"Oops!" Noelle carefully put back the extra items she had grabbed, "So now we... Ouch!"Before Noelle could finish her sentence, she was jolted by a shopping cart that a customer had accidentally let go of. The cart had come out of nowhere, and even Charles, with his ninja-like reflexes, could not catch it in time.Charles, with a swift move, pulled Noelle out of harm's way, but the cart clipped him, causing his ankle to twist.Noelle inhaled sharply, the throbbing pain in her calf forcing her to clench her teeth.Charles caught the pained look on Noelle's face and quickly shoved the cart aside, crouching down to massage the spot where she had been struck. "How are you? Does it hurt much?"The spot where Charles's hands were was tender, but Noelle shook her head. "I'm fine, really!""Are you sure you're okay? I'm so sorry!" A woman, clutching her child, hurried over, her face awash with remorse. "I was watching my little one and didn't see the cart get away from me. I'm terribly

Noelle, believing it was better to avoid making a scene, tugged at Charles's hand to keep him quiet. "We're really, really sorry!""Look, ma'am, you seem like a sensible person. There's been no harm done today, so we'll let it slide this time. However, you and your husband need to watch it from now on. What you do at home is your business, but in public, you’ve got to mind yourselves. Think about it. The mall is huge, with tons of people around. Something could go wrong, you know?""Yes, sir. That makes total sense. We've got it," Noelle said, flashing another smile and quickly adding, "We’re really sorry about this, won't happen again, promise."After her apology, Noelle shot Charles a look that could freeze lava. Noticing Charles's growing impatience, she took his hand and gave his palm a secret pinch. "Hey, it's no biggie, right? We messed up, that's all. Your turn to say sorry.""Me, apologize?" Charles scowled. Noelle's warning glance, however, told him this was not the time f

"Nelly." He said her name like it was something sacred.Noelle blinked up at him, "Yeah?""It's nothing." Charles inhaled deeply, releasing her gently to avoid frightening her. He grabbed something and started walking. "Come on. We've wasted enough time, and you said you were starving, right?"At his words, Noelle patted her stomach, "I'm totally starving!" She decided not to dwell on Charles's earlier behavior. "So, who's cooking today, you or me?""I'll cook if you drive us home," Charles offered with a smile. "Let's hit the road!"Ronald could not believe his eyes when he stepped out of the mall. There was his boss, the epitome of cool and distant, looking down at Noelle with such warmth, his arms full of groceries.Ronald shook his head in disbelief. The thought of his usually unapproachable boss living a normal life was almost too much. If Peter and Sean caught wind of this, they would never let him live it down.Ronald shivered as he tried to shake off the haunting image.

Sean's grin was disarmingly innocent as he adjusted his glasses, looking innocent.Noelle forced a laugh, her nerves still jangled. The phrase 'wolf in sheep's clothing' popped into her head unbidden, and she could not help but think it was the perfect way to sum up Sean right then.Charles squinted, a frosty glint in his eyes, "Showing up unannounced?""Don't tell me my Noelle isn't happy to see me." Sean's eyes landed on Noelle with a playful smirk. "Hmm?"Noelle forced a laugh, "You two chat. I'll just be in the kitchen!"Charles caught Noelle's hand just in time. "You okay? You look a bit shaken."Noelle gulped, shaking her head, "I'm fine, really. I just got a little spooked, but I'm all good now!" She wriggled her hand free from Charles. "You can catch up with Sean, I'll get started on dinner!"Seeing Noelle practically bolt away as he opened his mouth to respond, Charles could not help but let out a stifled laugh.Sean, catching this rare sight, teased, "What's this? Try

Sean, of course, ended up staying for dinner.He could not stop raving about Noelle's cooking, and she blushed at the compliments. Post-dinner, Noelle tackled the dishes while Sean and Charles headed to the study upstairs to get down to business. Arnold, meanwhile, was huddled in a corner, his puppy-dog eyes fixed on the kitchen door, silently pleading for Noelle, the lady of the hour, to notice him.Once upstairs, Charles flicked a cigarette Sean's way. "Let's hear it."Sean smirked and let out a low chuckle. "You always know what's on my mind."Charles tapped his fingers on the chair, his expression tight, "Believe me, there's nothing I want less." He paused before adding, "So, what's the latest drama with the Smiths?""Oh, it's my cousin again!""Is it Andy?" Charles's lips curled into a half-smile, "What's he gotten himself into this time?""Who's Andy? The Smiths don't even recognize that name!" Sean said with a half-smile. Talking about his cousin could fill books. "Why'd