Valerie felt her heartstrings gently plucked, as if a warm current had just flowed through her. Before she knew it, an unconscious smile blossomed at the corners of her lips.
Valerie kept lowering her head, afraid he’d notice the smile playing on her lips. To her surprise, Aiden mirrored her movement, leaning in closer as well.
Valerie stole a furtive glance up at him, only to find Aiden already leaning in. Before she could react, his lips met hers in a kiss.
The kiss erupted like a long–awaited wildfire, blazing uncontrollably between them.
The two, who had been sitting properly, soon found themselves tangled up in each other’s embrace.
“We’ve arrived,” Lennox announced impassively after a while, ever professional.
Valerie stepped out of the car, her cheeks burning crimson. After steadying her wobbly legs, she hurried back toward the hotel.
No sooner had they entered the hotel room than Aiden eagerly hugged Valerie from behind. She let out a breathy gasp, her cheeks flushing as she cooed, “You’re terrible…”
The night was long and profound.
Valerie was jolted awake by the shrill ring of the phone.
Valerie stirred, her limbs feeling like jelly. She gave Aiden a weak nudge and murmured, “I need to get my phone.”
Aiden kept his arms around her, eyes still shut. But when he heard her, he reached down, picked up her clutch from the floor, took out her phone, and
handed it to her.
Valerie glanced at the caller ID, it was Kelly.
One look at her phone, and Valerie was startled, it was already ten in the morning.
She checked the text messages Kelly had sent her.
Kelly: [Valerie, where are you? Are you with Aiden? I can’t reach him, there’s an emergency at home!]
Then, she sent another one. [Valerie, if you see this, contact my brother immediately! Tell him to come h Grandpa’s had a medical emergency!]
Valerie’s groggy mind snapped awake instantly. She immediately returned the call.
The call connected quickly. “Finally, you called me back!” Kelly blurted out, her voice anxious. “Where’s Aiden? Is he with you?”
Valerie replied, “Yeah, he’s here. He’s just taking a shower. What happened to Grandpa?”
Kelly let out a heavy sigh and said, “Grandpa collapsed during his morning walk in the park, his blood pressure spiked, and he hit his head when he fell. He’s still in a coma, and the doctors say the prognosis isn’t good. Are you guys still in Endver City?”
“Yeah.” Valerie frowned. “Got it. Are you at the hospital now?”
“Yeah, Grandpa’s still in a coma. You two need to come back right away.”
Valerie quickly informed Aiden about the situation while simultaneously searching online for the earliest available flight back to Reano City
Only then did Valerie learn that Aiden had arrived by private jet, complete with shower facilities.
1/2
14.19
MON, 23 Jul
Chapter 195
Valerie hastily showered and had a quick meal aboard the plane, freshening up just as they arrived in Reano City.
When they arrived at the hospital, nearly the entire Walker family had already gathered, including David, Vivian, Kelly, and Ruth.
Louis Walker and his children, Wesley Walker and his children, including Aiden’s paternal aunt’s family, all showed up.
These were only the ones officially recognized by the Walker family. Valerie also noticed several well–dressed old women standing not far away, quietly dabbing at their reddened eyes.
Clearly, they were Waylon’s mistresses. One of them had even brought along a little girl who looked to be around ten.
Valerie thought, ‘Could she be another one of Waylon’s illegitimate daughters?‘
She frowned because she absolutely detested this hypocritical atmosphere.
‘It feels like we’re standing at Grandpa Waylon’s funeral, just waiting for the inheritance,’ Valerie thought to herself.
Everyone looked dejected, the women sobbing even more, but no one could tell how much of it was genuine.
Kelly approached them, her expression grave. “Aiden, Valerie,” she said solemnly.
Aiden acknowledged with a quiet nod, his gaze sweeping over the gathered family, a flicker of mockery in his eyes. Then he moved to his grandmother’s side, gently resting a comforting hand on her shoulder in silent reassurance.
For decades, Ruth had stood by Waylon’s side. Her commanding presence alone demanded respect.
Ruth glanced at Aiden, then looked past him at Valerie before saying, “You’re finally here.”
Aiden acknowledged, “We’re back, Grandma.”
Ruth sighed heavily, “What a mess.”
“Don’t worry, Grandma,” Valerie said gently, “Heaven always looks after good people like Grandpa Waylon, he’ll come around soon.”
Ruth shook her head, casting Valerie a complicated glance. In the end, she said nothing more, simply praying under her breath.
An excited doctor cried out, “He’s awake! Mr. Walker’s awake!”
The doctor’s shout startled everyone present. The more theatrical ones immediately burst into tears, crying out, “Grandpa’s awake! Grandpa’s awake! Thank heavens!”
Valerie turned toward the voice and
saw Renata, Wesley’s daughter.
Supporting her mother with an expression of carefully curated heartbreak and relief, Renata watched as Rebecca Walker delivered an award–worthy -performance of sobs, perfectly embodying the devoted daughter–in–law.
Valerie sneered inwardly, ‘Back in my previous life, when Wesley was dying after that car accident, Rebecca was too busy gambling her days away in casinos to care. But now that it’s Grandpa Waylon, the one who controls the entire Walker Group, lying in that hospital bed, she’s putting on an Oscar-
a joke.
wort
AD
Comment
Send gift
