Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 49

The Walker family, with all their immense wealth, was still under Ruth’s watchful eye. If she knew how much Valerie was spending, her opinion of the Clark family would likely take a hit.

Valerie looked at her father and calmly said, “Dad, actually, these gifts weren’t something Alden asked me to buy.”

Everett raised an eyebrow. “Then what’s going on? Did you buy them yourself?”

Valerie met his gaze, her lips curling into a faint smile. “Yes, I bought them myself.”

Everett clearly didn’t believe her, his tone sharp. “Where did you get the money for all this?”

Valerie smiled lightly, her voice almost serene. “Dad, since my SATs, every penny I’ve spent, I’ve earned with my own hands… I thought you knew.”

Everett furrowed his brow. “How could you possibly have earned so much? The things you bought for those old people and kids alone must add up to at least 100 thousand dollars. You’re telling me you earned that? Do you think I’m a fool? You didn’t borrow money to buy these, did you?”

Valerie said nothing in response–neither confirming nor denying–but merely looked at him quietly, the same trusting affection in her eyes that he had once seen when they first met.

Everett, assuming her silence was an acknowledgment, grew increasingly annoyed. “What’s wrong with you? These people don’t bring anything good into your life. Giving them all this stuff is just a waste. You should keep that money for yourself, secure your own future.”

Suddenly, Valerie’s smile broadened. “Seems like you do care about me after all. I’m glad, Dad.”

Everett was taken aback by her sudden words. He paused, uncomfortable. “Of course’l care. You’re my daughter, how could I not care?”

Valerie pressed her lips together, her smile still in place. “There’s a rumor going around that I married a rich old man who’s ugly and gave me all sorts of

benefits.”

Everett had heard the whispers too. His face darkened. “Nonsense.”

Valerie chuckled softly. “Well, I suppose the money I’m spending is worth it.”

Everett frowned. “Why’s that?”

“Because,” Valerie said, her voice quiet but deliberate, “everyone doesn’t know that the reason I married was because Valentina refused to marry that cruel, cold–hearted demon. So, I had to step in and fulfill the engagement. But somehow, my marriage spread everywhere.”

She paused and gave a small, humorless smile. “Now, people are calling me shameless, saying I married to secure a comfortable life by selling myself to an old, ugly man.”

“These things, you know about them, don’t you?” she asked.

Everett knew–of course, he did. But he never cared to set the record straight. Let the rumors fly, he thought.

Valerie’s voice softened, her eyes full of unspoken pain. “So, if I can prove I’m doing well after the marriage, the rumors will fade, and no one will point fingers at you anymore.”

Everett looked at her sharply. “Point fingers at me?”

“Yes,” Valerie smiled a little, her eyes twinkling. “Ever since I got married, the company’s operations have visibly improved, and then th started. People will think you sold your daughter for benefits, won’t they?”

nors

Everett’s eyelids twitched. He looked at her his expression unreadable, but a sense of discomfort washed over him.

For some reason, he felt like the Valerie before him was not the same as the one he had known.

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Chapter 49

She had always been the shy girl, quietly watching him and Valentina, always scared of doing something wrong and being sent away

But now, her demeanor was cool, her smile only touching the lips, with no warmth in her eyes.

Her gaze–calm, intelligent–felt almost unfamiliar, and yet… unsettlingly sharp.

“Funny,” Valerie mused, “how I didn’t tell anyone about my marriage. No wedding, no ceremony. You all promised to keep it a secret, so why did the rumors spread so fast? Especially the one about me marrying for money, making it sound like I’m using the Clark family’s name for personal gain… Someone really wants to destroy my reputation. Who could possibly hate me that much?”

Everett’s heartbeat quickened. Without thinking, he recalled Valentina’s face, and frowned. “That’s impossible.”

Valerie laughed lightly. “Looks like you already know the answer, Dad.”

Everett froze, guilt flashing in his eyes as he stared at Valerie. “Valerie…”

Before he could say anything else, Valerie interrupted with a bright smile. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll go now. Happy birthday, Dad.”

As Valerie left, she somehow found herself lost in the unfamiliar halls, turning down one corridor after another until she came face to face with Micah, someone she hadn’t seen in ages.

Micah paused, surprised by her presence. His expression was mixed, filled with confusion and something more intense. “Valerie…”

Valerie smiled lightly. “Mr. Sullivan, excuse me.”

The formal words, “Mr. Sullivan,” felt cold, as if severing the years of connection they once shared.

Micah’s heart tightened, but he didn’t show it. He looked at her, his gaze full of admiration, his voice soft and filled with longing. “Valerie, it’s been so long… I’ve missed you.”

His directness took Valerie by surprise. She raised an eyebrow, teasing, “Mr. Sullivan, the party hasn’t even started yet, and you’re already drunk?”

But Micah didn’t seem to notice her mockery. He took a step closer, his voice steady and firm. “I haven’t been drinking. I’m sober now, Valerie. You know how I feel. I’ve always liked you.”

Valerie took a few steps back, her eyes widening. “What do you want?”

Micah advanced again, his voice insistent. “I know things aren’t going well for you with your husband. Those gifts you sent? They were just a way to put on a show. The man you married is probably much older, isn’t he? He’s ugly. You’re so beautiful–why settle for living off a man like that?”

Valerie’s disgust was apparent. “Who told you that?”

Micah’s gaze lingered on her beauty, mixed with pity, as he continued, “Don’t pretend. Someone already told me everything. Your husband isn’t just old and ugly–he’s a pervert. You really think he can satisfy you?”

The hallway was quiet, almost no one around.

Micah’s gaze grew intense, his steps drawing closer, “All you want is money, right? I have it. The Sullivan family is as strong as the Clark family, if not stronger. You want a comfortable life? I can give it to you. Why settle for that old man?”

Micah reached out to take her hand, but before he could touch her, Valerie sharply stopped him. “What are you doing?”

His eyes were hurt, his voice pleading. “My parents have told me that if I marry Valentina, everything in the Sullivan family will be mine, including the Clark family. Once I have it all, I’ll come back for you. Valerie, I really like you.”