The Cherished Wife

Rowena had never met anyone as calm as Charles. His wife was the one in danger, yet he did not seem the least bit rattled.

However, then Rowena paused to think about Charles. He was always so sure of himself, so she did not doubt him.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Ms. Smith, you're very clever!"

Rowena bit her lip. She did not really think Charles was praising her, but she thanked him anyway because it was the polite thing to do.

"Aren't you worried about Noelle being all alone with them? The Shaws aren't exactly nice to her. But Noelle can't seem to let them go. Otherwise, they would have never been able to bully her."

While tapping his fingers, Charles explained, "Family ties are the hardest to break in the world. Nelly has a big heart. She can't just give up on them. However, she's never felt total despair. Once someone feels that, family ties might not mean much anymore."

Rowena was shocked. "You... That's too harsh for Noelle."

Charles squinted. "Is it any less harsh now? You've been her friend for years. You know her." He did not say more on the subject. "You haven't had dinner yet, have you?"

Charles' words made Rowena realize she was actually hungry. She felt a little embarrassed. "I was too busy thinking about how to handle them." Charles ordered the meal to be served. "Nelly mentioned she wanted to introduce us. Why not make it today?"

Rowena was pleasantly surprised. "Mr. Hoffman, you're too gracious."

Noelle barely touched her food. She was upset as Jade kept sweet-talking Simon the whole time. She could not take it anymore and stood up. "I need to use the bathroom!"

"I'll come too."

Noelle and Winter headed to the bathroom, one behind the other. Winter was feeling all mixed up inside. Part of her hoped Simon would fall for Noelle, which would mean Noelle might get hurt and then Xavier would stop thinking about her.

However, another part of Winter was green with envy. Why did everyone always pick Noelle over her?

With those thoughts, Winter glared at Noelle's back. "You're lucky Mr. York likes you," she said bitterly.

Noelle stopped walking and looked back at Winter with a small smile. She locked eyes with Winter. "Really? Then I guess I should be grateful. After all, Mr. York chose me over you, right?"

Winter was caught off guard by

Noelle's comeback. "You... Why are you so smug? Remember, Mom has that video of you. And you've heard the rumors about Simon, right? He's into some pretty dark stuff. He doesn't care who it is."

"Winter, dropping the act now?" Noelle snapped, shocked at how mean Winter could be.

Winter had always been faking it, putting on a show for everyone. However, today, she was done with pretending.

Noelle glared at Winter. "A video?

Wow, you're such a wonderful sister.

It wasn't enough to steal my

boyfriend. Now, you're threatening

me with a video? Winter, are you

really that jealous of me?"

Noelle just could not figure it out. They were sisters, but Winter acted like she was Noelle's worst enemy.

"Yes, I am jealous! Why do you always get everything that's best? I'm just as good as you are!"