The Cherished Wife

Wife 88

“Why should you tell me? It’s work time, Noelle. Check that attitude,” Xavier snapped, his voice taking on an edge. “Do you even care about this place?”

“I don’t have to prove anything to you about my commitment here. If you don’t need anything, Mr. Harris, I’ve got work to do,” Noelle shot back, her voice icy.

Her impatience was the last straw for Xavier. He grabbed her hand hard, forcing her to face him. “Noelle, we’re at the office, and I’m the boss here!”

“Okay, Mr. Harris, what’s the big deal? Tell me!” Noelle said with a frosty laugh. “Hey, we can talk without you grabbing my hand, right?” She clenched her teeth and said, “Let go!” Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

After a struggle, she finally wrenched her hand free. Staring at the red marks Xavier’s grip left, Noelle felt a surge of annoyance. “You were saying, Mr. Harris?”

“Do we really have to be like this, Noelle?”

“Not talking? Then I’m going back to work!” Noelle obviously did not want to keep bickering with Xavier, not here in the office with everyone watching. She knew how to keep things professional. Xavier, however, with his eyes red with fury, seemed oblivious to their audience, “Alright, let’s talk work. What

were you trying to say at this morning’s meeting?”

“What was I trying to say? Wasn’t I clear enough?” Noelle gave a derisive snort, “You’re the big boss of Frotconn. Shouldn’t you be on top of these things? They’re hardly my business!” she pointed out. “Now you’re asking me to spell it out for you?”

“You mentioned the Collosus Group cutting back on orders, and something about the sales department…

“Look, you should really get the full picture yourself. I only know bits and pieces, just enough to raise the issue in the meeting. Plus, the chairman told me to keep quiet about it, remember?”

Xavier was hit by a wave of defeat. He felt that things with Noelle had changed for good ever since the incident. They used to chat about everything. It was never like this, never so tense and loaded with hidden jabs.

Noelle had never been one to bite with her words. Now, however, Xavier was at a loss for words, unsure

how to even deal with her.

“Okay, let’s drop it. You’ve just come back to the company. Everything feeling familiar again?”

“What’s not to feel familiar about? I’m totally in my element!” Noelle said, peeking at her watch. “It’s time

to clock out, Mr. Harris!”

She flashed a small smile and pressed her lips together, looking like she was easy to talk to. Anyone who really knew Noelle understood that beneath that laid–back vibe, she stood her ground whenver it came toher principles.

Xavier opened his mouth to say something else. Clearly done talking, Noelle quickly gathered her stuff and was out the door with her work card in hand.

Xavier stared after her, his fists balled up tight, and he took off after her.

Down in the parking lot, Noelle hopped into her car and zoomed off. By the time Xavier made it outside, all he caught was the tail end of her exhaust. He wanted to chase after her, but it was too late. Frustrated,

he slammed his fist against the wall.

Noelle had timed her exit perfectly, avoiding the heavy traffic. The roads were clear. She was about to call Charles when his call beat her to it. His voice, cool and refreshing, came through, “Are you off work?”

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