Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Nelson let out a wry chuckle–just loud enough to be hosid, hut not enough to draw attention.

Most people thought they had misheard, but only Jonah sensed something was off. He frowned slightly, his gaze instinctively drawn to later a per picture.

As soon as Aiden sat down and put on his headphones, he heard Mason’s voice. “Hey now, what are you implying? As if I could even mess with my dum brother–in–law! A successful guy like him is way out of my league! Don’t all you women love those domineering CEO types in dramas? Well, Valene‘ husband is exactly that -a total domineering CFO. You know the Walker Group, right, he..”

“You sure know a lot,” Aiden cut in, his tone laced with amusement: “Funny—I don’t recall my wife having a little brother”

Paxton, completely unfazed, grimmed cheekily. “Of course, I’m not her real brother! That said, I see her as a sister. If i had even half of Valerie’s looks, I’d be The heartthrob at our high school by now. Seriously, I’m not bragging–it Valerie ever came to our school, she’d totally outshine all the girls and be the queen bee, hands down!”

Valerie watched in surprise as they actually started talking. With some unease, she glanced at them and said, “Well, I’ll head downstairs then”

“Okay,” Aiden said flatly.

When Valerie reached the kitchen, she immediately started preparing noodles for Aiden.

But making noodles from scratch was no easy task–kneading the dough and rolling it out already took Valerie quite a bit of time. The entire while, her thoughts kept drifting back to the game.

Aiden was always so busy. She never expected him to be good at gaming, but what worried her was the possibility that he might cross paths with Nelson.

‘Nelson… she thought.

Just the name stirred a ripple of guilt in her heart.

‘In my previous life, I ruined everything for him. Even though none of those tragedies happened this time around, I never explained anything to him,‘ Valerie thought.

Back then, she had been imprisoned, unable to face him freely. This time, it was fear.

She was afraid of Aiden finding out–and more than that, afraid of dragging Nelson down with her.

‘Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d run into Nelson again like this,’ Valerie thought. ‘And he turned out to be Paxton’s older brother!‘

Only then did it strike her: during all the time they had spent together, Nelson had never once mentioned his parents or any family–she had only ever

met his roommates.

Though she was lost in thought, Valerie still managed to finish rolling out the dough. She sliced the noodles, prepped the toppings, and finally got them into the pot–but the moment they started to boil, she could not hold back any longer and finally rushed back to the study.

The moment she stepped into the study, the first thing she saw was Aiden’s back. Aiden was wearing headphones, playing with effortless precision, and even spared a glance back at her.

As Valerie approached, she saw a tidal wave of comments sweep across the screen.

[Holy crap! He’s so badass!]

[Nelson, marry me already–you’re way too strong!]

[He’s so impressive… CEO, do you have a girlfriend?]

1/3

[Didn’t they already say? That’s Valerie husband go after someone else! Nelson is minett

Valerie stared blankly at the seven for a moment, then glanced at Aiden’s stats he trad already racked up 10 kills!

Valerie stared in disbelief. “You ..

Aiden threw her a glance and then casually flicked his hand–headshot.

Valerie gasped, “That’s insane!”

(Valerie’s back!)

Are the noodles ready yet?)

[She said she’s giving him noodles, but we all know what kind of ‘noodles‘ that is.j

[Valerie can see the chat, y’all! Better watch it with the ‘noodles‘ talk)

Valerie’s cheeks flushed as she read the chat. “What are these kids even saying? Honestly, every single one of them…”

A subtle smile played in Aiden’s eyes as he said calmly, “I’ll have them later.”

[Holy crap!]

[What the heck?]

[Damn, you’re so flirty!]

[Wait, what did I just hear? The CEO barely says a word, and when he does–boom, PDA alert! I’m melting!]

Valerie’s cheeks burned even hotter, but she instinctively glanced back at the computer screen.

On the computer screen, the battle was intense.

Valerie barely caught a glimpse of the chaos before the chat exploded again–this time, everyone was hyping up Nelson.

[Nelson is insane! Ahhhh, he’s almost neck and neck with the CEO!]

[Nelson’s amazing–12 kills! Come on, CEO, catch up!]

[Are Nelson and the CEO going head–to–head? Their eliminations are always neck and neck, haha!]

[There are only 100 players in a match, and both Nelson and the CEO have already racked up 23 kills each. I’m absolutely mind blown!]

[Nelson was so Zen just now, earlier–calm and unbothered–but the moment the CEO stepped in, Nelson suddenly became so aggressive. Anyone unaware might’ve mistaken it for a jealous outburst.]

Valerie’s feelings grew tangled as she saw this, her heart suddenly speeding up. Trying to sound casual, she asked, “It’s time for dinner. Are you done

yet?”

“Mm,” Aiden replied, finishing off the last enemy and clinching first place.

A chicken icon dropped on screen, signaling victory. Final stats: Aiden with 12 kills, Nelson also 12 kills.

[WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!]

[The CEO is impressive!]

2/3

હતું. ‘

Chapter 174

[Winner winner, Valerie’s having chicken tonight!!

[What the fuck, that chicken dinner comment was next level!]

Paxton quickly said, “Hey, that kind of teasing’s too much Valerie’s gonna get shy, okay?”

Aiden did not catch what was said next. He took off his headphones, reached for Valerie’s hand, and said, “Let’s go. That friend of yours’s pa impressive

Valerie’s heart raced as she forced a faint smile. “Is that so?”

Aiden leaned in slowly, his warm breath brushing her ear. “Especially that Nelson,” he murmured. “Do you know him?”

Valerie’s heart pounded even faster. She glanced sideways at Aiden and stammered, “Uh…”

Aiden lifted his brow slightly. His dark eyes locked onto Valerie, and in a low voice, he asked, “Hmm?”

Valerie quickly averted her gaze. “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious,” Aiden explained calmly. “Why? Do you know him?”

Valerie quickly brushed past him, forcing composure as she replied, “I do.”

“Hmm,” Aiden said.

Valerie hurried into the kitchen, swiftly turned off the stove, and scooped out the noodles.

Aiden watched her movements and suddenly remarked, “You seem awfully concerned about him.”

Valerie, flustered and distracted, accidentally brushed the back of her hand against the edge of the pot. The sudden burn made her gasp sharply, and sh instinctively stepped back.

Aiden’s gaze deepened as he stepped forward and gently took her hand. “What’s the rush?” he asked in a low voice.

He pulled her over to the sink, turned on the tap, and ran her hand under the cool water. “Take your time. There’s no need to be so flustered.”

AD