The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Nancy nodded. "Your grandfather has a good eye." Although she had never met Sebastian in person, she had heard of him many times, especially because he was Charles' mentor and had a profound influence on him. She glanced at Charles, who raised an eyebrow and smiled. He then took the teaware from Noelle, carefully rinsing the pieces.

"Yes, his taste is truly impeccable," he said.

Noelle chuckled. "Why do I feel like you're bragging?"

Charles gave a soft laugh. "Whatever you say goes."

Nancy and Teresa shared a laugh at that.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside, approaching the room.

Noelle tilted her head in curiosity and looked at Charles just as a knock sounded on the door. She gave Charles a questioning glance. He stood up calmly, walked to the door, and opened it. Standing tall in the doorway was a man. Though he seemed to have come in a rush, he looked composed without a trace of disarray. The usual intensity that clung to him was noticeably absent. Noelle was not surprised to see Peter, but both Nancy and Teresa were caught off guard.

Teresa, quick to grasp the situation, figured that since both Noelle and Charles were here, Peter's arrival must have been arranged by them. Giving Noelle a knowing look, Teresa tactfully excused herself and left. Nancy, however, was taken aback-not only by Peter's sudden appearance but also by the fact that it happened here, and they were meeting face-to-face.

Glancing at Charles and Noelle, Nancy quickly realized that they were in on this. It dawned on her that this meeting was likely orchestrated by the two, specifically to arrange a conversation between her and Peter.

However, why did Peter want to meet her? Could it be about Tania?

Nancy's expression grew somber. She bore no will toward Peter. In the past, when Peter and Tania were together she approved of their relationship and held high hopes for it. However, time had proven that the two were not suited for each other.

Too many things had gone wrong, leaving Tania deeply hurt. It was only after witnessing this pain that Nancy realized the relationship was not right for them. That was the reason why when Tania insisted on leaving, Nancy did not stop her.

Nancy did not feel any particular need to see Peter now. For the past three years, she had not intentionally avoided him, but she believed that since fate had parted the couple, maintaining distance was the best course of action.

Charles gave Noelle a brief glance, and Noelle said softly, "Aunt Nancy, Peter would like to talk to you. But if you don't want to see him, we'll ask him to leave."

After all, the decision rested entirely with Nancy. Moreover, although Peter was known for his ruthless demeanor toward others, he would never use such tactics with Nancy.

Peter stood silently at the door, waiting. Unless Nancy granted him permission, he would not step inside.

Noelle waited anxiously for Nancy's response, feeling uneasy about the situation. However, she knew it was not fair to blame Nancy. After all, she and Charles had made the decision without consulting her first.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Nancy. We may have acted thoughtlessly. If you really don't want to see him, we'll ask Charlie to take Peter away."

Charles' gaze remained fixed on Nancy for a long moment before shifting toward Peter. "I'm sorry. Aunt Nancy isn't ready to meet with you yet. Maybe next time—"

"There's no need. Let him in," Nancy interrupted.