Chapter 95
“I don’t care about empty words or your credentials,” Aiden stated coldly, towering above Payton. “I only value true talent.”
He continued calmly, “Within the next year, you must generate at least a million dollars in value for me. Can you do that?”
Payton froze, thinking frantically, “A million dollars in one year? How can I possibly achieve that?”
But he had no choice left now.
Trembling slightly, Payton clenched his fists on the ground, then lifted his head decisively and firmly declared, “I’ll try.”
Aiden met his gaze directly.
Despite the tears in his eyes, Payton’s resolve shone clearly.
Aiden slowly withdrew his gaze and handed him a business card from his pocket. “Contact him.”
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Payton clutched the card tightly, staring at Aiden and Valerie’s retreating figures. Tears flooded his eyes again, and he shouted after them, “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Unable to resist, Valerie glanced back and gently urged, “Stand up now, go back quickly and be with your mother.”
But Payton remained on his knees, sobbing uncontrollably and repeating, “Thank you… thank you…”
Valerie walked silently beside Aiden, deeply shaken by the scene.
She had always known Aiden to be ruthless and decisive.
She also knew that his subordinates, whether Lennox or his other guards and assistants, were fiercely loyal.
But witnessing a scene like this firsthand was a first for her.
With a blend of firmness and generosity, Aiden had effortlessly secured a pledge of loyalty.
Those hundred thousand dollars represented Payton’s mother’s life.
Whether or not Payton’s mother survived, Valerie knew Payton would forever remember this favor.
In her previous life, Payton had worked loyally for the Shelton family precisely because they had offered him crucial help when he needed it most.
But what help could surpass saving one’s mother’s life?
Now, Valerie had acted before the Shelton family, essentially securing Payton for Aiden first.
Did this mean she’d helped Aiden secure a valuable asset?
As Valerie mulled these thoughts, the man beside her suddenly stopped.
Valerie instantly sensed the atmosphere turning colder, and her heartbeat quickened,
Tentatively, she glanced up, flashing an almost ingratiating smile. “I knew you’d come,” she whispered.
Aiden’s expression was stormy, and without warning, he gripped her face tightly.
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Valerie winced in pain but didn’t dare protest, only looking up at him pitifully.
His expression darkened further. “What if I hadn’t seen your message?”
Valerie timidly shrank back. “Then… it would have been fate…”
With a cold laugh, Aiden abruptly released her face.
Valerie’s heart sank, sensing his anger. She timidly followed, keeping a cautious distance.
Suddenly, Aiden stopped again. Caught off guard, Valerie collided painfully into his back, her nose throbbing so sharply tears sprang instantly to her
eyes.
Holding her nose, eyes watery and red, Valerie looked up at him.
Aiden turned slowly, casting a glance at her slender legs.
A sudden wave of unease made Valerie step back instinctively.
Aiden regarded her coldly. “Next time something like this happens, I’ll break your legs.”
Valerie immediately recalled how, in her previous life, Aiden had cruelly broken Nelson’s legs, and she recoiled in fear.
Leaning closer, Aiden articulated each word distinctly, “I always keep my promises.”
Valerie’s eyes filled with tears, dropping her gaze from his icy stare.
Aiden softened slightly, gently lifting her chin. “If you’re scared, behave yourself. Don’t cause trouble, understand?”
Valerie truly feared him.
Aiden was terrifying.
Swallowing nervously, Valerie nodded meekly. “I understand.”
Though he’d achieved his intended outcome, Aiden felt unexpectedly unsettled.
Looking at his gentle, rabbit–like wife, he sighed slightly, softening his voice further. “I can’t always be there. Protect yourself better, or else…”
Valerie cringed slightly.
Aiden continued decisively, “I’ll assign two guards to protect you.”
Valerie immediately shook her head. “I’m still a student living on campus. That would be too awkward…”
“Then behave,” Aiden responded simply.
Valerie was speechless.
Her earlier fear and anxiety dissolved into warmth at his protective tone.
Ultimately, his actions were rooted in concern for her safety.
Apart from his occasionally overwhelming possessiveness, he was genuinely good to her.
Yet it was precisely that possessiveness that sometimes terrified her and made her long to escape.
Kelly was exuberant throughout the journey home, chattering nonstop about their evening’s adventures.
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Valerie smiled warmly at Kelly’s infectious energy, feeling a touch of envy.
This was what it meant to be a privileged young lady carefree, innocent, and spontaneous.
By the time they reached home, it was very late.
Aiden still had work to handle, and Valerie, freshly showered, lay in bed, reflecting on her past life. She wondered how many more events the had yet to remember–things she might still be able to change.
Lost in thought, she drifted off to sleep.
When Aiden returned from his shower, only a small, warm lamp illuminated the room. Valerie curled peacefully on the bed, fast asleep.
He gazed at her for a long moment before gently pressing a kiss to her forehead, whispering softly, “Don’t fear me.”
The next morning, Kelly rushed over, wide–eyed and amazed, holding her phone. “Valerie, did you hear? The KTV we visited last night was raided! Apparently, the owner was involved in smuggling and drugs. Yesterday he was thriving, and today he’s bankrupt.”
Valerie glanced casually at the news and replied lightly, “Maybe he crossed someone powerful.”
