The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 566

Steven's place was a housewarming gift from Peter back in the day. There were not many homes in that block-just a handful. When mapping out the neighborhood, Peter never planned for a crowd. He claimed four for himself, leaving only three others. That's why the area was so peaceful and quiet.

Four friends stepped out of the car, helping Steven organize his stuff. With the clock ticking, Charles took off with Noelle, and Steven tagged along with Sean to his place.

Steven's house had been empty for ages. Even if someone had given it a once-over, Sean knew Steven would not settle in anytime soon.

"Looks like you've been doing pretty well for yourself these past few years!"

Steven surveyed Sean's digs and nodded approvingly. Sean emerged from the kitchen with a glass of water and grinned at the compliment. "What, you thought I'd be stuck in the past?" he joked.

Sean offered the glass to Steven. "It's clean, don't worry. So, Mr. Fischer, how long are you in town this time?"

Steven's eyes narrowed just a touch, but he kept his cool, simply pressing his lips together and giving Sean a nonchalant look. "Why do you ask?"

Sean let out a sly chuckle. "Oh, no reason. Just wondering where your usual sidekick is."

That got a reaction. A flicker of something crossed Steven's stoic face, but he played it off with a quick, cool glance. "You keeping tabs on her?"

Sean quickly gestured with his hand. "You're overthinking it. I'm just checking in on how life's been treating you these past few years. That little stray cat of yours was pretty entertaining, but why isn't she with you today? Got other plans?"

"That's none of your business!" Steven's response was distant and detached. "You'd be better off worrying about your own partner than mine."

Sean's expression shifted ever so slightly. "You've met her?"

Steven took a casual sip of water. "Yeah, just a fleeting encounter. Talk about a stroke of luck!"

"Fleeting encounter?" Sean's face soured, but he still managed to flash Steven an innocent smile and touched the bridge of his nose. "And Mr. Fischer, you just happens to bump into her by chance?"

"Just spit it out if you've got something to ask!"

Steven set down his glass and settled into a quiet corner of the living room.

He looked out the floor-to-ceiling window at the wintry scene outside.

The world was barren and lifeless, a stark contrast to the warmth inside. It was a picture of desolation.

Steven's long fingers brushed

against the base of his thumb

before he pulled out a cigarette and held it between his fingers. "Looks like she's doing pretty well. I didn't stop to say hi," he said, pausing briefly. "Looks like... she's tied the knot!"

At those words, the innocence vanished from Sean's face. His eyes, usually mocking the world,

darkened, and his hands, knuckles standing out, clenched into fists, paleras bone. He forced a smile and met Steven's steady gaze. Really?"

Steven gave him a quick look. "You don't seem too thrilled to hear she's doing well, huh?"