The Cherished Wife

"Uncle Charles, it's been a long time since you've seen me. Did you miss me?"

"Of course, I did!" Charles playfully pinched Anna's nose. "Did you miss me, Anna?"

"Yes, I missed you very much." As if afraid Charles would not believe her, Anna took his hand and planted a big kiss on his cheek, making everyone in the Hoffman family burst into laughter.

"Now that everyone's here, let's start dinner," Maxwell said. As the head of the family, he understood the situation between his children but chose not to mention it.

Fortunately, Anna's presence helped ease the tension. With the child around, the conversation topics became much lighter.

After dinner, Chloe carried Anna over to Charles. "Was the urgent phone call just about this?" She glanced at Clarisse and Janet in the living room. "Mother really shouldn't have brought her along."

Chloe harbored no goodwill toward Janet, stemming from an incident years ago. "It's getting late, and Anna needs to sleep," she said.

"Yes, I should be going too. Let's leave together," Charles replied. He had never planned to stay overnight at the Hoffman residence.

Chloe smirked. "You've become quite cunning lately."

Charles narrowed his eyes and took Anna from Chloe. "She's grown taller."

"Yes, and heavier too!" Chloe could not help but smile. "You're not getting any younger. When are you going to bring a woman home for me to meet?"

Charles raised an eyebrow, his eyes hiding a hint of amusement.

Chloe paused. "You've found someone?"

Charles did not confirm it, so Chloe could only shrug. "Well, it's your business. Just know that unlike our mother and the others, I'll support whoever you choose."

After the previous incident, Chloe realized that despite Charles' power, he had shown her mercy. If he had not considered their relationship, she would not be chatting so comfortably with him now, given her past actions.

Charles nodded slightly. "When the time is right, I'll certainly bring her over for you to meet." NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

"So, there really is someone? That's great. I was worried you'd be stuck in the past, but now..." Chloe grinned.

"Chlo!" Charles exclaimed, seemingly exasperated.

Chloe paused. "Alright, alright. I'll stop, okay?"

It was the first time in a long while that Charles called her by her childhood nickname, indicating significant changes in her brother recently. "Let's go say goodbye to Grandpa and Dad," she suggested.

Due to his age, Maxwell retired to his room shortly after dinner, assisted by James.

Meanwhile, Henry, who was concerned about Nancy's health, also took her upstairs after the meal.

Mateo and Clarisse had grown increasingly distant over the years, so he went straight to his study. This left only Clarisse and Janet in the living room.

Janet wanted to approach Charles, but Chloe's constant conversation with him left her no opportunity. She could only watch Charles anxiously from afar.

Clarisse's attention was not on the TV either as she occasionally glanced upstairs.

Noticing Janet repeatedly looking toward the Hoffman residence's backyard garden, she frowned slightly. "If you want to talk to Charlie, just go. It won't cause any trouble."