The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Wife 118

Wife 118

Chapter 118

Charles had told everyone it was time to leave, and Chloe, having gotten what she wanted themost, did not plan to stick around. However, she stopped and turned back at the door. “Charles, ifyou ever need help in the future, you can count on me.”

Charles just smiled and stayed quiet.

Noelle was getting ready to leave work when her phone rang. It was her Grandpa Samuel, whichcaught her off guard. “Grandpa?”

“Noelle, are you done for the day?” Samuel’s voice sounded old and weary. “I’d like to see you.”

Noelle bit her lip and checked the time. “You mean right now?”

“Yes, it’s been a few days since I’ve seen you, and I miss you. But I know it’s not easy for you tocome to the Shaw’s with your mom and dad… Well…” Samuel let out a heavy sigh. “Let’s just meetup, okay?”

“Sure!” Noelle agreed. “Let’s meet at Homestyle Garden House.” She had started the coffee housewith a . friend and had some shares in it. It was doing well, but it was not really of Noelle’s concern.

After setting up a time and place with Samuel, Noelle called Charles. “It’s me!”

Charles was also about to leave work and was surprised to hear from Noelle. “Yes? What’s up?”

“I might be late getting back tonight. My grandpa… He wants to see me.” Noelle felt a littleawkward. It was Rowena yesterday, and now her grandpa. “He might need to talk to me aboutsomething.”

Charles’s face grew serious, and his eyes darkened a bit. “Okay!” He added, “Be careful out there,and call/ me if you need anything!”

“Okay!” Noelle ended the call, feeling a warm glow inside. She remembered how she and Xavierused to chat for hours on the phone, sharing what they were up to.

However, after they both started working, those long talks became few and far between.

With Charles, she was not quite sure what to make of it all. However, she figured that since theywere married, keeping each other in the loop was just respectful.

Noelle got to Homestyle Garden House right on time and saw her friend Teresa Saunders. “Yourgrandpa’s been waiting a bit.”

“Thanks, Teresa,” Noelle said with a smile. She slipped off her shoes and walked in to replace Samuelsitting and Mr. Thompson standing nearby. Samuel waved her over. “Noelle, come to Grandpa!”

“Grandpa!” she said, walking up to him. “Did you get here early?”

“Yes,” Samuel replied, handing her a cup of coffee. “Is work wearing you out?”

“Not one bit!” Noelle said cheerfully. “What did you want to talk about today, Grandpa?”

Samuel paused, then glanced at Mr. Thompson, who quickly handed Noelle an envelope. Shelooked at it, puzzled. “What’s this?”

“Just take a look,” Samuel encouraged.

Noelle hesitated, then opened the envelope with a look of surprise. “Grandpa, why are you givingme

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+15 BONUS

shares in City Ring Corp.?”

“My dear Noelle,” Grandpa Samuel said with a warm smile, “I’ve wanted to give these to you for awhile. You’re part of the Shaw family too. It wouldn’t be fair if your sister had shares and you didn’t.Here, take this pen and sign your name. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“No. I don’t want them.” Noelle pushed the papers away and shook her head. “You know I don’t careabout this stuff. And you remember what happened with Mom and Dad…” She trailed off, shakingher head again. “They’re your shares, Grandpa. I really don’t want them.”