The stew was not particularly tasty. It was nothing compared to the delicacies someone as rich as Charles could enjoy in high-end restaurants. However, Noelle had never been a picky eater and would eat anything so long as it filled her stomach. Besides, she was only here for old times’ sake. It was almost time for classes to be let out, so Noelle was worried the crowd would grow larger. Thus, she hurriedly finished her beef stew and suggested they head back. “It’s getting late!” Charles nodded as his phone began ringing. It was from Ronald. “We’ve gotten things ready for Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman!” “Alright. We’re at Vista University right now,” Charles said as he glanced at Noelle. “Do you have any more plans for the night, Ms. Shaw?” “I’m heading home,” Noelle answered. “It’s alright, I can stay here and wait for your assistant. You can take your leave first if you’re busy, Mr. Hoffman!” “No worries!” Charles said as he got to his feet to pay the bill. Noelle hurried after him
Ronald instinctively looked toward Charles, but the nonchalant look on his face made it evident he did not plan to say anything. He felt a headache forming, but he put on a bold face and said, “No, there’s no way it’s a mistake. Definitely not. This is the correct price!” “That can’t be right!” Noelle might not be an expert in the field, but she was no idiot either. There was no way something from Curio Corner could be purchased at that price. Besides, Charles had picked it out, and he would not have picked out something inexpensive. Noelle did not believe it one bit. Sweat pooled on Ronald’s forehead, and he could not help thinking to himself, ‘You’re right that it wasn’t cheap. It was so expensive!’ However, he did not dare say that aloud and merely laughed stupidly. “You probably don’t know this, Ms. Shaw, but Mr. Hoffman often purchases extremely valuable antiques from Curio Corner. The shopkeeper is a smart man, and he knows what discounts he can afford to offer. This pen isn’
“You’re right, but you know what happened the other day. Winter has already begged her multiple times, but she always returns sobbing, doesn’t she? That girl is so cruel. Is there really anything she won’t do?!” Jade said with gritted teeth, her disdain for Noelle evident. “Anyway, we can’t mess up today. Call Noelle and tell her she has to be here because Sir Shaw misses her!” Jade would not allow her precious daughter, Winter, to suffer the slightest. However, Sir Shaw flew into a terrible rage after learning about Noelle and Xavier’s relationship, which meant that he would not give his blessing to Winter and Xavier’s marriage unless Noelle agreed as well. That angered Jade so much that she nearly got into an argument with Sir Shaw. However, she knew what was going through his mind then and knew he was still calling the shots in the Shaw family. “Alright, alright. I know what to do!” Julian felt annoyed as well. The marriage arrangements had been going smoothly, but Noelle had
"Has Noelle arrived?"The Shaw family's long-time butler, Mr. Thompson, was the first to catch sight of Noelle. He had a welcoming grin on his face. "Come on in. Don't just stand there! It's not winter yet, but it’s still cold. Hurry inside and see Sir Joshua. He's been missing you!"Mr. Thompson had been by Samuel's side for ages, tending to him and dedicating his life to the Shaw family. He knew all the ins and outs, especially how much Sir Shaw doted on Noelle.Noelle’s eyes lit up, and her hand was comforted by Mr. Thompson's warm grip. "Okay, I'll go with you to see him! How has he been? Is he eating enough?""He's been eating great and full of energy!" Mr. Thompson chuckled. "You're the one he's been waiting for, Noelle. Sir Shaw has been over the moon knowing you would be back today."Mr. Thompson, knowing that Noelle preferred the quiet, steered her away from the bustling crowd, taking a shortcut through the backyard and straight upstairs to find Samuel.It was Samuel's b
When Noelle put it that way, Samuel could only let out a resigned sigh and gently pat her hand. "Don't you worry, kiddo. Your grandpa's got your back. And if you've got a thing for that Xavier, I'll see what I can do...""Grandpa!" Noelle cut him off, her head shaking just a bit. "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I know that much. Besides, he's spoiled goods now. I'm done with him!""There, there! Our Noelle knows her worth!" Samuel was proud that Noelle was not letting it get to her. However, he was not letting Winter and Xavier get away with pulling a stunt like that."I'll get them to apologize to you and clear up the whole mess!"Hand in hand, Samuel led Noelle downstairs, where all the guests were buzzing with curiosity about the girl he was with.The recent scandal had not gone unnoticed. All this time, the Shaw family was known for Miss Winter, with no mention of a Miss Noelle. After the last bit of gossip hit the airwaves, people started whispering abo
Noelle was no fool. She knew she was not exactly the family favorite, but she had not expected them to stoop this low. Her dad, who was usually so composed, was showing his true colors at Grandpa's birthday, of all places. It was a real eye-opener for Noelle."Grandpa, how about I hang out with you for a bit?" Noelle flashed a smile. "Check it out. We've got a full house today, all here to party for you." She gently took Samuel's hand, ready to head off.Julian was fuming, his face red and his mustache practically bristling. With the crowd watching, however, he bit his tongue.Then, out of nowhere, the crowd started buzzing, and a wave of gasps rolled through the room. Noelle peeked through the sea of people and spotted someone making an entrance at the door the Shaw family had been keeping an eye on. The guy was tall and striking, walking with a confidence that said 'keep your distance,' completely stealing the spotlight from Noelle and her grandpa.Dressed to the nines in a sleek
"Mr. Hoffman sends his best to Sir Shaw. He wishes him all the happiness of the endless oceans and a life as enduring as the ancient mountains."Joseph could butter anybody up. Spotting Charles, he could not resist the chance to strut his stuff in front of the crowd. He shot Xavier a look and sidled over. "Mr. Hoffman! Xavier, aren't you gonna say hi? Your uncle's here because of you!""Uncle, you're here too!"Xavier might have been stewing on the inside; however, in front of Charles, he had to swallow his pride. After all, Charles was a big deal, and showing up here was a big honor...Once Joseph spilled the beans, the dots connected for everyone. Xavier was Charles' nephew, and it looked like Joseph had the mighty Hoffman family in his corner.Charles squinted, a sly grin playing on his lips. It was a grin that said more than words could. His gaze fixed on Xavier with such intensity that Xavier felt a shiver run through him. Standing there with Charles, he was hit with a wave o
"It’s right here!" Winter had already sent someone to grab their present. It was not as showy as Charles', but it was still top-notch. "Grandpa, this is from Xavier and me. We wish you happiness and peace!"Everyone knew Winter could charm the stars out of the sky, especially with her celebrity status and her picture-perfect image of elegance and grace.When everyone saw Winter's gift, they could not help but gush, "Wow, the old man's got some amazing luck, having such a devoted granddaughter!"Winter had brought a painting, knowing full well Samuel would love it. She had scoured high and low for it. Then, with a smug look, she turned to Noelle. "So, Noelle, what's your gift for Grandpa?"All eyes were on Noelle then. The unspoken comparison between Samuel’s granddaughters had begun. Next to Winter's glow, Noelle seemed to fade into the background, her quiet nature making her seem even more subdued. She had barely said a word throughout this scene.Noelle's brow creased ever so sl