The Cherished Wife



Charles sneered, "Nothing wrong? The Bakers are the least innocent of all. Don't assume that just because I was a child back then, I didn't know what was going on.

"My father was merciful toward you out of affection, but that doesn't mean I will be. You trampled on his feelings and sought to take everything from the Hoffmans. Your family's schemes were just too perfect, weren't they?"

Clarisse's face turned deathly pale. "Do you even understand what you're saying? How could I have done such a thing? I'm your mother! How could I possibly do that?"

"You wouldn't, but that doesn't mean the Bakers wouldn't," Charles replied, steadily closing the distance between them. "Go ask your beloved brother what he did 35 years ago. My father treated you with kindness and respect, but you repaid him by helping others hurt him.

"Then ask your brother what he did to my father 25 years ago and what he did to J three years ago."

Charles advanced step by step, forcing Clarisse to back away.

At first, his words seemed absurd, but anyone with insight could tell the weight of his accusations. Clarisse was the person most entangled in these events-whether 35 years ago, 25 years ago, or even three years ago. The truth struck a nerve with her.

"No, that's impossible!"

The sudden change in Clarisse's expression did not escape Charles' sharp gaze. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he observed her shaken state. He withheld his sneer, but his eyes glinted coldly.noveldrama

"I believe you're a smart woman. I'm not just throwing out baseless accusations. If you want the answers, I can even show you evidence."

Clarisse stared at him in disbelief, her face panic-stricken. "No, I don't want to see it! I gave birth to such a wonderful son, didn't I? One who would do this to his own mother for the sake of an outsider."

She jabbed a trembling finger at Noelle. "For the sake of this woman, you've discarded every trace of family loyalty. Does reopening my old wounds bring you joy?"

A glint of sharpness flashed in Charles' eyes, but his voice remained cold. "And yet, didn't you wield your wounds against my father and show him no mercy just to satisfy your own desires?"

Clarisse stood frozen, staring at Charles in stunned disbelief. She wanted to refute his words but could not find the strength or the words.

"You... Is this really how you've seen me all these years? In your eyes, am I truly like this?"

"Isn't that the truth?" Charles lowered his gaze slightly, slipping one hand into his pocket.

After a brief moment of silence, he continued, "When I was six years old, I saw yourdrug my father's drink and send a woman to his bed. That was the moment I realized just how ruthless of a woman you are. Or am I wrong?"

Clarisse's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Charles as if she was seeing him for the first time.

Six years old. Charles was only six at the time.

That same year, Clarisse had witnessed Henry and Nancy, that wretched woman, welcoming their newborn daughter, whom they named Layla.

At that moment, hatred consumed her. She despised Mateo for taking her body and forcing her into marriage. Why did he have to marry her? That was because, deep down, it was Henry she loved. Henry was the one she had wanted to marry.

However, she was powerless as she watched Henry marry Nancy. The jealousy and rage drove her to the brink of madness, filling her with an overwhelming desire to destroy both Nancy and Mateo.

Hence, on Mateo's birthday, she coaxed him into drinking the drugged, wine and sent one of his young assistants from the company to his bed. She wanted him to pay for what he had done to her.

However...