The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 418

Noelle's brows knitted together, her annoyance plain to see. She rose abruptly. "Sorry, I need to use the restroom." Ignoring Jade's calls, she strode away without a backward glance.

Jade turned to Sean, her smile faltering. "My apologies, Mr. Smith. I've spoiled Noelle rotten since she was little. She didn't mean to be rude-she's just shy. You know how some girls can be a little too modest. But between us, she's confessed she's quite fond of you and even dreams of marrying you!"

Sean choked, the tea he had been sipping spewing out in disbelief.

Jade was taken aback but did her best to stay cool, even offering a tissue to Sean. "What's wrong, Mr. Smith? Is the tea too hot? Noelle, how could you serve such scalding tea to Mr. Smith?"

Not a single kind word about Noelle escaped Jade's lips, leaving Sean to question whether her intentions were truly to play matchmaker for Noelle and Bob. However, Jade's eagerness seemed to suggest she was keen on the idea of Noelle marrying Bob. However, the way Jade spoke about Noelle was so harsh. It was clear Jade was quite the character.

It was obvious that Noelle did not get the best treatment from the Shaw family, particularly from Jade. Sean could not help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her.

"No, I just choked on it. Thanks, though!" Sean said with a polite but distant smile, dabbing his mouth with his own napkin, leaving Jade awkwardly holding out her unused tissue. He was not exactly thrilled with having to act as Bob, but it was not the time to show it. "Let's get some food, shall we, Mr. Smith? What's your favorite dish?"

When Noelle came back, she

noticed the table was already set

with dishes She took her seat, exchanged a look with Sean, who

offered a small, knowing smile. "Ms.

Shaw, please, have a seat. Ime

ordered a few things, but I'm not

sure what you prefer. If you don't like them, we can just send them back

and get what you do like, okay?"

"No need for that." Noelle quickly declined, not wanting to delay any further. "Everything you pick out will be perfect for me."

Jade's eyes sparkled with a sly glint as she leaned in. "You know, Mr. Smith, Noelle has the same taste as you. It's like you two were made for each other. I think we should all get together sometime soon and have a little chat about you and Noelle tying the knot. What do you say?" Sean was gobsmacked, and even Noelle was caught off guard. Annoyance flickered in her eyes, and her face was anything but happy.

Sean quirked an eyebrow. "Marriage?" He could not help but burst into a chuckle. "Mrs. Jones, has there been some kind of misunderstanding?"

"Misunderstanding? What

misunderstanding? You're going to

marry Noelle, aren't you? Your mom promised me, and we're such good friends. Jade's voice shot up a notch when she heard Sean's.

laughter. "I couldn't have eine

gotten it wrong. Anyway, you and Noelle hit it off, right? You seemed pretty into her at my eldest daughter's wedding."

Noelle's gaze turned icy, and she clenched her chopsticks a little too tightly, a storm brewing inside her.

Sean, sitting right next to Noelle, did not need to be a mind reader to sense her irritation. Honestly, anyone would be less than thrilled to be in her shoes right now, especially with Jade putting her on the spot like that.

Sean's eyes narrowed, and the

friendly smile he wore like a mask slipped away A sharp glint flashed in his gaze. Tenjoy Ms. Shaw's company because I admire her. She's not only talented and

successful, but she's also stunne

Of course I'm fond of her. But

Mrs.

Jones, you're mistaken. I've never heard my mom say she's friends with you. Even if she were, she doesn't have a say in who I marry-much less you!"