The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 571

Noelle, a touch embarrassed by Jennifer's playful comment, made her way over to Charles. Jennifer rose too, replaceing a spot to sit between Peter and Yoel. "Bro, how much are you up?" Peter looked at her and gestured towards Yoel. Jennifer's eyes followed Yoel's dwindling stack of chips and then to the others', and it was clear Yoel was having a rough game. Jennifer could not help but snicker. "What's this, three against one?"

Yoel gave her a sly look, his eyes narrowing with mischief. "So, who are you rooting for, me or Peter?"

"Uh, I'm good with either of you winning. It's not like I get the cash!" Jennifer said, touching her nose and then choosing to stay quiet.

Noelle was seated diagonally from Jennifer, with Charles to her left and Bob to her right.

It was Noelle's first time meeting the real Bob, who had that 'do not disturb' vibe that she knew all too well.

She had felt the same way when she first met Charles, though he had not been as cold toward her as Bob, who seemed to treat her like she was invisible.

Trying to break the ice, Noelle gave Bob a friendly nod. He coolly drew a card, gave her a quick side glance, and nodded back. Noelle felt a twinge of embarrassment, but the chatter around the table quickly picked up again, easing the tension. "Mr. Hoffman, been busy with that West City property, I hear?"

Yoel laid down a card, a crafty grin spreading across his face. He was a fox in businessman's clothing, just as shrewd as Sean, though Yoel

played his games in the bom

AQUAS

and Sean in his personal life

Charles did not react to the comment, but Peter hesitated for a moment, a card in hand. He smirked as if he knew something the others did not.

Peter fanned out his cards with a sly grin, locking eyes with Yoel. "Oops, looks like I'm ahead again."

Yoel squinted, a playful smirk on his face. "Man, you're on a roll, winning hand after hand. However, isn't it a bit off that you're the only one cashing in big time?" Peter rapped his knee casually. "Winning's just one way to play the game. I'm all about the endgame, and it's pretty clear I'm the one stepping up first this time!"

Yoel's lips tightened as he slid his chips across to Peter. "Well, that's up for debate. The Kemp family's just as tough as the Lennons, dont you think, Steven? Plus, the West City deal's still up in the air. Nothing's set in stone,

there's room for a shake means

What's your take, Mr. Hoffman?"

Charles looked up, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Kemp's got a point. The market's a battlefield, and the tides can turn in a heartbeat!" He glanced at Peter. "You're savvy to that, right, Peter?"

Peter picked up the chips with a lazy flick of his wrist, his dark eyes flashing as they met Charles's. "You've got it, Charles!"

Yoel's brows knitted together as he looked over at Bob. The usually quiet Bob then leaned forward, pushing a stack of chips Peter's way. "Ever heard of a win-win, Mr. Lennon? What's your stance?"

Bob's voice was sharp, edged, impossible to ignore. It was not as polished as Yoel's, and Peter's brow creased slightly. "So, you're looking to get in on the action too, huh?"