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?"

across his face. He was a fox

his games in

AQUAS

Sean in

did not react to the comment, but Peter hesitated for a moment, a card in hand.

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

isn't it a bit off that you're the only one cashing in big time?" Peter rapped his knee casually. "Winning's just one way to play the game. I'm all about the endgame, and it's pretty clear I'm

lips tightened as he slid his chips across to Peter. "Well, that's up for debate. The Kemp family's just as tough as

for a shake

take,