The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"Enough already, you've never been a burden. You're the most important thing to me," Henry said, giving Nancy's hand a reassuring pat. "If you really think it's the right thing to do, then I'll go. However, I'm bringing you with me, just to show our faces." "Alright!"

Nancy nodded, pleased, then quickly asked, "Charles, how's the prep for the annual meeting coming along?"

"Our team's got it pretty much under control. The meeting's in five days, so you guys should definitely come." "And your folks..."

"They'll probably be there too!"

Charles was not too fussed about it. Whether he invited Clarisse or not, she would show up.

He knew exactly what Clarisse was thinking.

Her departure years ago was not just for the reasons she had given. A big part of it was the embarrassment of facing the Hoffman family. After all those years, her return to Brookville, to the Hoffman family, was bound to be more than just a simple visit. That's why Clarisse was sure to be at the Collosus Group's annual meeting this year.

At the crack of dawn in the Collosus Group skyscraper, Becky was on a mission, zipping from department to department. Her task was to nail down the exact roster for each team and to make sure everyone got their ID badges.

breezed through the project department, Arya, who never met a stranger, flagged her down. Since Becky was practically the twenty-seventh-floor boss's right-hand woman, everyone was always extra chummy with

you're handing out?" Arya peered at the badge in her hand, a puzzled

this year's

flashed a grin, all mysterious-like, and nodded at Arya's badge. "Keep it safe, 'cause everyone gets just one. Red lanyards for the Jadies, blue for the gents. Don't lose it, or

the beans. Wasn't the top prize

hit the nail on the head. It's a killer perk." Becky's smile widened. Getting picked to stun the dance floor

thought, Becky gave Arya's hand a

I'm not picky, snagging the grand prize would be sweet. Hey, what about Noelle's badge?" Arya realized

"Got them all covered."

"What's all this?"

spotted Becky and Arya. "Ms. Malls, what's up with the surprise visit to our

all good.