The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"Uncle Charles, it's been a long time since you've seen me. Did you miss me?"

"Of course, I did!" Charles playfully pinched Anna's nose. "Did you miss me, Anna?"

"Yes, I missed you very much." As if afraid Charles would not believe her, Anna took his hand and planted a big kiss on his cheek, making everyone in the Hoffman family burst into laughter.

"Now that everyone's here, let's start dinner," Maxwell said. As the head of the family, he understood the situation between his children but chose not to mention it.

Fortunately, Anna's presence helped ease the tension. With the child around, the conversation topics became much lighter.

After dinner, Chloe carried Anna over to Charles. "Was the urgent phone call just about this?" She glanced at Clarisse and Janet in the living room. "Mother really shouldn't have brought her along." Chloe harbored no goodwill toward Janet, stemming from an incident years ago. "It's getting late, and Anna needs to sleep," she said.

"Yes, I should be going too. Let's leave together," Charles replied. He had never planned to stay overnight at the Hoffman residence.

Chloe smirked. "You've become quite cunning lately."

eyes and took Anna

but smile. "You're not getting any younger. When are you going

an eyebrow, his eyes hiding a hint of

"You've

business. Just know that unlike our mother and the others, I'll support whoever you

previous incident,

despite

her mercy. If he not considered their

not be chatting so comfortably with

time is right, I'll certainly bring her over for you

was worried you'd be stuck in the past,

Charles exclaimed,

alright. I'll stop,