The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles) novel Chapter 550

Clarisse glanced at Joseph with a disdainful look. "I'm not helping you; I just find this amusing."

Joseph still wore a smile on his face, but inside, he cursed Clarisse. "I still have to thank you, Madam Baker," he said, then looked at James.

James' expression was grim, but with Clarisse having spoken, what else could he do? He could not just throw Joseph out.

"James, aren't you going to fetch Sir Hoffman?"

"No need!" Mateo's voice came from upstairs. Mateo stood at the top of the stairs, carefully helping Maxwell down.

"Dad, take it slowly," Mateo urged.

Maxwell's sharp eyes briefly rested on Joseph before shifting away. "What brings you here today, Joseph?"

"Sir Hoffman, it's almost the end of the year, and with the new year approaching, I thought I'd come by to see you. It's been a while. How's your health?"

"I'm getting old!" Maxwell said as he slowly made his way downstairs with Mateo's support.

Once Mateo had seated Maxwell comfortably, he turned to Joseph. "Joseph, please have a seat. You're our guest. Bring some tea, James!"

"Yes, Sir Hoffman!" James responded before leaving to fetch the tea. Mateo then took a seat nearby.

Joseph chose a spot that was neither too close nor too distant, seating himself with a humble demeanor. "Sir Hoffman, you still look as vigorous as ever. One can hardly tell your age."