The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

The gathering was arranged by Sean, and both Peter and Steven showed up. As usual, Steven brought along Eloise, the so-called little firecracker.

However, despite Sean's nickname for her, none of them had ever seen her act that way. Every time she was around, Eloise was quiet and composed, almost like a perfect lady from a well-bred family. Her demeanor made the nickname seem entirely out of place.

Since Eloise was the only woman present, while the four men played cards, she sat quietly to the side without moving-like a statue.

If they had not known beforehand that she was there with Steven, they might have forgotten about her presence altogether.

"I thought you'd be heading back for New Year's," Charles said, placing a card on the table.

His gaze shifted to Steven before he added, "How did that matter with Aunt Nancy go?"

Steven's eyes flickered briefly, and he met Charles' gaze from across the table. With a sharp look, he held a card between his fingers, as if pondering something. He then replied, "What? Does my staying in Brookville bother you?" Charles raised an eyebrow slightly, letting his gaze fall on Eloise. "Is Ms. Naylor not returning to the Naylor family either?"

Eloise, who had been sitting quietly, seemed startled when Charles addressed her.

She lifted her head in surprise, her expression somewhat dazed. Looking at Charles, she noticed that his eyes, though sharp like Steven's, carried a different intensity.

Where Steven's gaze held a cold indifference, Charles' eyes seemed more probing, as though he could see into her soul. His sharpness was then softened by a glint of insight.

Eloise lowered her gaze and took a deep breath. After nervously squeezing her hands, she forced a small smile. "I haven't reunited with the Naylor family yet. The only member I've met is my aunt."

Her voice was not soft and delicate. Rather, it seemed to carry a slight rasp.

Charles' brows furrowed slightly, and he gave a faint smile. "That doesn't sound like Steven. The Naylor family has been searching for you for over 20 years, haven't they?"

Steven's hand trembled almost imperceptibly. "It's not the right time yet," he said, laying down his card.

"Charles, are you bored lately? Have you handled your own business?"

Recognizing Steven's subtle cue to drop the subject, Charles shrugged, feeling unconcerned. "Aunt Nancy, she-"

"I have it under control," Steven interrupted. He then turned to Eloise. "Are you bored?"

Eloise shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Honestly, if I weren't here, I wouldn't know where else to go."

Her words were entirely true. She had no other connections in Brookville. Without Steven, she really had no other place to be.

Steven seemed a bit surprised. "It's New Year's, after all. You know Charles' wife, don't you? You could spend time with her when you're bored."

Charles chuckled at this. "Steven's right. Nelly's been feeling lonely at home, which is why she went out today to meet with a couple of friends."

Sean could not help but jump in.

"Hold on, I've got a bone to pick with

this. Do you guys know how this gathering came together? It's because Charles' wife ditched him. He felt abandoned, so he reached

out to you guys!"

He then turned to Peter. "And Peter, why are you so quiet?"

"You want me to be as noisy as you?" Peter said as he placed another card on the table.

Just then, Charles laid down his hand, revealing his winning set. "Perfect timing-I win!" he announced.

"Come on, Charles! You're no fun at all!" Sean complained, knocking on the table in frustration.

"You win every round, and with such

a bad hand too! Can't you take it easy for once? I swear, it feels like you're venting your frustrations today. Is it because your wife ditched you?" en FindNovel