Chapter 168
Valerie had memorized very few phone numbers, and Waylon had only called her twice before once to demand she leave Aiden, and again when she was forced to sign the divorce agreement.
Waylon told her she was fulfilling Aiden’s wish when she signed the papers; only afterward did Valerie realize Aiden had been entirely unaware of it.
Finally seizing her hard–won chance, she broke free from his gilded cage, gasping for freedom and leaving Waylon’s world without a backward glance Now, his call came through again.
Valerie answered, “Grandpa.”
Waylon answered the call, and upon hearing the address, he snorted skeptically. “How did you know it was me?”
Valerie’s heart raced as she answered, “I asked Aiden for your number earlier and saved it. I was in class and just saw I missed your call. What can do for you?”
“Be here this afternoon,” Waylon ordered. He continued, “Just don’t tell Aiden, come alone.”
Nervousness washed over Valerie. ‘Why doesn’t he want Aiden to know?‘ she worried, her mind racing. And what does he want from me? He’s acting just like he did before. The last time she was in the Walker family’s study, it was only because she was Clark; now that she was no longer Clark, she was shut out of his world.
“Alright,” Valerie replied, though she was supposed to attend class that afternoon; nevertheless, Valerie took a leave of absence and headed to Waylon’s mansion.
In his younger years, Waylon Walker had a reputation as a playboy, resulting in six children–three sons and three daughters, not all of whom were Ruth’s.
Ruth had three biological children: her eldest and youngest sons and a daughter who was Aiden’s aunt. However, her eldest and third sons were constantly in conflict.
Waylon adored his second son, born to his favorite mistress; however, Ruth’s rigid control kept this family excluded from the family for years, forbidding them to enter, preventing invitations to gatherings, and denying them any inheritance, understandably fostering deep resentment.
He was powerless to intervene; despite Waylon’s philandering, he was no match for Ruth’s sharp wit, as she always found a solution, be it at home or in business.
Despite his playboy reputation, Waylon deeply respected Ruth. At the same time, she lived, the second branch of the family knew they were unwelcome at the Walker residence, despite holding moderately important positions and enjoying a comfortable, above–average lifestyle within the company.
Previously, Valerie only exchanged brief greetings with the second branch of the Walker family during holidays, so she was surprised to find them at Waylon’s house upon her arrival.
Besides the members of the second branch, Valerie also noticed unfamiliar faces she’d never seen before, including two gorgeous women, and paused upon entering before calling out, “Grandpa.”
Having never met the second branch, including Louis, currently, she refrained from acting familiarly and instead silently looked to Waylon for guidance. However, Waylon completely ignored her, choosing instead to chat and sip coffee with those nearby, his face beaming with kindness.
Realizing Waylon was deliberately ignoring her, Valerie felt a painful clench in her chest, but she maintained her composure, quietly stepped forward,
and took a seat.
The two women glanced critically at Valerie, their expressions appraising. One of them sized her up and asked, “So, you’re Valerie Clark?”
Valerie offered a polite smile and greeted, “Hello.”
She snickered, “Just as pretty as they say–even younger–looking than your online pictures suggest. Who knew? If it weren’t for all the online chatter, I wouldn’t have realized my first love was already married.”
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Valerie glanced at her, and a thought crossed her mind. ‘First love? Is she talking about Aiden?”
Crossing one leg over the other, the woman gave the young girl beside her a light kick and demanded, “How could you not tell me about this?
Esmeralda, who liked girls, was the daughter of Louis and also Aiden’s cousin. Despite her flowing hair, Valerie projected a surprisingly tough and assertive presence; without having witnessed Esmeralda pinning a girl against the bathroom door and kissing her passionately, Valerie never would have suspected she liked girls.
Esmeralda, visibly irritated, retorted, “How on earth would I know? What could I possibly tell you? You’re well aware I’ve never even been a part of their family group chat–I’m practically a stranger to them. So, no, I don’t know anything!”
Louis’s face darkened. “Esmee, what are you talking about?”
Esmeralda scoffed, “Did I say something untrue? Ask your father–has he ever truly considered us family?” She then glared at Waylon and sneered, “Inviting us to dinner now? I highly doubt it’s out of the goodness of his heart.”
Louis roared, his face crimson, “One more word of nonsense and get out!”
“Enough! Phoebe is right here. Is this how you intend to behave?” Waylon snapped. “If you’re unhappy, then leave!”
“Fine, I’m out!” Esmeralda slammed the table, fuming. “And don’t think we need your money!”
Startled, Louis quickly grasped her arm, saying urgently, “There, there, your grandpa was only joking with you!”
“Come now,” Phoebe gently tugged Esmeralda back into her chair, adding with a smile, “Aren’t you a bit past the age for such outbursts?”
With a scowl, Esmeralda finally settled down, glared at Valerie, and curtly ordered, “You–make us some coffee.”
Valerie froze, then questioned, “Me?”
“Of course it’s you,” Esmeralda sneered, arms crossed. “Enjoying the show, are we? Don’t think marrying Aiden makes you a true Walker. Without the elders‘ approval, you’ll be stuck in limbo, just like the rest of us.”
Valerie frowned, thinking, ‘She has a serious attitude problem.’
Phoebe smiled sweetly, her voice laced with false warmth. “Valerie, isn’t it? Why don’t you make some coffee? Surely the young Mrs. Walker can manage such a simple task. After all, with your humble background, serving drinks should come naturally to you. If this ‘young mistress‘ thing doesn’t work out, you could always be a servant–consider this practice.”
Valerie could easily make coffee, but even her patience wore thin at those words; she shot them a frosty look and retorted, “I’m not your servant. If you want it, help yourselves.”
Waylon retorted, “What’s with that attitude? Is offering our guests a drink too much to ask?”
“Mr. Walker,” Phoebe said gently, “you’re not feeling well–please don’t get upset. Let it go; Esmee asked too much. I’ll make the coffee instead.”
“Stay where you are,” Waylon said, then fixed his steely gaze on Valerie and commanded, “You do it!”
Valerie met Waylon’s gaze with startling clarity, her intense eyes giving him pause. Taken aback, he glanced at her, and after a brief press of her lips, Valerie said, “Alright.”
Waylon watched her walk away, a frown deepening on his face. He sensed her hesitation, but she remained agreeable out of deference to him. Valerie urgently asked a servant for the location of the coffee beans, quickly brewed a pot, but was stopped at the kitchen doorway before she could leave. Phoebe entered with a deceptively sweet smile, asking, “What took you so long. Valerie?”
As Valerie held the drinks, ready to speak, Phoebe suddenly appeared and deliberately knocked them out of her hands, the scalding coffee splashing onto Valerie, causing her to hiss in pain.
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Chapter 168
Phoebe gasped dramatically, feigning surprise as she covered her mouth. “Oh dear, how clumsy! Are you alright?”
