Chapter 80
Fortunately, Aiden didn’t push any further. His large hand rested on her thigh, seemingly finding something new and intriguing.
Aiden seemed to really like her legs.
This was something Valerie had unknowingly discovered in her past life.
In this life, for the first time, Aiden was playing with her leg, both intentionally and unintentionally, as if it were a cute new toy.
Valerie felt his large hand moving, and while she was uncomfortable, she slowly began to relax her guard.
Glancing out the car window, Valerie noticed they were driving down an unfamiliar road. She leaned closer to the window and asked, “Where are you taking me?”
“Home,” Aiden said, pulling her into his arms, “Just for a couple of days.”
“Ah, so suddenly,” Valerie turned to look at him, ‘nervously saying, “I just finished class. I’m dressed so casually and didn’t even put on makeup…”
Aiden replied, “It’s fine. It’s just family.”
Valerie’s heart skipped a beat. For a moment, she was lost in thought, wondering, “Family? The Walker family? Would the Walker family, who once saw me as a tumor, as a disgrace, really treat me as family?”
Aiden seemed to have read her mind and said, “Don’t worry.”
But Valerie suddenly became more anxious and nodded, asking, “But didn’t you say you’d be away for half a month? Is everything done akeady?”
Aiden replied, “Just the weekend.”
For a workaholic like Aiden, did it really matter whether it was the weekend or not?
Valerie shot him a doubtful look.
Aiden said, “My grandfather is also here, so be prepared.”
Valerie became even more nervous and found herself unable to speak. She stammered, “Then, um… can I go change clothes? Is what I’m wearing too casual? Also, I forgot to bring a gift. Should I buy something? You’re so sudden, I didn’t have time to prepare anything…”
Waylon, one of the highest authorities in this family.
Though always afraid of his wife, it was Ruth who truly called the shots in the Walker family. However, in the family hierarchy, Waylon was the one with the iron fist.
He held the entire Walker family’s lifeblood in his hands.
Valerie didn’t have much interaction with Waylon. The few times she did, he was consoling her, speaking to her about Axel’s matters, and treating her like the granddaughter of an old comrade.
But later, when he discovered that Valerie wasn’t really the Clark family’s child, their already distant relationship grew even more distant.
The next time they met was two or three years later when he pressured Aiden to divorce her.
Valerie’s deepest impression of Waylon was: very strict.
He was always standing far away, sending dangerous signals that made people afraid to approach.
Compared to the fear of Aiden and the respect for Ruth, Valerie had a deep sense of wariness towards Waylon, whom she wasn’t very familiar with.
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Soon, they arrived at the Walker family home. Valerie quickly checked her appearance, trying to look more presentable, before stepping inside.
Aiden noticed her little gesture and found it amusing, saying, “Don’t be afraid. They won’t bite.”
Valerie’s face flushed as she said, “I’m just a little nervous.”
“Don’t be nervous,” Aiden said seriously, rare sincerity in his voice. “If you don’t want to interact with them, you don’t have to meet them in the future
Valerie thought about saying that wouldn’t be ideal.
But she quickly remembered in her past life, Aiden had kept her hidden at home.
Except for a few large family dinners, where she was forced to attend, Aiden really didn’t let her deal with the Walker family.
Thinking of this, Valerie felt much calmer.
But this was the worst–case scenario.
Valerie tightened her grip on Aiden’s hand and said seriously, “I will overcome it.”
She had to overcome these fears to completely shake off the shadows of her past life and move forward.
She needed the courage to start over, and also to develop the ability to survive after leaving Aiden.
This was a good opportunity.
Valerie took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Her attitude moved Aiden, and a fleeting glimmer of emotion crossed his eyes.
She was truly different from before.
Now, she was not only trying to accept herself but was also planning their future…
The Walker family’s hall was vast.
The antique decorations exuded a low–key, restrained luxury.
Valerie walked in and noticed that the number of people this time was much fewer than before.
At least in the living room, only Aiden’s parents were present.
Aiden’s father was Waylon’s eldest son.
A decade ago, he had nearly died in a car accident. Although he was saved later, he had developed lasting health issues and couldn’t take on heavy work.
Aiden stepped forward and said, “Dad, Mom, I brought her back.”
David smiled and nodded, saying, “Good to have you back.”
Vivian looked at Valerie’s attire.
She was wearing loose, casual off–white pants, paired with a matching loose–knit sweater. Her hair was casually draped behind her, and she wore simple white canvas shoes. The outfit was obviously very simple and even though it had a somewhat artsy vibe, it gave off a feeling of carelessness.
Vivian glanced at her before quickly looking away, her expression becoming faintly distant and cold.
Valerie knew Vivian didn’t like her and thought she wasn’t worthy of Aiden.
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Chapter 80
Sure enough, even though Vivian had called her back home in the group chat, the precortesised notion was hard to change –
Valerie straightened her back unconsciously, giving a graceful smile, and catted out, “Dad, Mont,” before looking at Kelly, who was peapira front india and smiled even more brightly, saying. “Kelly”
Kelly’s eyes lit up, and she jumped out, shouting, “Alden, Valerie, you’re finally back!”
Kelly was still wearing an apron, which was splattered with various colors of paint, making it look
colorful
Vivian’s previously distant smile turned into one of indulgence when she saw Kelly, saying, “Look at you, covered in paint, not even bothering to change clothes before coming out. So rude.”
Kelly stuck her tongue out and said, “Valerie isn’t a stranger. It’s not rude. Valerie, come on, I’m painting with Grandpa and Grandma).
Valerie was pulled along and instinctively looked at Aiden.
Aiden made no move to stop her, releasing Valerie’s hand and letting her be dragged away by his sister.
As Kelly and Valerie walked away, Vivian frowned and said, “This is her first time meeting your grandfather. She’s dressed so casually, doesn’t even know how to dress up.”
Aiden glanced at his mother, taking the coffee from the servant, and said, “We came straight from the airport and stopped by the school to pick her up. We didn’t have time.”
Vivian’s expression softened slightly as she said, “You really are something. Even though you’re so busy lately, you had to pick this time to have dinner just to show your face in front of your grandfather. You really have no sense of proportion, you’re killing yourself.”
