The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 653

"Got it," Charles said with a nod. "Thanks, Ms. Eloise."

After Eloise disappeared upstairs, Charles's face turned serious. "I got word from Kerlsberg. Someone's put a big price on my head."

"Wow, Charles. You've really ruffled some feathers, huh? Someone's digging deep into their pockets to take you down, and they've got a heavy hitter from Quill," Sean said, pausing. "But you've been holding your own. You're really giving Mr. Fischer a run for his money." Sean's words hung in the air, changing the room's atmosphere. It felt like everyone was holding their breath.

The other three were silent. All eyes were on Sean. He felt a chill and looked back at them, wary. "Hey, what's with the stares? You're not plotting against me, are you? That's not cool!" Sean wrapped his arms around himself, trying to look small and harmless.

Charles snorted. "You want to see what I can do? Fine, let's just throw down right here, right now."

"No way! Remember, we're all about peace and love these days!" Sean backed away, hands up. "I'd never win against you. I'm just wondering who'd win in a throwdown-you or Mr. Fischer." Steven shot Sean a quick look, his long fingers drumming on the table. "Okay, down to business. Charles, you're up!"

"I've ruffled some feathers in the

business world over the years, but none of those guys would be extreme enough to send Quill's goons after me. We can pretty much scratch them off the list.

"I agree!" Peter agreed with a nod. "They're all business folks, and they don't have the nerve for this kind of thing." He paused, considering his next words. "Their gear was top-notch, like they were out to get you for good this time. Even if they botched it, they had a backup plan with that ambush at Phoenix Tree Residence. Looks like they wanted to end it once and for all. But..."

"But what?" Charles leaned in, his eyes narrowing on Peter. "What did you pick up on?"

"Well, it's like they were only after you, Charles. Noelle, on the other hand..."

"Yeah. When I got there, they were all over Noelle, chasing her down. They could've easily taken her out with their skills, but they didn't. They were trying to grab her alive before I showed up. One of them let it slip that they were only after you Charles. Noelle was to be taken alive, for some reason." Steven was baffled by their actions, which did not add up.

"Kidnapping Noelle?" Charles's brow creased in confusion. It made sense if someone he had crossed wanted to target him, but Noelle? Who would want to kidnap her but not hurt her? "Yeah, that's got me stumped too!" Steven exclaimed. "Noelle's not the type to rub people the wrong way, and Quill being involved is pretty serious."

"Don't worry. I'll get to the bottom of this."