Chapter 69
Vivian cast Kelly a long, meaningful glance.
For Valerie to change Kelly’s opinion in such a short time… the girl definitely had some tricks
s up her sleeve.
Rewatching the two videos of Valerie on loop, Vivian had to admit–her beauty was striking, her demeanor calm and graceful.
Thinking back to Valerie’s last visit home, she’d seemed poised and composed then too, neither arrogant nor meek.
“Mom, look! Valerie’s in the group chat!”
The family group exploded with chatter. Valerie had just sent a message: [Hi everyone, This is Valerie.]
A cascade of questions flooded in from curious relatives, and Valerie replied to each with patience and charm–even adding a few adorable emojis. She seemed genuinely kind and easygoing.
Vivian watched it all unfold, then calmly typed: [Aiden’s busy right now, but once he wraps up, why don’t you both come stay with us for a while, Valerie!
On the other end, Valerie stared at the message in stunned disbelief. She replied quickly. [Okay!]
After she hit send, her heart raced. She could barely believe it. How had things changed so drastically?
In her past life, Nelson had been beaten within an inch of his life, her own dignity shattered and trampled–and yet this time, not only had none of it happened, she’d actually walked away with her reputation intact. No, more than intact. Victorious.
Valentina and Juliette had both been exposed and disgraced. And Valerie? She’d come out shining.
But what she hadn’t expected–what truly shocked her–was how that victory had shifted her status within the Walker family itself.
Last time, she hadn’t even been added to the family group chat.
Sure, the chat was chaotic and crowded, full of relatives she barely knew–but it was still the fastest way to step into the family circle, to learn how things
worked in the Walker world.
In her previous life, they’d remembered her too–but as a disgrace. A stain on the family name.
Now? Now she was being openly acknowledged.
Even Aiden’s mother had spoken to her–in the chat. The same woman who, in her last life, couldn’t even offer her a smile across the dinner table.
The contrast was staggering. Valerie clutched her phone, rereading that message again and again, eyes stinging.
She had truly changed her fate.
And for that, she owed herself… but she also owed him,
That man–who, despite his packed schedule, had rushed back from Aprealand just to attend the banquet with her.
If it weren’t for Aiden’s presence that night, none of it would’ve gone so smoothly.
Valerie suddenly remembered–he hadn’t eaten a thing at the banquet.
And ever since returning, he’d locked himself in his study, working nonstop.
‘I should do something for him,‘ she thought. ‘He’s my husband, after all. Even if there’s no love between us… we’re still married.
So Valerie made her way to the kitchen, The moment she stepped inside, the housekeepers were startled, “Mrs. Walker? Is there something you need?”
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Chapter 69
Her status now was nothing like before.
Last time she came home drunk, it had been Aiden himself who carried her in, bathed her, and tucked her into bed… and tonight, he had flown the country just to support her.
Word had spread. Everyone knew–Aiden was clearly backing her.
Valerie smiled. “I’d like to use the kitchen for a bit. Do we have any ingredients?”
“Yes, ma’am!” One of the staff rushed to open the fridge.
“Are you hungry? I can make you something,” one offered.
“No, thank you. I want to cook something myself–for Aiden. What does he usually like?”
The staff brightened, though one of them hesitated. “Mr. Walker doesn’t usually eat late. He’s very disciplined–works, then rests.
“I see…” Valerie nodded. “Well, I’ll just make something simple then. Can you help me prep?”
“Of course!”
Soon, a steaming plate of pasta was ready–simple, but made with a unique flavor.
It was a dish the orphanage director had once taught her: humble, hearty, and full of warmth.
As Valerie picked up the plate to bring upstairs, a housekeeper quickly said, “Mrs. Walker, Mr. Walker really dislikes any kind of food in his study–except coffee. He’s very particular about smells.”
Valerie paused.
In her past life, she used to bring him pasta often. He never complained. He just… ate it.
The housekeeper looked nervous. “Maybe wait until he’s done? If he gets upset, I might lose my job…”
Valerie gave her a comforting smile. “It’s okay. I’ll ask.”
Upstairs, she gently knocked on the door.
“Come in,” came the deep voice.
Valerie stepped inside–and there he was.
Aiden sat behind his desk, leaning back slightly, one hand lazily resting against his cheek. His sharp features were calm, but the commanding pressure in the room was undeniable. He didn’t need to say a word to dominate the space.
They say a man is most attractive when he’s working. They weren’t wrong.
“I made some supper,” Valerie said softly. “Are you done?”
Aiden looked up. She was no longer in her soiled dress. Now she wore simple loungewear, her face bare, fresh and radiant in a way that was… disarmingly lovely.
Valerie stood in the doorway, meeting his gaze. Can I bring it in? I wanted to eat with you.”
Her tone was casual–like this was the most normal thing in the world.
The man on the video call said nothing, but Aiden’s heart skipped for just a second. His expression remained impassive as he glanced at her and replied coolly, “Is the dining room broken?”
12:30 Fri, 6 Jun GO·
Chapter 69
Valerie blinked. “So I can’t?”
He didn’t answer. He simply resumed his meeting.
She smiled to herself. He hadn’t refused.
Which, with Aiden, was basically consent.
She turned and went to fetch the food. This wasn’t the first time she’d tried to please him–but this time, it wasn’t a performance, it wasn’t survival.
In her past life, after she’d been locked away, there had only been one way to get close to him: submission. Flattery. Pleading.
But never like this. Never… willingly.
She set the plate down, handed him a fork and knife, and glanced briefly at the screen. The video call was still ongoing–on the other side, a boardroom full of suited executives sat in perfect silence.
Without saying a word, Valerie placed the food within reach, then quietly took a seat by his side.
