Chapter 274

Joseph Harris had always been a crafty, calculating man. He had been planning this for so long,and there was no way he would allow things to fail in the final stages.

Charles smirked. “So, Joseph must be thinking about how he can get Xavier and Winter to getmarried as soon as possible. He won’t have anything to worry about once they’re married.” Charlespatted Noelle’s hand as he said, “Xavier’s smart, but he’s not very charismatic, and would neverdare go against Joseph. So, he’ll inevitably go down that path.”

“You thought of everything.” Noelle sighed, thinking to herself how exhausting all this thinking mustbe.

Charles noticed the change in Noelle’s mood and took her hand in his as he lowered his head sotheir foreheads were touching. “We can’t control what others do, but we can at least live our livesthe way we want to. Don’t you think so?”

Noelle chuckled as she nodded. “Yes, I know that. Don’t worry. I’ve set clear boundaries with them,and I know what I should do moving forward. I won’t let them bully me.”

Noelle also knew that they saw her as an easy target because she used to be too soft and nevershowed her desire for anything. However, they must have forgotten that the only reason she neverfought back was because she could not care less. Since they were no longer showing anyconsideration for her and treating her however they liked, she would not foolishly allow them tocontinue bullying her.

“It’s getting late. Let’s go to bed!” Charles kissed the corner of Noelle’s lips and held her in his armsas they lay in bed. “Good night!”

“Good night!” Noelle grabbed Charles‘ hand and buried her face in the space between his neck andshoulders.

10 Somehow, Winter managed to learn about what Xavier had done. She smashed all the vases athome in a fury before declaring she was going to seek revenge on Noelle. Thankfully, Jade stoppedher in time.” Gosh, child, can’t you hold yourself together?!”

“But, Mom, you heard it too. Xavier went to see Noelle. He…”

“So what if he did?” Jade sneered. “Do you think that bitch could marry Xavier? Joseph and Emiliawould never allow that to happen. Don’t worry. I’ve invited your future mother–in–law over for tea sowe can discuss your wedding!”

“Really?” Winter’s eyes lit up. “What did she say?” Winter grasped Jade’s hands in hers. “Has sheagreed?”

“Is there anything your mom can’t handle? I could already tell from the way she sounded over thephone yesterday. She can’t wait for Xavier to marry you!”

Jade spoke confidently. “Come help me pick out an outfit. I’m going to meet your mother–in–lawlater.”

“Mom!” Winter tugged on Jade’s sleeve. “We aren’t even married yet!”

“isn’t it already a done deal? Join me today,” Jade said as she gave Winter a once–over. “My darlingWinter is so beautiful. Is there a man who wouldn’t fall for you?”

Jade and Emilia had arranged to meet at Homestyle Garden House.

Jade was a rather crass person, but she had learned to imitate the strict manners of upper society.Her father, Sebastian Jenkins, was a university lecturer, so the Jenkins family was considered partof high society.

Thus, Jade put on the airs of a refined lady who meticulously adhered to formalities before othersand naturally gravitated toward places that seemed cultured and refined.

Emilia was a typical housewife, but she had been born into a noble family, so she had quiteextensive knowledge of the art of tea. Her impression of Jade became even better when she sawthe name of the place she had been invited to.