The Cherished Wife

Chapter 554



It was J's shot. It was her chance to shine and get some face time with Charles. It was a golden opportunity.

"If I rock this, Charles has got to notice me. Who knows? He might just take a chance on us," she mused with a hopeful smile.

Becky's lips gave a quick, involuntary twitch. She could not help but think J was living in a fantasy world. However, Becky kept her cool, her face a mask of calm. "Look, Ms. Scott, could you maybe head back to work? I've got a ton on my plate, and if I don't get through it, I won't have a second to help you out!"

"Oh, sure, Becky, you do your thing. Um, any chance you could point me in the right direction, or..."

"You'll find all the records and stuff from past annual meetings over at HR. Why don't you check with them?" Becky suggested helpfully, hoping it might actually be useful to J.

Once J was off on her new mission, Becky let out a relieved sigh and quickly dialed Noelle from the project department. "Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman's asking for you upstairs. He wants to chat about the West City project."

After hanging up, Becky glanced at the clock-11:30 already. She shook her head, puzzled. What was Charles up to, calling Noelle from the project department at that hour?

It was not just a one-time thing. Lately, Charles seemed to have made a habit of summoning Noelle around lunchtime, claiming it was for work. Becky could not help but wonder if their boss was losing touch with reality.

Noelle, just off the phone herself, shared the sentiment. She was starting to think Charles was a bit off his rocker, always calling her up at the same odd time.

Noelle was clearing off her desk when Arya looked up, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Noelle, calling it a day already?"

Noelle flashed an embarrassed grin. "Not at all."Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

"Oh, come on, how many times is that this week? However, seriously, where do you run off to every afternoon?" Arya leaned in, her voice dripping with intrigue.

"You're not sneaking off to meet a boyfriend, are you?"

"Cough cough!" Brian emerged from his office, casting a chilly glance at Arya. "How about focusing on work instead of the latest gossip?"

"Mr. Parker!" Arya laughed sheepishly. "I'm not gossiping, just looking out for my fellow coworker, right Noelle?"

"Mr. Parker, I've got to run an errand, but I'll be back in a flash!" Noelle chimed in.

Brian gave a nod of approval. "Alright, just make sure you're back before the afternoon rush."

"Thanks a bunch, Mr. Parker! Catch

you later, and Arya, see you this afternoon!" With a quick smile, Noelle grabbed her purse and phone and dashed for the elevator to the twenty-seventh floor.

She took the elevator that Charles always used grateful that no one else was around to notice her. Still, she was on high alert, not wanting to draw any attention. As soon as she reached her destination, Noelle hurried out, only to collide with Becky, who was coming from the coffee station, a cup in hand. "Becky!"

е

"Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman is already inside waiting for you!" Becky flashed Noelle a warm smile and nodded. Noelle returned the gesture with a polite nod. "Great, thanks!"

As Noelle made her way to Charles's office, Becky turned to leave but froze mid-step. "Ms. Scott... what brings you back here?"