The Cherished Wife

"Who could have done this to Noelle? And what's the deal with the owner of The Majestic Lounge? This isn't looking good for her!" Teresa was beside herself with worry.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Rowena felt the same way. She was just about to get up and open the door when it swung open from the outside.

The man who stepped in brought a chill to the room. It was as if a storm cloud had passed overhead. Rowena gasped. "Charles?"

Charles squinted and did not bother with pleasantries. He strode over to Noelle, lifted her gently, and asked, "Noelle?"

Noelle was feeling terrible, her mind foggy. Through the haze, she saw Charles's stern, handsome face looking down at her, his eyes filled with tense worry. She reached out to smooth away his frown, but he caught her hand. "Noelle? Does it hurt?"

She nodded. "Charles, is it really you? Did you come for me?"

"Yes!" Charles nodded, kissed her hand softly, and reassured her, "I'm here now. You're going to be fine."

His voice was soothing. After making sure Noelle was comforted, he looked up and called out, "Come in!"

Sean, who had been leaning casually against the door frame, smirked at Charles's quick change of tone. However, he knew when to be serious and quickly stepped in to examine Noelle's condition. "Was she poisoned?"

"Yes. Yevgen told me Noelle got bit by a snake," Rowena quickly said, pointing to Noelle's lower leg. "Right there."

Sean took a quick look, and his face tensed up a bit. "Good thing the poison's out, but I'm worried it's not all gone. We need to get her to the hospital now."

Charles heard that, took off his jacket to put it over Noelle, and then lifted her up in his arms.

He walked quickly out of the room

but stopped at the door, turning back to Rowena and the others. "I won't let this go. You two must know who did this to Noelle."

Rowena and Teresa nodded quickly. "Out of everyone here today, Winter and Annie hate Noelle and us the most. They're probably the ones who did

it."

Charles's eyes glowed softly. "I don't

want 'probably'. I want to be sure Charles said. "Ronald, take Ms. Scott and Ms. Saunders to the lobby. Check out everyone they're O suspicious of, one by one."

"Got it!" Ronald said, looking up. "Should we deal with Winter now?"

Charles frowned, looking at Noelle. "We'll sort it out and handle them one at a time. As for Winter... We've got all the time we need."

Charles carried Noelle away.

Rowena and Teresa looked at each

other, realizing Charles was really mad. That could mean big trouble! However, why did they feel a weird thrill about this all?

Ronald looked at Rowena and Teresa. "Ms. Scott, Ms. Saunders, could you please come with me?"

"Sure." Rowena and Teresa quickly followed Ronald. "Ronald, if Winter and Annie are really behind this, what are you going to do?"

Ronald gave a dismissive snort. "Anyone who messes with Mr. Hoffman won't live to see tomorrow!"