Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Valentina sipped her coffee with practiced elegance, basking in the admiring glances cast her way, Everything was going according to plan until she
turned her head.
And froze. Everett was walking in her direction, grinning from ear to ear, practically groveling as he welcomed Aiden and Valerie like they were royalty. His smile was more eager than when greeting the most important client of the night.
Valentina’s grip on her cup tightened. Her teeth clenched so hard it hurt.
And then, she heard the first thing out of Everett’s mouth: “We’ll be counting on you to take good care of our daughter from now on.”
‘Our daughter? Valerie?‘ Valentina’s stomach twisted in fury.
Aiden had one arm casually slung around Valerie’s waist. His posture was relaxed, his smile refined and distant. “She’s my wife. Of course I’ll take care of her.”
Everett burst into laughter. “Well, that’s a relief–truly, a relief.”
But when he turned back and saw Valentina sitting there, his smile faltered like someone had hit pause.
Aiden had already taken note of her the moment they approached.
That face–uncannily similar to Valerie’s. A cheap knockoff, if he’d ever seen one.
His eyes flicked toward her with polite indifference. “And this is?”
Valentina’s heart gave a traitorous thump. Despite her best efforts, her cheeks flushed pink with anticipation. “I’m…”
“This is my daughter, Valentina,” Everett cut in with a broad smile.
Valentina stood and turned to Aiden, putting on her sweetest smile. “Nice to meet you. I’m Valentina,” she said, extending a hand.
Valerie watched it all with a complicated expression.
She remembered clearly–in her previous life, Aiden had stormed in like a reaper from hell, dragged her away in front of everyone, and shattered Nelson’s legs with cold, merciless rage.
Valentina had cowered in terror, whispering countless times how lucky she was not to be the one married to that monster.
But now, Aiden’s entrance had been quiet, powerful–and composed. And Valentina? She looked… interested.
Valerie glanced from her stepsister to her husband.
Aiden maintained his calm, frosty expression. He looked down at Valentina’s outstretched hand for a brief moment–but didn’t move to shake it. “So this is the orphan you adopted.”
Everett’s grin froze in place.
Valentina’s heart, so full of hope, dropped. She stammered, “No–I’m-”
“Yes,” Everett interrupted quickly with a forced laugh. “Back then, we adopted her because she resembled Valerie. Don’t they look alike?”
Valentina blinked, stunned that her father had admitted it so casually. “Dad, I—”
“She does,” Aiden nodded slowly. “But the resemblance stops there. This one seems sorely lacking in manners.”
Valentina’s face went ghost–white.
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Chapter 56
Everett hadn’t expected such a brutal takedown. No blood spilled, but the blade had gone straight for the jugular. Still, he couldn’t afford to offend
Aiden.
He forced a laugh. “Perhaps… perhaps this is all a misunderstanding.”
“Misunderstanding?” Aiden’s voice remained alone offer a proper greeting.”
Ool. “While the guests and elders haven’t even sat down, this young lady can’t be bothered to help, let
Valentina’s hands twisted in her lap. Her face burned as her eyes darted desperately toward Everett for rescue.
Aiden turned to Valerie with a faint smile, “acted this way, I would’ve thrown her
out long ago.”
That nickname–Vally–caught Valerie off guard.
It was the name she’d used back in the orphanage.
How did he… No. It’s probably just coincidence.
Others at the table were stunned, but not by the name–they were floored by the directness find a place to hide his embarrassment.
Valentina wanted to disappear. Her hands clutched her dress in silent shame.
of Aiden’s remarks. Especially Everett, who couldn’t even
Then, Aiden’s tone shifted. “Fortunately, you raised Vally very well. My grandmother is quite fond of her.”
Valerie looked stunned.
Everett lit up.
Everyone knew that despite Aiden holding power now, the one person truly at the top of the Walker family was Ruth. Winning her favor meant everything.
Alannah blurted out, “Oh, but I didn’t raise-”
“That’s wonderful,” Everett hastily cut in. “Let’s take our seats. Someone, bring two more chairs!”
Valentina’s eyes were burning with rage. ‘Why does Valerie get to sit at the main table? She’s not even a real Clark!‘
“Two?” Aiden raised a brow. “There’s another guest besides me?”
His voice, laced with cool amusement, drifted over the table. “Or w
was it that you never prepared a seat for Vally at all?”
Everett’s heart sank. “Of course not! Valerie is my daughter–she sits beside me.”
“Forget it,” Valerie said softly, lips pressing into a line. “There isn’t enough space. I’ll sit elsewhere.”
Everett’s eye twitched. If Aiden ever realized they had tried to sideline Valerie–if he discovered they’d sent Valentina in her place the Walker family’s wrath would crush them
He seized Valerie’s hand. “Don’t say that! Of course we have your seat–right next to Daddy.”
Valerie blinked. “And Mom’s on the other side, right?”
“Exactly!” Everett nodded quickly.
“But…” Valerie hesitated, looking at Valentina.
Valentina’s expression twisted. She snapped, “Valerie.”
Chapter 56
‘What’s she implying? Does she think she can just kick me out like that?‘
Valerie startled at the sharp tone and instinctively shrank into Aiden’s embrace, “Forget it, really… it’s fine.”
Aiden pulled her in protectively. His face darkened. He was clearly losing patience.
Everett sprang into action. “Valentina, leave. This table is reserved for honored guests. You have no place here.”
Alannah gasped, “Darling, how can you-”
Valentina’s face paled. She looked ready to cry. “Dad…”
Everett looked at her, steeled himself, then said flatly, “Go. Sit at the guest table. This seat belongs to Valerie.”
Valentina stood rooted to the spot–like lightning had struck her clean through.
AD
