The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Sean got Noelle back home without a hitch. Charles was holed up in his study, buried in work, but the distant purr of the engine had him pausing. His face set in a serious line, he shelved his work and headed downstairs.

No sooner had Sean and Noelle stepped inside than Noelle caught sight of Charles on the stairs. She rushed toward him. "Charles!"

"Yeah?" Charles shot a quick look at Noelle, and seeing her unharmed, he let out a sigh of relief before fixing his eyes on Sean. Sean quirked an eyebrow. "Done and dusted. But seriously, Charles, how'd you figure out someone was lurking outside?" "Someone?" Noelle's head shot up, her eyes narrowed in confusion. "What are you guys whispering about?"

"It's nothing!" Charles said, smoothing Noelle's hair affectionately and giving her cheek a little nudge. "You must be tired. Head on up and get some rest. I've got to chat with Sean for a bit."

"Alrighty!" Noelle agreed with a nod and started up the stairs. "I'll leave you to it, then!"

Once Noelle was out of earshot, Charles turned back to Sean. "I took a wild guess."

Sean gave a wry smile. "You think you've got psychic powers or something? How do you just guess right like that?"

there?" Charles motioned for Sean to take a seat, his hand casually tucked

help but smirk. "And you're right. I did see him. I noticed his car when I first went in, and it was still there when I

the moment I walked in, she was all sunshine and

heading back, Noelle must've said something to tick her

expression darkened at the news, a storm brewing in his

"But hey,

no pushover. Even if I hadn't made it back in time,

way Jade and the

bit his

gave Noelle the cold shoulder, except for

out. But