The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Noelle, a touch embarrassed by Jennifer's playful comment, made her way over to Charles. Jennifer rose too, finding a spot to sit between Peter and Yoel. "Bro, how much are you up?" Peter looked at her and gestured towards Yoel. Jennifer's eyes followed Yoel's dwindling stack of chips and then to the others', and it was clear Yoel was having a rough game. Jennifer could not help but snicker. "What's this, three against one?"

Yoel gave her a sly look, his eyes narrowing with mischief. "So, who are you rooting for, me or Peter?"

"Uh, I'm good with either of you winning. It's not like I get the cash!" Jennifer said, touching her nose and then choosing to stay quiet.

Noelle was seated diagonally from Jennifer, with Charles to her left and Bob to her right.

It was Noelle's first time meeting the real Bob, who had that 'do not disturb' vibe that she knew all too well.

She had felt the same way when she first met Charles, though he had not been as cold toward her as Bob, who seemed to treat her like she was invisible.

Trying to break the ice, Noelle gave Bob a friendly nod. He coolly drew a card, gave her a quick side glance, and nodded back. Noelle felt a twinge of embarrassment, but the chatter around the table quickly picked up again, easing the tension. "Mr. Hoffman, been busy with that West City property, I hear?"

card, a crafty grin spreading across his face. He was a fox in businessman's clothing, just as shrewd as

games in the

AQUAS

in his

hesitated for a moment, a card in hand. He

his cards with a sly grin, locking eyes with Yoel. "Oops, looks

cashing in big time?" Peter rapped his

he slid his chips across to Peter. "Well, that's up for debate. The Kemp family's just as tough as the Lennons, dont you think, Steven? Plus, the West City deal's still up in

for a

take, Mr. Hoffman?"