The Cherished Wife

"Sorry," Henry interrupted Clarisse, his gaze somewhat cold and distant. "This is your and Mateo's personal affair. It's hard for an outsider like me to say anything." NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

"Outsider?" Clarisse's face paled slightly, becoming tinged with bitterness. "Henry, you're actually saying that we..."

Henry said pointedly, "Clarisse, we should go down for dinner. You haven't been to Brookville in a long time. The Hoffman residence's chef isn't the same as before."

With that, Clarisse's expression grew even more unpleasant.

Then, Clarisse watched Henry leave while standing motionless with her fists clenched, staring blankly at his retreating figure.

Janet stood nearby for a while, not fully understanding Clarisse's earlier words. However, just thinking about how Charles treated her made her upset.

"Aunt Clary, you must help me. You watched me grow up, and you know how I feel about Charles. Kelly used to be in the picture. Now that she's gone, why won't Charles accept me?"

Clarisse's eyes flickered, flashing with intensity as Kelly's face crossed her mind. "Don't worry, Janet. I'll definitely help you."

Janet then helped Clarisse downstairs, where most of the Hoffman family members had gathered. Charles sat opposite Maxwell's seat of honor. Henry and Nancy sat together, leaving two seats next to Mateo for Clarisse and Janet.

Clarisse's gaze first fell on Henry and Nancy before moving to Mateo. "After all these years, the two of you are still so close!"

Henry, who was adjusting Nancy's sleeve, paused briefly. A sense of coldness flashed across his eyes.

It was Nancy who looked up with a faint smile at Clarisse. "It's been years, yet you remain charming as ever, Clarisse. I'm still the one with a sickly body, still troubling Henry to care for me."

Nancy's tone was casual as if she was making small talk. Nonetheless, Clarisse's facial features nearly twisted with anger as she sat down next to Mateo while clenching her fists.

Janet looked at Charles longingly, intending to sit beside him, but Chloe arrived with Anna in her arms. "Mother, what brings you here this time?"

Anna fussed to be held by Charles, so he made room and placed her next to him. Meanwhile, Chloe sat on Charles' other side. "Quite a gathering today. How lively!"

Chloe glanced at Clarisse, then at Janet. "Janet, why are you still standing? Sit down quickly. Everyone's waiting for you to start the meal."

Janet's face fell, but she could not argue with Chloe. She was Clarisse's daughter and Charles' older sister, after all.

Reluctantly, she sat next to Clarisse. "It's been a long time, Chloe."

"Indeed, it has." Chloe smiled before asking a maid to bring two more place settings. "I came by chance. Anna heard Charlie was here and insisted on coming."

Chloe said this while looking at Clarisse, whose expression darkened again. Though Chloe did not say much, her meaning was clear.

She was pointing out that Clarisse only informed Charles of her return, not her. She was simply accusing her mother of favoritism.