Chapter 194
Someone thought in disbelief, ‘7 billion dollars!
‘And just because his wife was wronged, he’s going to cancel the whole deal?
‘That’s just outrageous!‘
Valerie was also taken aback.
She thought, ‘No wonder I haven’t seen Aiden around, he’s been busy negotiating a business deal?
‘But 7 billion dollars!
‘Can he really just cancel it like that?‘
Valerie instinctively tugged at Aiden’s sleeve, her eyes wide with shock and confusion.
But Aiden grasped her hand in return and pulled her toward the exit without hesitation.
He wasn’t giving it a second thought.
“Wait!” An authoritative voice halted Aiden in his tracks.
Though naturally aloof, Aiden still respected his elders. He paused mid–step and turned to look back.
Jack stepped forward, cane in hand, his eyes sharp as winter stars and his bearing vigorous. He declared, “Whether this deal goes through or not is of little consequence. But since a Shelton made a mistake, we must own up to it. Juliette, on your feet, apologize to the lady!”
Ever since Juliette returned to the Shelton family, she had been the apple of everyone’s eye. Everyone walked on eggshells around her, fawning over her and eager to give her the very best the family had to offer.
But now, they actually expected her to apologize to Valerie.
Juliette couldn’t process this sudden fall from grace. She stared at Jack in disbelief, her voice trembling, “Grandpa…”
“Father, look at Juliette, she’s already so badly hurt…” Karrie pleaded anxiously.
Jack struck his cane against the floor with a resounding thud, his authority unmistakable. “She brought this upon herself!”
Colette pursed her lips and kept silent:
Earlier, out of love for her granddaughter, she had jumped to conclusions and wrongly accused Valerie. The more agitated she had been before knowing the truth, the more humiliated she felt now.
She thought to herself, ‘I’ve completely lost face‘
Karrie saw that Colette remained silent and realized she had no intention of speaking up. She was momentarily stunned.
As she had arrived late, she had no idea what had just transpired.
“No need,” Valerie replied, her expression unreadable as her gaze swept coolly over each member of the Shelton family. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. But given the Shelton family’s strict upbringing and impeccable family values, I trust this will be the last.
Valerie turned back with a radiant smile, her already striking features glowing even more brilliantly. Looking sincerely at Colette, she said, Mrs. Shelton. I had accepted Mr. Shelton’s invitation to perform for your birthday celebration, but I didn’t expect things to become so umples take my leave now. May you enjoy boundless happiness and longevity.”
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14:19 Mon, 23 Jun G
Chapter 194
Colette looked at Valerie, momentarily stunned. The faint dislike she’d felt earlier dissipated completely in that instant.
Compared to the granddaughter she had just welcomed back, Valerie was so much more poised and well–mannered. She knew exactly how to carry herself, always polite and gracious. ‘How could a girl like her possibly be an orphan?‘ Colette wondered.
“Mrs. Walker, please wait,” Jack called out, “Although my granddaughter grew up outside the Shelton family, she remains one of us. For her actions today, I assure you she will face severe consequences.”
Valerie smiled graciously. “Thank you, but that really won’t be necessary. All I ask is that you keep your family in line from now on. If possible, I’d prefer
I’ll take my leave now.”
not to see her again, nor will I be returning to the
Sheltonce
Everyone couldn’t help but notice Valerie’s dignified conduct. In stark contrast, Juliette’s actions were utterly disgraceful.
Comparison was the thief of joy.
Additionally, Juliette was s supposed to be the heiress of the Shelton family.
Though the blood of the Shelton family ran in her veins, she still acted
no
differently from a shrew.
But these thoughts remained unspoken, no one dared voice them aloud.
Karrie helped Juliette up from the floor. Her eyes were swollen from crying.
But now, all traces of sympathy and pity had vanished from the onlookers‘ gazes, replaced by strange, inscrutable expressions.
Russell slipped his phone back into his pocket, feeling a pang of guilt as he quietly retreated.
After all, this incident had dealt a direct blow to the Shelton family’s reputation.
Though he’d acted for a friend’s sake, and even though Juliette had only just been welcomed back into the family, the embarrassment to their name was undeniable.
Waldo watched Aiden and Valerie’s retreating figures for a long moment, his face darkening slightly. Then he turned to Russell and said in a low voice, “Russell, come inside with me.”
As Valerie and Aiden stepped outside, they ran into Samantha, who was heading their way.
Samantha’s eyes widened in shock when she saw Aiden, but when she realized Valerie and Aiden were actually together, her jaw practically dropped. With utter disbelief, she blurted out, “Wait, you two?”
Aiden clearly recognized her but ignored her, walking straight past without a glance.
Samantha hurried over in a few quick steps and blurted out, “What’s between you two?”
Realizing that might sound too blunt, she quickly added, “Are you two dating?”
Aiden barely lifted a brow, clearly uninterested in responding.
Valerie was being pulled along, watching Samantha’s astonished expression. She wanted to say they were married, but something about introducing themselves that way just didn’t feel right.
She thought, ‘Who knows how long our marriage will last?
‘Would Aiden even want to introduce me as his wife?‘
Valerie hesitated for a moment, glanced at Aiden, then finally said, “We are.”
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14:19 Mon, 23 Jun GO
Chapter 194
Aiden’s eyes flickered as he glanced sideways at her, tightening his grip on her hand and murmuring, “And then?”
Valerie hesitated for a beat before admitting, “We’re married.”
Samantha’s eyes went wide. “Wait, I remember now, it’s you! You two are married?”
Aiden pulled Valerie close, gazing intently at her. “Don’t we look like it?”
K 72%D
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“Absolutely!” Samantha clapped excitedly. “You two totally look like a married couple! I heard the more a couple kisses, the more they start to look alike. You must be crazy in love!”
That remark instantly made Valerie blush.
Samantha noticed that Aiden’s usual aloof and cold demeanor had clearly softened, and he even responded with a faint hint of pleasure.
Samantha thought in disbelief, ‘No way! He actually confirmed?
‘Is this really the same ice–cold campus heartthrob from college, the guy no one could ever melt?
‘This world is just too crazy!‘
Before Samantha could process the situation, Aiden had already pulled Valerie away.
Samantha watched their retreating figures when it suddenly hit her that she was here for the drama. She’d heard Juliette had taken a spectacularly humiliating fall and had to hurry over to see it for herself.
Valerie was ushered into the car by Aiden, her mind still reeling from everything that had just happened.
She thought, ‘Just now, was Aiden responding to the part about us kissing so much, or was he agreeing that we’re really that in love?”
Just as Valerie was lost in thought, Aiden leaned in closer and asked, “Why did you hesitate just now?”
“What?” Valerie was caught off guard.
“She asked about our relationship, and you hesitated,” Aiden said quietly, lowering his gaze to her. “Is being married to me that embarrassing?”
His voice was so low, she couldn’t tell what he was feeling.
Valerie shrank back a little, flustered. “Not at all… I was just worried you might not like it.”
“What?” Aiden prompted.
Valerie bit her lip. “How would I know how you introduce me to others?”
“My wife,” Aiden replied firmly.
AD
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