The Cherished Wife

Wife 109

“Really?” Charles chuckled and kissed Anna’s forehead. Then, he carried her into the old Hoffman house.

They had barely crossed the threshold when they heard Sir Hoffman’s voice, “Has that little rascal finally come back?”

“Grandpa, Charles is all grown up now. You shouldn’t call him ‘little rascal.‘ It’s fine inside the home, but what if outsiders heard you?”

“Hmph! What if they do? Is he going to turn the world upside down?” Sir Hoffman, also known as Maxwell, leaned heavily on his cane, giving Mateo a stern look. “Look at the son you’ve raised. What’s he been up

to?”

“Father!” Mateo’s brow furrowed, but deep down, he was bursting with pride for his son. Charles was without a doubt the shining star of the Hoffman family’s current generation.

“Great–Grandpa, Grandpa, Uncle’s home!” Anna’s young voice cut through the chatter in the living room.

Everyone glanced up to see Charles. One of his arms was cradling Anna, while the other was slipping off his shoes. 1

He took his time with his shoes, as if he did not notice the room full of people, then walked over at a

leisurely pace.

Anna, snuggled in Charles’s embrace, let out a happy giggle. “Mommy was right! Uncle really did come today!”

Charles gave Chloe a quick look and passed Anna back to her. “Big Sis, what brings you here today?”

Chloe’s smile faltered for a moment but quickly returned. “It’s all because of you. Dad called me and said you’d stirred up some trouble again. I thought you’ve long grown out of such habits. Not to mention that Anna was missing you!”

Chloe’s words were carefully chosen. No one could argue with them. Charles squinted and turned to Maxwell and Mateo. “So, Grandpa, why did you want to see me?”

Maxwell let out an exasperated huff. “Just look at the fine mess you’ve made. We’ve got complaints coming right to our door. We’re about to hand the company over to you, so why do your dad and I still have to worry about it?”

Charles quirked an eyebrow, his gaze sharpening as he looked at the papers Maxwell had tossed his way. He picked them up with his long fingers, gave them a quick flip–through, then threw them back down.” Who gave you these? You’re pretty quick on your feet.‘

As Charles spoke, his eyes flicked to Chloe for just a moment. She straightened up a little, looking uncomfortable.

Chloe always felt like her younger brother towered over her, even though she was the older sibling. She could not shake off the feeling of being squashed down whenever she was around him.

“Why are you looking at Chloe? We’re talking about you. Sure, you’re in charge of the company, but that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. Maxwell shot Charles a sharp look. “I’m talking to you!”

“I’m all ears!” Charles leaned back, his fingers resting on his chin, facing the old man with a laid– back air. I know what I’m doing with the company. You’ve been retired for years now, so maybe it’s best you don’t

butt in where you don’t belong.”

“Y–you disrespectful little…” Maxwell was so angry he almost hurled his cane at Charles.

Seeing that Charles did not care one bit, he turned to his eldest son. “Mateo, have a word with him. Look at this fine son you’ve raised!”

Mateo, suddenly in the spotlight, looked a bit sour and scolded Charles without much heart. “Your granddad’s talking to you. What’s with that attitude?” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Charles quirked an eyebrow, lifted his hand from his chin, and accepted the coffee from the servant. Grandpa, your old ways just don’t work anymore. You know Collosus Group is branching out, and the company’s got a lot on its plate. I’m not asking you to relinquish the Hoffman family, but you can’t hold our business back now, can you?”

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