The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 426

"Don't worry. Even if you don't say it, I won't let her ruin your happiness!" Jade assured, her eyes flashing with determination. She was absolutely resolved not to let Noelle disrupt her happiness, just like that other woman once did.

With Jade's promise, Winter finally felt relieved. She knew better than anyone how much her mother disliked Noelle Jade downright hated her. Winter had been aware of this since she was a child, back when her relationship with Noelle had not yet soured. Back then, Winter was mischievous, and she would play hide and seek in Julian and Jade's room. She hid in the wardrobe and overheard a shocking secret-that Noelle was not her real sister but rather the child of a woman her mother deeply resented. From that moment, Winter's attitude toward Noelle began to change.

Winter had never shared this secret with anyone, but she fully understood that her mother's willingness to help her was not just about supporting her; it was also about the deep-seated hatred Jade harbored.

Noelle's resemblance to that woman triggered her mother's old wounds.

Winter narrowed her eyes, a gleam of malice flickering within. It did not matter who Noelle really was; Winter was determined to take everything away from her. That was a lesson her mother had drilled into her from a young age.

She loved Xavier, and there was no way she would let Noelle steal him away. Noelle was a curse, just like her mother.

"Remember, don't tell Xavier about this. You two just got married, so don't start arguments. Talk things out calmly, understand?" Jade warned.

She was concerned that if Xavier still had feelings for Noelle, any argument could backfire.

"And be sure to be kind to your in-laws. Let them see that Xavier can't do without you!"

"I know, Mom," Winter replied as she calmed down. She was well aware that Xavier still had feelings for Noelle, and though it made her resentful, she knew what needed to be done.

As long as she had the approval of Joseph and Emilia, Xavier would never consider divorcing her.

"It's good that you know. Xavier and your father are probably done talking. Let's go out," Jade suggested.

Julian and Xavier had been

discussing business. Julian was quite pleased with Xavier as his son-in-law, replaceing him both

intelligent and diligent. As the net

emerged from the study, they saw Jade and Winter coming out of the other room.

Winter walked over and linked her arm through Xavier's, putting on a happy face. "Xavier, are you done talking with Dad?"

"Yes." Xavier nodded slightly, but

when he saw the smile on Winter's face, he could not help but think of the scene he witnessed at Mooncliff today. Asense of guilt toward Winter washed over him. Then, he thought about how Noelle was

eli

already meeting other suitors.

It seemed no matter how reluctant he was, there was nothing he could do. He patted Winter's hand and said, "We just talked about business strategies. What were you and Mom discussing?"

"I'm not telling you!" Winter teased with a smile. "Xavier, let's go home."

"Alright," Xavier agreed.

As Xavier and Winter left the Shaw residence and got into the car, the atmosphere between them turned heavy. Winter was still upset about Xavier going to Mooncliff to See Noelle earlier that day.

Although she was unhappy, she remembered her mother's advice and held back from lashing out at him. She instead chose to sulk silently.

Sensing Winter's low spirits and feeling guilty about what had happened earlier, Xavier asked, "What's wrong?"