The Cherished Wife

Chapter 604

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"But the way you treat Nancy..."

"Look, how I treat my Aunt Nancy is my choice. She's my uncle's wife, and she practically raised me. I see nothing wrong about being good to her

now. Don't forget you were the one who walked away from me when I was little, Mom. So, don't expect too much now. No matter what, you're still my mother in the Hoffman family records, and that's not changing."

"Charles!" A shiver ran down Clarisse's spine at his words. She was terrified that he might say something even more cutting.

"Mom, if there's nothing else, I've got work to do. I can't stay on the phone."

"Charles!" Clarisse caught him just in time. "After all these years, can't you find it in your heart to forgive me? I'm back and trying to make things right now. I am your mother, Charles. Everything I've done has been for you. Can't you forgive me? Please let me..."

"Mom, what are you trying to say?"

Becky had just knocked and stepped into the room when Charles gestured for her to hold off on speaking. "If it's not urgent, can it wait until after work?"

"Charles, I'm not implying anything. Your second uncle and aunt can visit you, and I want to see you as well. You've always said I left you behind, so I'm trying to make it right now. However, you've got to give me a chance, don't you? You're so kind to Nancy because she was there for you. I promise I'll be there for you this time too. Let me stay at Phoenix Tree Residence, okay?"

"No need!" Charles cut her off without a second thought. "Second uncle and aunt are just looking for a change of scenery to help with her health. As for you, the Hoffman family's old house has plenty of room. If you're feeling cooped up, just pick a different room. I'm grown up now. I don't need you around, and I certainly don't have the time for it!"

Charles ended the call, his expression rigid and stern.

Becky stood frozen, waiting for Charles to tell her what to do next. She really wanted to bolt out of there. That was the first time she had heard Charles talk about his family issues firsthand.

Becky was curious about Charles's family dynamics, but she was not one to snoop. Realizing she had stumbled onto such a big secret, she broke out in a nervous sweat.

Charles's brow creased slightly. "Didn't you have something to say?"

et

Becky quickly regained her focus. "Mr. Hoffman, about the annual meeting... Mr. Wells just handed me the final list from Royal Star Entertainment. I've sketched out a rough plan. Brielle is the leading lady there and the most experienced, so I've put her second to last, right before your closing remarks. What about Winter? Where should we slot her in?"

"Just put her anywhere! Don't bother me with these little things."

"What about your opening dance partner, Mr. Hoffman? In the past it's always been..." Becky trailed off. She did not really need to ask. 4h previous years, Charles had always chosen her by default.

Becky was aware that her role as Charles's partner was not due to any special talent on her part. Charles simply found it too much of a hassle to pick someone else, and he really did not like being touched by people he did not know well, especially women.

The fact that Becky had managed to stay close to Charles over the years was partly because she never crossed the line with him.