The Cherished Wife by Chweety

The two of them became the focus of everyone's attention. Not just the women, but even the men could not help but admire the sight of them together.

At first glance, Noelle's outfit seemed plain, almost disrespectful for such an important event as the year-end banquet. Yet when she stood next to Charles, there was an undeniable harmony. Both were dressed simply, yet somehow, they stood out remarkably.

In the center of the dance floor, the music began to play. Charles placed his hand on Noelle's waist, gently guiding her. Noelle was wearing three-inch heels, which made her the perfect height beside Charles. They moved gracefully across the dance floor in perfect sync, as if they had been dance partners all their lives.

Noelle smiled, initially worried that her dance steps were rusty, but she quickly found her rhythm. It was all thanks to Charles' confident lead.

Charles gazed down at her, as though she was the only person in the room. "Nelly, what do you think of your husband's dance skills?" he asked in a voice only the two of them could hear.

Noelle bit her lip with a playful smile tugging at the corners. "Mr. Hoffman, you always manage to surprise me," she teased.

"Oh?" Charles raised an eyebrow. "So, did you find this surprising?"

feigning annoyance.

believing her one bit. He smiled softly. "I thought you'd

a little embarrassed.

such a grand gesture. I'm sure to be a target now." While she genuinely appreciated the

the feeling that this

Before this, I already planted another distraction for you," Charles

and noticed Winter in the corner, glaring at her with resentment.

raised an

working," Noelle said, thinking back to Janet's earlier outburst. Janet's reaction to

intuition was usually spot on, and Noelle could

wondered aloud. "When she heard the number was 520, I saw disbelief flash across her face. Could she have known

added, "I assure you,