The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Wife 96

Chapter 96

Noelle was not exactly thrilled by Charles’s compliment. She gave a half–hearted smile and said, “So, is this the end of the road for Frotconn?”

Charles took a moment, then looked at Noelle with a tilt of his head, a playful challenge in his gaze. “Why? Got a soft spot for it?”

Noelle pressed her lips together, a little frustrated. “You know that’s not what I’m saying.” She tried to keep her feelings out of it but could not help asking, “Does it have to go down like this?”

“Stay out of the business stuff. There are things I cannot share with you,” Charles replied firmly. “You’ll be in the loop when you need to be.”

“Fine,” Noelle conceded, letting the subject drop.

Noelle could tell there was more to the story than Charles was letting on. It was not just one thing that had him so determined. She smiled half–heartedly. “If Frotconn goes under, what’ll happen to me?”

your feet,” he said, tapping his knee as if to emphasize his point. “Take a

here.”

thoughts, Noelle gave an embarrassed smile,

that hinted at layers of meaning, “If you’re

her heartbeat pick up. She cleared her throat, “I’d rather not. I’m not part of your company, after all.” She quickly changed the subject, and luckily, Charles did not

the kitchen. Leaning against the doorframe, she hesitated before he caught her gaze, quirking an

hand?” she asked, nodding towards the veggies in the sink. “I can

veggie duty!” Charles said with a playful command. “You’ll have plenty of time to cook later. What is the hurry?” He gave her

and Noelle shot Charles a wary glance. “Who else could be dropping by at this

into slits, a sly grin spreading across his face.

hands and headed for the door, figuring it was probably one of Charles’s buddies. The moment the door swung open, however, she was met with a towering presence that made

to the scene, alerted by

scared,” she stammered, recalling how the dog nearly lunged at her, only to be

1/2