The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 442

Noelle stayed in the restroom for a while longer before she finally decided to leave.

When she returned to the banquet hall, most of the guests had already gone through at least one round of drinks.

Winter seemed to be in high spirits, moving around to entertain everyone. The women were clustered in groups, chatting about fashion and gossip, while the men discussed business or entertainment venues. As soon as Noelle walked back in, Winter's gaze immediately fixed on her. Winter glanced over at Annie, who gave her a subtle nod of confirmation.

With that, Winter felt reassured and walked over to Noelle. "Noelle, where did you go? I thought you might have left early!"

"How could I? It's your birthday. I wouldn't leave before you cut the cake," Noelle responded, casually glancing around the room.

Sure enough, she saw Suzy engaged in conversation with Simon, who was watching her with that same unreadable expression.

Noelle felt uneasy under Simon's intense gaze and quickly looked away. "Where's my brother-in-law? It's your birthday. He should be here celebrating with you," Noelle remarked, her tone laced with subtle insinuation. Winter's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered while forcing a smile. "Xavier is still busy at work. You know how it is with him taking over Frotconn; there's a lot on his plate!"

"Really? He must be very busy to miss your birthday," Noelle replied, her words dripping with hidden meaning.

Winter's eyes darkened momentarily, but her expression brightened when she saw a server approach with a tray of drinks. She waved them over. "Noelle, we haven't had a drink together yet. Let's share one now!" "Sure!" Noelle caught a subtle signal from Annie, who then casually picked up a glass of wine from the tray.

Winter narrowed her eyes, her excitement barely concealed as she watched Noelle take the very glass she had specially prepared.

Winter picked up a glass herself. "Noelle, since it's my birthday today, let's put all our past misunderstandings behind us. From now on, I promise to take good care of you."

"I'll take good care of you too, Winter," Noelle replied with a forced smile as they clinked their glasses together. Under Winter's eager gaze, Noelle downed the drink.

Seeing Noelle drink the wine,

Winter's joy became even more apparent. "Noelle, thank you so much for forgiving me for everything in the past. I promise to treatyou well from now on." Ebookex

She was silently thinking, 'I'll treat you well as I watch you fall into the trap I've set!'

Meanwhile, over by Simon, Suzy had been keeping him company, chatting. away. She watched as Simon

finished the drink that had been set

drugged with a sly smile forming on her lips. "Mr. York, you have quite the toferance!"

"And you seem to hold your alcohol well too, Ms. Atherton. You've had quite a few, yet you're still standing."

"Mr. York, you're too kind," Suzy replied. There was a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. She felt her heart flutter inexplicably as she looked at Simon's face.

Simon smiled and leaned in closer. "Ms. Atherton, you look stunning tonight."

No woman would dislike being complimented, and Suzy was no exception. She beamed at his words. "Mr. York..."

Just then, Suzy's head started to feel a bit light. When Simon noticed this, he placed a supportive arm around her shoulders, guiding her gently.

"It's strange, isn't it? We've only had a few drinks, yet I'm feeling quite dizzy."

Suzy's eyes lit up at the opportunity. "Mr. York? If you're feeling unwell, how about I help you replace a place to rest?"

"That would be great," Simon agreed,

leaning his full weight onto Suzy Already feeling lightheaded herself, Suzy struggled under Simon's heavy frame but managed to support him as they made their way out.