The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Winter instinctively touched her face. When she realized what he meant, her face turned pale.

She wanted to lash out but did not dare to, so she could only hold it in, glaring at Noelle with resentment.

Noelle raised an eyebrow, surprised by how blunt Sean had been, but she felt rather pleased. "My sister is a big star, so it's only natural that she leaves a lasting impression," Noelle said with a smile. "Otherwise, my brother-in-law wouldn't be so infatuated with her, right, Xavier?"

She turned to Xavier, who had been staring at Noelle the entire time, especially at the man whose arm she was holding.

His gaze grew even more intense, his eyes still fixed on her. When Noelle's words reached him, Xavier seemed dazed and did not fully grasp what she had said. "Yes, yes," he stammered.

Winter pursed her lips, unsure whether to be angry or happy. Clenching her fists, she let out a cold laugh. "Your brother-in-law has high standards, so, of course, he chose me." "Exactly," Noelle replied.

Winter could think whatever she wanted. Noelle no longer felt the need to argue.

In the past, she liked Xavier and thought he was perfect. However, now that Xavier was Winter's husband, Noelle was not the type to shamelessly cling to him. Besides, recent events had made her see Xavier's true colors. Where there used to be heartache, there was now only indifference.

"You're back, sir!"

Fay opened the door as Julian walked in. He was carrying a long wool coat, a chill emanating from him.

Julian changed his shoes and

noticed that everyone seemed to be gathered in the living room. His gaze shifted from Winter and Xavier to

Noelle and Sean, and he paused for

a moment. "And who for

"Jule, you're back?" Jade stood up happily to greet him. "This is Mr. Smith, remember? The one I told you about before-Noelle's boyfriend."

"Noelle's boyfriend?" Julian narrowed his eyes, then nodded. "So, it's official now?"

Noelle tugged on Sean's sleeve. "Dad, this is Mr. Smith," she introduced, offering no other explanation.

She continued, "Mom insisted that I bring Mr. Smith over when she called me yesterday, likely because our family is so welcoming."

Sean lifted his narrow eyes slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in them. "Madam Jones is indeed quite hospitable."

Sean stood up and extended his hand. "Mr. Shaw, a pleasure. I'm Andy Jones."

Sean used the Jones family name with that introduction. Both Julian's and Jade's expressions changed noticeably despite their efforts to hide it.

Sean, of course, noticed and smirked. "The Smiths are my maternal family, but my actual surname is Jones. As it happens, Madam Jones and I share a connection."

By saying this, Sean made it clear to

the Shaws that he was not just from the Smith family but also from the Jones family. His marriage was certainly not something that only the Smith family would decide on, the Jones family also had a say in it.

This meant the Shaws could not simply impose their wishes on him.

Jade felt as if she had been slapped in the face, her cheeks burning with humiliation. Julian, though not faring much better, quickly regained his composure. He shook Sean's hand firmly. "Mr. Jones."

"Please, everyone, take a seat," Julian said, regaining his composure and addressing the room. Then, he turned to Fay, "Where's Sir Shaw?"