The Cherished Wife

Winter tried to grab Noelle's hand, but Noelle dodged it smoothly.

A look of hurt crossed Winter's face. She gave Noelle a sad puppy-dog look and said, "Noelle, I know you're still mad at me, but—"Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Noelle cut her off while stepping away from Winter with a smirk, "I'm not mad at you. What did you do that I should be mad over?" Winter was taken aback, not expecting that response. She bit her lip and looked over at Jade for help. Jade banged her hand on the table, saying, "What are you talking about? What could your sister have done to upset you? We should be the ones upset, not you."

Noelle just looked at Jade, not saying a word. However, the corners of her mouth twitched. Her clear eyes locked with Jade's, and without a word, Jade felt a chill run down her spine for just a second.

Jade stared at Noelle, giving her a sharp look. "Don't go thinking your parents are mean. You know the Yorks are a big deal in Brookville. Simon liking you is like winning the lottery, so don't miss out on your luck without even knowing it."

Noelle let out a brisk laugh and turned to Julian. "Really? Do you think I don't know how fortunate I am too, Dad?"

Julian squirmed, feeling awkward. He had always felt Noelle was distant, and he just could not figure out what she was really thinking.

"What's that supposed to mean? You think your dad and I are out to get you?" Jade's temper flared at Noelle's words. "Do you even get how important the Yorks are? They're way richer than us Shaws. Being with Simon is a stroke of luck for you."

"Luck? Mom, you're just too good to me!" Noelle's voice dripped with ice, but her eyes were busy scanning the room, taking in where the coffee was set on the table.

She frowned slightly, trying to guess the reason behind the setup. "It's such a great opportunity, and you didn't save it for your favorite daughter, Winter. Instead, you passed it to me, the daughter everyone looks down on. You're just too good to me, Mom!"

Jade snapped, "You little brat! I'm your mom. Would I really hurt you?"

"You sure wouldn't hurt me. You didn't spike the coffee, you didn't shoot the video, and you're not the one who made me come here today." "Brat!" Jade lost it and slapped Noelle across the face.

Noelle had seen it coming but did not move an inch. She just took the slap.

The sound of a slap rang out, and it

oline

was extra loud in the cozy room. Winter gasped before rushing, Jade's side and then turning to Noelle with worry in her eyes.

"Mom, what are you doing? You can't just slap Noelle!" she exclaimed and then quickly added, "Noelle, are you okay? I'll go get you some medicine!"

Noelle replied calmly, "There's no

need. Time's almost up, right? M

really think this is the time too

York will be here any minute. Do you

air our

dirty laundry?"

With that, Noelle found a seat and discreetly placed a recording pen under the table.

Just as she finished, the door swung

е

open. Simon, in a pink shirt with jacket draped over one arm, stood at the entrance, eyeing the room with a lazy curiosity.

Noelle's heart skipped a beat when she caught Simon's amused gaze. She quickly pulled back her hand and tried to look calm as she put down her purse.

Simon noticed Noelle's flustered move and watched her with a sly, knowing smile.

Noelle bit her lip and shot him a defiant look. Simon just raised an eyebrow and said with a hint of tease, "It's been a while, Ms. Noelle!"