The Cherished Wife



Jane had skimmed through the scripts, but they were nothing to write home about. It was no biggie if they passed on them. The real deal was the upcoming Unchallenged Dominion press conference. Word on the street was that Charles, the big boss of Collosus Group and head honcho of Saint Di and Royal Star Entertainment, would show up as an investor. That was juicy news for the media hounds.

Charles was not the type to grace press conferences with his presence, so that rumor had everyone from media moguls to entertainment hotshots to finance bros talking. Why was Charles making an appearance? That was the million-dollar question. Naturally, the rumor mill started churning, putting Winter and Charles's supposed fling back in the spotlight.

The guy at the center of all the gossip was currently in a cozy apartment, whipping up a hearty soup for a lady lounging in the living room, her eyes glued to the TV but stealing glances at the kitchen. "Charles, are you sure you don't need a hand?" she called out.

Noelle zapped through the TV channels, but nothing caught her eye. With a sigh of boredom, she tossed the remote aside and wandered over to the kitchen door.

Her apartment was cozy, to put it nicely. Compared to the sprawling Phoenix Tree Residence, it was like a mouse standing beside an elephant. However, it was small and mighty, packed with everything she could need. It was not exactly built for two people to hang out in the kitchen at the same time.

Leaning against the doorframe, Noelle giggled at the sight of Charles, who was busy dealing with a fish.

Charles glanced over, catching her eye. "Bored?"

She nodded. "I mean, it's late. Why not just make something quick and easy? Why go all out with... Let's see... One, two, three... four dishes? There's no way we can eat all that."

Noelle frowned slightly. "Are you extra hungry tonight or something?"

Charles just gave a small, knowing smile. "We'll manage. Now go chill in the living room, okay? It's smoky here."novelbin

"Okay!" Noelle realized the tiny kitchen was indeed no place for two. She dropped the idea of playing sous-chef. "Mind if I keep you company with some conversation?"

Charles chuckled, setting his knife down and wiping his hands. "I think you're not looking for conversation but a cure for boredom." He beckoned her over with a playful grin. "Come here!"

Noelle scampered over, grinning cheekily. "What's up, Lord Charles? Your wish is my command!"

Charles shot Noelle a look that was half-annoyed half-amused. "What's with the act?" he asked, almost

reaching out to ruffle her hair base

thinking better of it due to the grease on his hands. "Come on, quit goofing around. If you're that bored, help me with the veggies!" He handed her a basket filled with leafy greens. "Get these ready for me."

"Oh!" Noelle chirped, accepting the basket and greens. She took a few steps, glanced back at Charles, then walked a few more steps and looked back again. That little dance made Charles want to laugh and groan all at once, but he had no real comeback. "Keep that up, and we'll end up missing dinner altogether."

ho