The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles) novel Chapter 20

got it 

Chapter 20 

Noelle managed to get rid of Larisse and rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. She had been putting on a brave face all week, but seeing Xavi and Joseph in the meeting room today hit her hard. 

Joseph had shared a meal with her in secret just a year ago, hinting that he hoped she would end up marrying Xavier. Noelle could never have guessed that things would spiral into the mess they were in now. 

“Ms. Shaw, Mr. Harris would like to see you,” Joseph’s secretary said through the phone, catching Noelle off guard. She quickly recovered. “Sure, I’ll head over now.” 

After tidying up her papers, Noelle made her way to the president’s office. 

She rapped lightly on the door and heard Joseph’s voice from inside. “Come in.” Pushing the door open, Noelle found Joseph lounging on the couch, flipping through a financial magazine. He looked up and gestured for her to come closer. “Ah, Noelle, you’ve arrived!” 

“Mr. Harris!” Noelle’s tone was polite but distant, a clear sign she was not about to forget what had transpired. “What did you need?” 

Joseph let out a soft laugh and shook his head. I was just thinking that it’s been a while since we caught up. You’ve just returned. How is the job treating you?” 

“It’s going alright.” Noelle managed a tight–lipped smile. “I’m a bit out of practice, but I’m holding up. No need for concern, Mr. Harris.” 

She kept the formality with ‘Mr. Harris, putting up a wall between them. 

Joseph’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of sharpness passing through them before he smiled warmly. “Good to hear. I actually wanted to discuss something about you and Xavier. As you know, Xavier and your sister Winter, well…” 

“Mr. Harris, we’re at the office, and it’s work hours, Noelle cut off Joseph mid–sentence, her face tensing up as she spoke. “Besides, Xavier and I aren’t a thing anymore.” 

A knowing glint passed through Joseph’s eyes for a second when he heard Noelle, then he squinted and cracked a smile. “Right. Noelle, you’re one sharp kid!” 

Noelle’s words had put Joseph’s mind at ease. 

Truth be told, he had always liked the idea of Noelle as his future daughter–in–law. She was smart, had a mind of her own, and could be a real asset to Xavier in the business world. However, she had made the mistake of falling out of favor with the Shaw family, which only complicated things… 

Joseph’s face went back to business as he gave Noelle a once–over. Sure, she was impressive, but there were bigger fish to fry. After all, Winter was the Shaw family’s golden 

+15 BONUS 

girl. If Xavier ended up marrying her, the Shaw fortune was practically in the Harris family’s pocket, right? 

i was