The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 492

Noelle noticed that Charles' mood seemed off ever since he returned from the Hoffman residence the other day. Although she found it strange, Charles did not say anything in particular, so Noelle could not do much about it.

As days passed, she adapted well to her role in the project department. She successfully completed most of the tasks Brian assigned her independently. Brian would still often take Noelle on field trips to inspect the project in West City. Brian reviewed Noelle's project plan and found her ideas quite mature.

One day, Noelle accompanied Brian on another outing. When they returned around noon, they spotted a young woman helping an elegant, dignified woman out of a car at the entrance of Colossus Group's building.

The woman's demeanor suggested she was someone of high status.

Noelle walked behind Brian as they discussed some details about their meeting with the survey team. Suddenly, they heard the young woman say, "Aunt Clary, do you think Charles will be angry if he replaces out we came to the company to see him?" Noelle's steps faltered, and Brian paused briefly in surprise. They then heard the woman reply, "What can he possibly say? I'm his mother, and you're related to him too. Let's go!"

Noelle furrowed her brows and pondered for a moment. Noticing Brian looking at her, she raised her head and asked curiously, "Mr. Parker, did you say something?" Brian shook his head. "Let's go. We still have work to do. It's best to compile these materials while the information is fresh in our minds."

"I was thinking the same thing!" Noelle closed the folder. "I'll go upstairs first and calculate these figures."

The woman Noelle encountered was Charles' mother, Clarisse. However, they did not come face-to-face, and Noelle did not get a clear look at Clarisse's appearance. Judging from Clarisse's tone and recalling Charles' attitude after returning home, Noelle surmised that the relationships within the Hoffman family were rather complex. Clarisse led Janet directly to Colossus Group's building and went straight to Charles' office.

Charles was instructing Ronald about work-related matters when they heard the secretary's voice outside, Sounding somewhat anxious. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you don't have an appointment. Qur president is not available to see you!"

"I'm his mother. Do I need an appointment?" Clarisse said sharply.

In the office, Charles narrowed his eyes slightly as Clarisse pushed open the door. Janet followed, glaring haughtily at the secretary.

Becky felt wronged but could not stop Clarisse and Janet. "Mr. Hoffman, this lady, she..."

Charles simply waved his hand. "You may go."

Becky obeyed, immediately closing the door behind her as she left.

Charles glanced at Clarisse, then looked at Ronald, who quickly understood. "Mr. Hoffman, I'll

get

back to work now and return dater to report to you."

After Ronald left, Charles put down his pen and looked up, his piercing gaze falling on Clarisse. "Mother, do you have business with me today?"

Clarisse frowned, displeased with Charles's formal demeanor. "Charlie, I'm your mother. Can't you speak to me properly?"

"How do you wish me to speak,

Mother? This is Collosus Group, a

company. You're not an employee of Collosus Group, Mother. Coming here already breaks the rules, especially since you've brought an outsider with you.

"If Collosus Group's internal information were to leak, you'd be the first suspect. What do you think about that?"