The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 479

Maxwell's withered eyes were unusually sharp. "Oh? Have you finished your discussion? It's been a while since I've seen you. Why don't you stay for dinner tonight?" Maxwell was no fool. Clarisse had arrived in the morning, and Charles came in the afternoon.

Whatever business Charles had with Mateo and Henry could have been resolved at the company. The only explanation was that Clarisse wanted to see Charles. However, years of estrangement could not be thawed in a day. Clarisse had left Brookville and the Hoffman family many years ago, rarely returning.

This time around, she even brought Janet back with her. Anyone could see her intentions. It was no wonder why Charles was angry.

Charles' brows furrowed slightly, but he did not refuse. "Let me help you downstairs, Grandpa."

"Alright," Maxwell agreed.

Meanwhile, Clarisse stood at the doorway, watching Charles ignore her existence as he went downstairs with Maxwell. She felt a surge of frustration that she could not express.

She turned to glare at Mateo in the study, gritting her teeth. "Look at how well you've raised your son! I'm his mother, his birth mother."

Mateo raised an eyebrow at her words. "I've never denied your existence. In fact, the Hoffman residence's doors have always been open to you, but you chose to leave. Besides, Charlie isn't a child anymore. He has his own thoughts and views. Even I can't control him, let alone you."

"You... Mateo, don't forget, you did me wrong back then. He's my son too. Would I do anything to hurt him?" Clarisse trembled with anger.

She left Brookville back then

because of Mateo, did she not? Now, she and Mateo were at odds, and even her son did not sympathize with her. She was also a victim of what happened back then.

Mateo pressed his lips together. "I am indeed sorry for what happened back then, but Clary, you know the truth better than I do."

His expression turned cold as he

looked at Janet. "She's still young. You raised her by your side since she was little. I thought she would learn your grace and dignity, but.." He continued after a pause, "Some tricks might work on me, but they won't necessarily work on Charlie."

"Mateo, what do you mean?"

"Nothing. It's getting late. We should go down for dinner." Mateo did not want to continue this discussion with Clarisse and left.

Tossing aside all ladylike behavior, Clarisse hurried after him. "Mateo, explain yourself!"

Henry, who had been silent until

now, spoke up, "Clary, my brother's meaning is clear. Charlie is an adult who can make his own decisions. You haven't been involved in Charlie's life for years.

"It's best if you just be an observer regarding Charlie's marriage. Who Charlie marries is his own business."

"Henry, you..." Clarisse clenched her fists. "Are you going to treat me like this too?" A flash of hurt crossed her eyes, but it quickly disappeared.

"Charlie is my son. Isn't it right for me to worry about him? Your brother... You know why I left back then. He wronged me first. I..."