Chapter 24

Valerie's POV

Aunt Barbara's face twisted in rage as she shouted, "How dare you?!" Patricia struggled to steady her, but Barbara's anger amplified from Patricia’s very effort and she pushed her away, a scowl deep in her features.

Rob stepped forward, his spotless white suit a stark contrast to my fiery red dress as he partly shielded me protectively from their view with his frame. A warm feeling spread throughout my body at his gesture, filling me up with a comfort I didn’t even realize I needed in the face of these sharks.

He greeted my aunties with a respectful bow and tight smile, "It's nice to see you too, Madame Barbara, Madame Patricia."

Barbara's scowl deepened, her breathing heavy with unbridled anger as she stood awkwardly on one foot, her ankle already swelling from Rob's push. Argh, that must hurt a lot.

"Rob, you shouldn't have done that," Patricia scolded softly, casting her sister a pitiful glance. "Look, she's sprained her ankle."

I winced at the sight of Barbara'