched hand, her touch soothing. It was like magic. The storm inside him quieted. He was like a raging lion, teetering on the brink of an outburst, but she managed to reel him back in.Charles glanced at Noelle, her worried eyes locked on him. He sighed. "You're not mad?""Why would I be mad?" Noelle's voice was calm, and she gave a small laugh. "You shouldn't be mad either.""I was afraid you'd be bothered by her!" He was genuinely concerned that Janet's claims would unsettle Noelle.Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "What do you take me for? Why would I be bothered? You're mine now. She's the one who should be worried."With a playful grin, Noelle added, "Actually, I should be thanking Janet. Who knew you cared about me so much?"He raised an eyebrow. "You mean you haven't noticed everything I've done for you?"Charles let out a