The Cherished Wife



"Really?" Maxwell's eyebrow lifted in surprise. He had not expected Noelle to answer so candidly. "But I've heard that you're not exactly on good terms with your family."

"Grandpa, you also mentioned that's just what you heard, and you know how rumors are some are true, and others are not. Just recently, I heard that the Hoffmans are at odds and don't support Charles as the heir!"

"You..." Maxwell stood up abruptly. "Noelle, let's cut to the chase. I don't care if you're married to Charles or not, but I'll never approve of you joining the Hoffmans. Don't you ever think they'll accept you as part of the family."

"So, Sir Hoffman, we're not discussing family harmony anymore?" Noelle's demeanor shifted from meek to bold. She looked Maxwell straight in the eye, fearless.

"Sir Hoffman, since you've been so upfront, I might as well make my stance clear." Noelle cleared her throat and straightened up, forcing herself to remain composed. Her eyes sparkled with unwavering determination.

"I tied the knot with Charles over six months ago, and it was all his idea to get hitched. We're in this for the long haul. The thought of splitting up with Charles has never crossed my mind, and divorce is off the table unless Charles falls out of love with me and decides he's done. He'd have to be the one to call it quits, because nobody else is going to break us apart."

"What nerve!" Maxwell slammed his cane down twice with a resounding bang.

He glared at Noelle with his piercing eyes. "You're just a kid, but you talk a big game. You think you married Charles for love, but I know it's all about the Hoffman name. In Brookville, everyone's itching to get a piece of the Hoffman legacy. But let me set you straight-the Hoffmans don't let just anyone in. As long as I refuse to recognize you, you're not a Hoffman, and Charles won't see a dime of the family fortune!" "Is that a threat, Sir Hoffman?" Noelle's fists tightened. "You're going to cut Charles off because he chose to be with me?"

"Disappointed that I might cut off his inheritance?" Maxwell's gaze was unyielding, but to his surprise, Noelle burst into laughter.

Noelle's laughter echoed through the room before she fixed a sharp, mocking stare at the old man. "Sir Hoffman, you're quite the character. You really think I'm with Charles just because of the Hoffman name?"noveldrama

"Isn't that the case?"

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"I don't owe you an explanation, but honestly, it's hilarious how little you know about your own grandson. Do you really think he'd be lost without his family's empire?" Noelle locked eyes with Maxwell, her gaze unwavering. "Sure, the Hoffmans have built something impressive over the generations, but Charles is the reason your legacy is still standing today."

"What are you saying? Repeat yourself if you dare!"

Noelle's words hung in the air, cut short by the sound of a car engine being turned off outside. She quirked an eyebrow and chuckled. "Looks like you've just blown your best shot at scaring or sweet-talking me."

swny