The Cherished Wife novel Chapter 779

"Charlie!" Chloe was taken aback by Charles' bluntness and sudden defiance. "You come back every year. If you don't show up this year, things at the Hoffmans will be a mess. Tell me, why—"

"There are plenty of people at the Hoffmans. Missing one member won't be the end of the world. Besides, it's not like those gatherings are worth attending. Alright, if there's nothing else, I'm hanging up." Charles' voice had gone cold.

He ended the call abruptly and rubbed his temples in frustration. Just then, a steaming cup of tea appeared in front of him. Charles narrowed his eyes and accepted the cup.

Noticing his troubled expression, Noelle asked, "What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "Nothing, just some work issues."

"Charlie, don't lie to me. How could there be work problems at this time of the night? Was it a call from the Hoffman residence?"

Without him saying anything, Noelle already knew—it was not hard to guess. She had overheard parts of his conversation. "You don't have to stay with me. You can go back if you need to."

"I said I'd stay with you," Charles replied firmly, turning off his phone and tossing it aside.

Noelle smiled faintly. "But what about the Hoffmans—"

"No one is more important than you," Charles interrupted. He gestured for her to come closer. Noelle sat down, leaning against him. "Nelly, nothing is more important than you. There will always be more gatherings like that. I don't want to waste time on them."

He looked at her with affection. "Do you want to set off the fireworks now?"

"Alright!" Noelle clapped her hands, her sparkling eyes even more enchanting under the starlight.

"Charlie, you carry two boxes up, and we'll test it out. We can do the rest later."

Noelle happily directed Charles, who became the designated mover while she held up her phone to record. She pointed the camera at Charles, laughing. "Charlie, I'm making a little video. Say hi to the camera—come on, say hi!"

As she reached out to grab his hand, Noelle suddenly tripped and stumbled as she was walking backward up the stairs. If Charles had not reacted quickly and caught her, they both might have tumbled down the steps. "Careful!"

Shaking his head in exasperation, Charles teased, "I swear, I'm going to have to tie a rope around you and keep you attached to my belt so that you can't get into trouble!"