Chapter 283


    “Of course.” Although unsure of Noelle’s identity, the manager noticed how Charles was so


    protective of her. Charles had held her hand the entire time, indicating just how important she was.


    Hence, the manager led Charles and Noelle into a private room. Charles took off his suit jacket, and


    Noelle naturally took it and set it aside. She looked at Charles, “I thought you were going to take me


    over to meet them.”


    Charles raised an eyebrow, “Do you want to meet them?”


    Noelle pressed her lips together but did not answer. Charles understood. “We won’t meet them


    today. We’ll wait for another opportunity to meet them formally. Besides, I haven’t even seen


    Grandpa Sebastian and Grandpa Samuel yet!”


    His words carried deeper meaning and elevated Sebastian and Samuel in importance.


    Noelle felt touched and nodded. “Next time, then. Today isn’t appropriate anyway.”


    Charles ordered a few of Noelle’s favorite dishes and then dismissed the manager. “I thought the


    same,” he said.


    As for Peter and Sean, they happened to meet by chance. Sean had been away for a while and,


    upon his return, ran into Peter.


    Naturally, they gathered to talk about Charles. They mentioned how he had gotten married quietly,


    likely without the Hoffman family knowing.


    Peter’s dark eyes gleamed at this. He tapped his fingers thoughtfully. “I wonder who this woman is.


    The Hoffman family is… well!”


    Though Peter and Charles were like brothers, Peter did not have a high opinion of the Hoffman


    family. Remembering a certain woman, Peter’s eyes grew even darker.


    Sean, being perceptive, understood Peter was still troubled by past events. “Peter, you can’t me


    the whole Hofmman family for what happened. You know you hurt their long–lost daughter, causing


    her to leave the country. It’s a wonder they haven’te after you.”


    Peter’s eyes grew even more somber. He then looked at Sean. “As if you haven’t hurt anyone


    yourself.”


    Sean’s face paled, and he gripped his ss tightly before loosening his hold. He


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    smiled bitterly. “We truly share the same fate, both bested by the Hoffman family.”


    Peter frowned. “You’ve had too much to drink.”


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Sean shook his head. “I wish I could drink more so that I wouldn’t feel so numb.” He downed hisst


    ss and said, “It’s gettingte.”


    “Yes, it is.” Peter nodded in agreement.


    They left the private room and saw a waiter heading toward the Elegant Pavilion. They exchanged


    nces, and the manager approached Peter and Sean quickly.” Good evening, Mr. Lennon, Mr.


    Smith.”


    “Is Charles here?” Peter narrowed his eyes and nced toward the Elegant Pavilion, catching a


    glimpse of a figure’s back.


    The manager nodded quickly. “Mr. Hoffman arrived not long ago. Mr. Lennon, would you—”


    “Who’s he with?” Peter smiled.


    “I don’t know her, but she’s a very beautiful young woman. Mr. Hoffman held her hand the entire


    time.” The manager carefully chose his words, ensuring uracy before looking at Peter and Sean.


    “Mr. Lennon, Mr. Smith, do you want to…”


    Peter waved his hand. “Sean and I have other matters to attend to. Oh, send a good bottle of wine


    to his room and say it’s from me.”


    Peter and Sean exchanged a knowing look. Sean raised an eyebrow, his charming eyes filled with


    amusement. “It’s probably his wife. I told you, you have bad luck. I’ve seen his wife several times,


    and she’s quite a looker. And look at you, turned away at the first meeting.”