The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 780

"Alright then, come catch me!" Noelle playfully stuck out her tongue at Charles and dashed upstairs. "Catch me if you can!" "Slow down, don't trip!" Charles called after her. He was carrying the fireworks with both hands while following her helplessly.

When they reached the rooftop, Noelle immediately began directing Charles on where to place the fireworks. Meanwhile, she trailed behind him, happily recording a video. Under the dark sky, the images were not too clear, so Noelle zoomed in on Charles' face. Charles could only let her have her fun and finally finished with the setup after a while.

It was only then that Noelle stopped filming. She held a lighter and stood close behind him.

"Alright, stop pacing around," Charles said, resting his hands on her shoulders and glancing toward the glasshouse behind her. "Go wait over there."

"Okay!" Noelle obediently ran over to the glasshouse and leaned against the glass, tilting her head as she watched Charles.

Charles crouched down, lighting the fuse of the fireworks. The sparking sound of the fuse crackled, and soon, the first firework shot into the sky.

Noelle excitedly waved at Charles like a child. "Charlie, come quick!"

She grabbed his arm and looked up at the night sky. What had been a dark, quiet sky suddenly exploded into a brilliant display, lighting up like blooming flowers.

Charles led Noelle into the glasshouse, where they sat together on a wicker chair. Their fingers intertwined as they gazed at the fireworks filling the sky. It was a beautiful display meant just for them.

At a distance from Phoenix Tree Residence, a flash of light illuminated the rooftop where Charles and Noelle sat, blending with the fireworks in the night sky.

...

Meanwhile, at the Hoffman residence, a heavy gloom hung in the air. What should have been a festive occasion was overshadowed by Charles' sudden absence, leaving the gathering almost unbearable. Everyone had tried calling him, but his phone was switched off.

Maxwell looked particularly displeased. He had always been proud of his grandson.

Charles had never let him down. He rose quickly in the business world and became someone whom others feared and respected.

Maxwell had believed Charles was capable of handling great responsibilities and had never failed in making crucial decisions.

It was for this reason that Maxwell had confidently entrusted the family business to Charles, even favoring him over his own beloved youngest son, Henry. Today, however, Charles' silence and absence angered

Maxwell deeply.

After Henry and Nancy saw off the extended family, the large mansion felt eerily empty.

Henry helped Maxwell into a chair and exchanged a glance with Mateo, who then spoke up, "Charlie has always been considerate. He must've had something urgent to attend to today-"

"Enough! Don't make excuses for

him," Maxwell snapped, his anger not abating. "He clearly doesn't

respect me especially after whate

happened in front of the entire family feel completely humiliated. Call that ungrateful boy right now. I want to know what he's up to!"

"Dad..."

"I said call him!"

"Grandpa, please don't be so angry!" Chloe handed her child to her husband before speaking. "I did call Charlie earlier. He said he's busy with something important." She added, "Grandpa, may I speak to you privately?"

Maxwell frowned. "What can't be said here?"

"Yes, Chloe, why can't you say it in front of everyone? We're all family," Clarisse chimed in, eager to know why Charles had not shown up today. She was still holding a grudge after being embarrassed by Charles during the recent family gathering.