The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 495

Having gained no advantage from her visit to Charles, Clarisse returned directly to the Hoffman residence. Janet supported Clarisse the whole way, her expression no better than Clarisse's.

Although Janet was very dissatisfied with Charles' attitude toward her, she did not dare say anything to his face. She could only follow Clarisse, as she was now the only one supporting Janet's relationship with Charles. Clarisse easily saw through Janet's thoughts. Noticing her low spirits, she patted Janet's hand. "Janet, you must be tired too. Why don't you go upstairs and rest? I have some things to discuss with your uncle." After sending Janet away, Clarisse immediately called for the butler. "Where's Mateo?"

James had served Maxwell for a long time and held a high position in the Hoffman household.

He was even a few years older than Mateo and Henry. He had never quite liked Mateo's wife, especially given Clarisse's early departure from the Hoffman family. It was something he had always criticized privately. However, Clarisse was still a Hoffman family daughter-in-law, so James could not do much about his dislike. "Madam, Mr. Mateo is upstairs."

Clarisse nodded. "I'll go up to see him." She added, "Prepare some refreshments."

"Yes, Madam."

James watched Clarisse go upstairs, then immediately instructed the cook to prepare and send up refreshments.

Since handing the company over to Charles, Mateo rarely inquired about company matters.

Although he occasionally visited the company, he had long since entrusted most affairs to Charles.

Now, Mateo would spend his time either meeting with old friends or staying at home. Sometimes, he played chess with Maxwell, and sometimes, he went out to clear his mind. His days would pass quite pleasantly.

At that moment, Mateo was reading

in his study when he heard footsteps approaching. He furrowed his brows slightly as Clarisse's voice reached him. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

From their marriage to their gradually deteriorating relationship, Clarisse had never spoken to him kindly unless she needed

something. When Clarisse wall net

in,

Mateo had not finished reading the page he was on.

Mateo looked up at her after he was done reading that page. As always, she carried herself with grace and propriety.

Today, she wore a dress with a coat over it. Time had not ravaged her face excessively; she still retained a hint of her former charm, now mixed with traces of age. Mateo set down his book. He nodded slightly and said, "No, you're not. Do you need something?"

Clarisse frowned slightly, her gaze lingering on the book in front of Mateo.

Her brows remained furrowed. She pressed her lips together just as the cook entered with refreshments. "Mr. Mateo, Madam, these are tea leaves that the madam used to enjoy very much."

"Mm, set the things down." Clarisse nodded, gesturing for the cook to leave. She then poured a cup of tea and handed it to Mateo.

Mateo looked at Clarisse with slight surprise. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Despite his words, Mateo accepted the tea, holding it steadily. He then sat down on the other side. "It seems the cook still remembers what you like." Clarisse frowned. "Didn't Henry say you changed the cook?"

Mateo's hand paused on the teacup, his eyes showing a hint of sadness. "Are you suggesting the new is better than the old?"

He chuckled softly. "The Hoffman family's people aren't so easily replaced."