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Chapter 171
Chapter 171
With a resolute gaze, Aiden stated firmly. “No one, not even Grandpa, can change my mind.”
He anticipated Wayton’s discovery and opposition, but Waylon’s swift reaction surprised him, he’d barely acted yesterday, and today Waylon we drishy pursuing him closely. Waylon was a formidable opponent.
Valerie, shrinking under his gaze, said timidly, “It’s okay with me… but if Grandpa disapproves, I can… step aside!
Aiden fixed Valerie with an icy stare, silencing her. Valerie clamped her mouth shut and tried to slip away, but Aiden caught her, immobilizing her
Aiden pressed Valerie down, his intense kiss trapping her completely. He pinned her, then growled in a low, husky voice, “He didn’t cherish you, so yo belong to me now.”
“What is he talking about?‘ Valerie wondered, her mind reeling. Confusion clouded her thoughts, and soon she couldn’t think straight. When Valerie woke again, darkness had fallen.
Aiden wasn’t there. As Valerie got dressed, she noticed fresh ointment had been carefully reapplied to her stomach and hands. She paused, surprised by a gentle sweetness blossoming in her heart, a feeling that became unexpectedly complex the moment she recognized it.
‘Aiden is so good to me, he just keeps getting better,‘ Valerie thought, her heart fluttering.
Valerie no longer understood her feelings for him; an unexpected enjoyment of his company replaced a confusing mix of expected hatred and fear.
Camille had dinner ready, and when she saw her coming downstairs, she announced, “Mr. Walker has gone out, and he asked that you eat first.*
Valerie asked, “Where did he go? I thought he was finished with work for the day.”
Camille replied, “I’m not sure.”
“Alright then,” Valerie said. She had just finished eating when her WhatsApp buzzed with new messages.
It was Friday, school was out, and the two gaming–obsessed teens she’d previously met through Johanna were already blowing up the group chat with
frantic tags.
Paxton: [Valerie! Let’s squad up!]
Jonah: [Let’s play a game!]
Everyone else tagged their usual gaming friends, but Valerie declined because she lacked a gaming PC and her laptop couldn’t run PUBG. Despite Valerie’s initial refusal, the two persistent youngsters convinced her to go to the internet café, and Valerie, eager to play, hesitated, then offered, [I’ll see if I can borrow one.]
Who else would she turn to but Aiden? Valerie dialed his number, and he answered almost immediately. “Yeah?”
His voice was husky, with a slight upward lilt that Valerie found incredibly sexy. She cleared her throat softly. “Hey, have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet,” Aiden replied, scanning the line of bodyguards. “Go ahead and eat; don’t wait for me.”
“I’m finished eating. Would it be alright if I used your computer for a few minutes?”
Aiden shifted lazily, his thoughts lingering on the computer. “Nothing here is off–limits to you,” he said.
Valerie’s heart fluttered, a smile unknowingly gracing her lips as she murmured, “Thank you, honey.”
Aiden felt a blow to his chest. “Don’t forget to eat on time and come home early. I’ll-” He cut her off, and he swallowed hard. “What did you just call me?”
15:51 Wed, 18 Jun
Chapter 171
Lost in the moment, Valerie blurted something out without thinking. She paused, the realization hitting her. Her heart ponded as “You… you didn’t like what I said?”
hestently asked,
Aiden clenched a cigarette between his teeth as a sudden heat surged through his chest, thinking. Love it. I love it! Her first, effortless use of “sef” resonated deeply within him, the endearment echoing in his heart long after she spoke.
Valerie waited, but still received no response, her heart pounding with unease as she anxiously wondered, ‘Did I go too far? Did Loverstep?
After what felt like forever, she finally heard his voice say, “Wait for me. I’ll be home soon,” before the call abruptly cut off
Clutching her phone, Valerie felt her buoyant mood plummet, dejected by the words that had just escaped her lips. I should have just kept calling Aiden’s name,‘ she thought ruefully.
The bodyguards were on edge, exchanging uneasy glances, bewildered by Aiden’s behavior. They whispered, “What’s gotten into him? After that call, he smiled.” They stared in disbelief.
Aiden’s barely perceptible smile was genuinely surprising; who could be on the other end of that call, capable of softening the unapproachable ice king and eliciting such tenderness? It must be a miracle!
Aiden set his phone down casually as Lennox stepped forward to report, “All the top fighters are here.”
“Okay.” Aiden scanned the group, his eyes lingering on a more petite figure. “Is that one a woman?” Wearing a black T–shirt, she looked petite with her short hair and slight build; her lightly tanned skin still appeared pale next to the rugged men surrounding her.
“While she may not embody traditional femininity, she is an exceptional fighter,” Lennox said.
“Alright then,” Aiden said, standing up. “I’m heading home.”
Lennox paused, surprised, then reminded him, “You still have that dinner appointment with the CEO of Shelton Group.”
Aiden said, “Cancel it.”
Lennox replied, “Alright…”
Lennox wondered, ‘Didn’t he see Mrs. Walker this afternoon, spending hours with her at home? And now he’s already rushing back? Seriously, what a lovestruck!‘
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