The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Having gained no advantage from her visit to Charles, Clarisse returned directly to the Hoffman residence. Janet supported Clarisse the whole way, her expression no better than Clarisse's.

Although Janet was very dissatisfied with Charles' attitude toward her, she did not dare say anything to his face. She could only follow Clarisse, as she was now the only one supporting Janet's relationship with Charles. Clarisse easily saw through Janet's thoughts. Noticing her low spirits, she patted Janet's hand. "Janet, you must be tired too. Why don't you go upstairs and rest? I have some things to discuss with your uncle." After sending Janet away, Clarisse immediately called for the butler. "Where's Mateo?"

James had served Maxwell for a long time and held a high position in the Hoffman household.

He was even a few years older than Mateo and Henry. He had never quite liked Mateo's wife, especially given Clarisse's early departure from the Hoffman family. It was something he had always criticized privately. However, Clarisse was still a Hoffman family daughter-in-law, so James could not do much about his dislike. "Madam, Mr. Mateo is upstairs."

Clarisse nodded. "I'll go up to see him." She added, "Prepare some refreshments."

"Yes, Madam."

James watched Clarisse go upstairs, then immediately instructed the cook to prepare and send up refreshments.

Since handing the company over to Charles, Mateo rarely inquired about company matters.

he had

Mateo would spend his time either meeting with old friends or staying at home. Sometimes, he played chess with Maxwell, and sometimes, he went out to clear his

that moment,

approaching. He furrowed his brows slightly as Clarisse's voice reached him.

their marriage to their gradually deteriorating relationship, Clarisse had never spoken to him

When Clarisse

in,

had not finished reading the

at her after he was done reading that page. As always,

her former charm, now mixed with traces of age. Mateo

slightly, her gaze lingering on the book

cook entered with refreshments. "Mr. Mateo, Madam, these are tea