The Cherished Wife



Charles looked up. "Back in the day..." He trailed off, "This girl isn't Kastor's daughter. If you're planning to get evidence from Aunt Nancy, you realize she'll get dragged down too, right?"

Steven's eyebrow quirked up, but he kept silent.

Charles took a breath. "Is that why you haven't struck yet? Aunt Nancy doesn't have much time left, and you want to use her to spin your tale?" Steven set down his chess piece and stood, his gaze icy as he faced Charles. "Looks like you're trying to talk me out of this chance!"

"No, it's not that. Whatever you decide, Peter and I have your back. However, Aunt Nancy is Tania's mom, and we can't just watch you go through with this." Charles stood too, hands buried in his pockets. "Just give us a little time. And remember, that girl is innocent."

"Innocent?" Steven's laugh was sharp as ice. "No one's innocent in this world. She's got her agenda, and I've got mine. I'll hold off for now, but don't expect me to wait forever."

Steven muttered something under his breath and strode out of the Phoenix Tree Residence.

Charles's brow creased as he surveyed the chessboard before him, his frown growing more pronounced with each passing second. Downstairs, Tania and Peter had been locked in a tense standoff for what felt like an eternity. No matter what Tania threw at him, Peter had a comeback that left her without a retort. With a sigh of resignation, Tania scooped up Brandon and retreated to the living room, only to find that Steven and the others had already departed. A slight frown tugged at her eyebrows. "This is the Hoffman residence, and it's getting late. Mr. Lennon, it's time for you to leave."

With those final words, Tania ascended the stairs, cradling Brandon close. Peter lingered, a part of him yearning to follow, but Tania's cold shoulder quelled that impulse. He watched her disappear around the bend of the staircase before he finally turned and left the Phoenix Tree Residence.

No sooner had Tania set Brandon down than her phone erupted into life. She glanced at the caller ID. "Hello, Trevon? What's up? You're in Brookville already? Right now?"

After a quick peek at her watch, she asked, "Where exactly are you?"

She ended the call, gave Brandon a hurried look, and dashed out the door.

"Tania!" Charles and Noelle emerged from their room just in time to catch Tania's frantic exit. "Where are you off to in such a rush? And where's Peter?"

"I have to go out for a bit. My husband Trevon... is in Brookville Tania said, giving Noelle a quick. look. "Could you watch Brandon for a little while? I'll be back soon!"

UMS

Noelle's brow creased with concern. "Tania, it's getting late. It might not be safe for you to go out by yourself. Maybe Charles could go with you?"

"There's no need. He's already at the

hotel. I just want to check on him, he seems to be under the weather, Tania replied, turning to Charles with a hopeful expression. "Charles..."

UMS

Charles's expression was serious, his eyes intense. "Go ahead."

Once Charles gave his nod of approval, Tania did not waste a moment. She snatched up her coat and hurried out the door.

Noelle watched Tania's retreating figure, her mouth opening as if to call her back, but Charles gently stopped her. "Why are you holding me back?"

"I know Tania. Trevon is her husband, so she has every right to go to him."

"But..."

Charles gave her a reassuring look. "Don't worry. I'll have someone keep an eye on her."

Tania rushed down the stairs, only

to realize that Phoenix Treenoveldrama

et

Residence was practically in the middle of howhere, with no cars in sight. her rush, she had not even thought to ask Charles for the keys to a car.

Just as she was about to head back, a firm grip caught her arm. "Where do you think you're going?"