The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles) novel Chapter 661

"Don't sell yourself short, Aunt. You raised me like a mother would. Hey, Uncle's not back yet, and I don't want anyone giving you a hard time. Stay in your room for a bit if you can, okay?"

"Alright, dear. I'm tired, so I'll have a rest," Nancy replied, understanding Charles's concern. She had raised him, after all, so she knew his warm heart well. "Don't worry about Noelle. She's fine in the car, but don't keep her waiting too long."

With a tender smile and a glint of affection in his eyes, Charles said, "I'll head back, then. Drop by when you can, Aunt. Noelle and I always enjoy your company."

Stepping out of Nancy's room, Charles ran straight into Clarisse and Janet. Clarisse's earlier irritation with Charles had simmered down. She had bigger fish to fry with Nancy later. Right now, she needed to make sure Charles stuck around.

Clarisse fidgeted, her hands twisting together as she looked at Charles with hopeful eyes. "Hey, Charles. Now that you're back, how about sticking around for dinner or even spending the night? We've got rooms to spare, and your old room's been kept spotless just for you!"

Charles shot her a withering look, his voice sharp and distant. "I can't. I've got stuff to do. Bye."

Clarisse's face drained of color, her words catching in her throat as she struggled to breathe. She could not believe how deep Charles's resentment ran. "Charles, I'm your mother. How could you..."

"Oh, so you remember you're my mom now? When I needed you most, you acted like I was nothing but dead weight. I get it. I'm not the kid of your favorite man, so you dumped Dad without a second thought and treated me like I was toxic. You made your choice back then, so stay out of our lives now. Just so you know, allowing you to remain on the Hoffman family register as 'mother' is already pushing it. Don't push me any further!"