Zayn nodded in understanding and sat across from Valarie, explaining why he had chosen this place."I apologize for meeting here, Ms. Weir. I usually don't have time, but I have a horse racing today, so I asked you to meet me here. I hope you don't mind," he said.Valarie looked straight at Zayn. He was tall and casually dressed, sitting in front of her with a commanding presence. While he wasn't conventionally handsome, he had a pleasant and gentle disposition, which made a good first impression."I understand, Mr. Updike. I don't mind. Let's get started with the date," Valarie said.As soon as she finished speaking, Zayn couldn't help but laugh.Noticing the puzzled look on Valarie's face, he quickly waved his hand."Sorry, Ms. Weir. It's just that the way you said, 'let's get started with the date', was so serious that it struck me as amusing," he clarified.Valarie pressed her lips together and replied, "Mr. Updike, I think we should get straight to the point since this is a
"Is it because I arranged our blind date at the racetrack?" Zayn asked.Valarie smiled, but her eyes carried a hint of coldness. "Since you're aware of that, why ask? I have something to attend to, so I won't interrupt your race. Goodbye."With that, she stood up and walked out.Just as she reached the door, Zayn's voice called out from behind her, "Ms. Weir, I admit I haven't thought this through today. Would you give me a chance to make it up to you with dinner?"Valarie halted her steps but didn't turn around. "No, thank you. I seem to recall that you're good friends with Mr. Sumner, right?"Zayn smiled, about to respond when the door to the private room swung open again.Brandon spotted the two of them and froze for a moment, his brows furrowing.What was Valarie doing there?He glanced at Zayn, his eyes questioning."Brandon, you know Ms. Weir, so I don't need to introduce you, right?" Zayn said."Aren't you the one who invited me to watch the race? Why is she here?" Bra
Seeing Jonathan's troubled expression, Phoebe set down her teacup and asked, "What's wrong? Why the long face?"Jonathan sank onto the sofa, his voice weak. "The company lost another big partnership today. If this keeps up, we'll be in serious financial trouble."Phoebe frowned. "What can we do? Is there any way to hold on a bit longer? Valarie's blind date hasn't settled yet!"They were pushing Valarie into blind dates primarily because the Weir Group was declining and desperately needed a strong partner to help them through this crisis.At first, Valarie had refused. However, after learning about the company's situation, she reluctantly agreed to go on dates.Jonathan remained silent for a moment before speaking seriously. "How about we stop forcing Valarie into blind dates? I've thought a lot about this, and compared to the company, her happiness for the rest of her life is more important. We can't ruin her life just for the sake of the company.""Ruin her life? I'm only intro
The next morning, Valarie woke up and began her morning routine. She spent over two hours in front of the vanity perfecting her makeup.After applying her lipstick, she looked at the stunning woman in the mirror and couldn't help but smirk self-deprecatingly.She never thought she would find herself needing to use her looks to attract someone.Suppressing her swirling thoughts, she headed downstairs.In the living room, Phoebe was watching TV when she heard footsteps and looked up, momentarily taken aback.Today, Valarie wore a new light green, figure-hugging dress. The first two buttons at the front were designed like water droplets, exposing a portion of her flawless skin—so exquisite it was hard to look away.Her long hair was pinned up with a light green hairpin, and her makeup was delicate, reminiscent of early spring buds swaying in a gentle breeze."Valarie, I didn't arrange any blind dates for you today. Why are you all dressed up? Going out?" Phoebe asked.Valarie repl
Memories of their time together crashed over her like waves in a tumultuous sea, creating a whirlwind of emotions that felt impossible to quell.Despite the storm beneath, the surface remained calm and undisturbed.…When Valarie entered the restaurant, Zayn was already there.As he caught sight of her in the fitted dress that emphasized her slender waist, amazement flickered in his eyes."Ms. Weir, please have a seat," he said, standing to pull out a chair for her with a gentle smile."Thank you," she replied.Once Valarie was seated, Zayn returned to his own chair, handed her the menu, and said with a smile, "I'm not sure what you like to eat, so I've ordered a couple of the restaurant's specialties. Take a look and let me know if you want to add anything else."Valarie nodded. "Sounds good."As she began browsing the menu, Zayn couldn't help but admire her smooth forehead, delicate nose, and rosy lips.She was beautiful—it was no wonder Brandon had fallen for her so deeply
Valarie lowered her gaze, remaining silent as she subconsciously picked at her nails.During her silence, Brandon and Jessica walked over to them.Zayn looked up and greeted Brandon with a smile. "Brandon, I didn't expect you and Ms. Quantrill to be here on a date. If I had known, we could've all gone together."Valarie was speechless.She was starting to suspect that Zayn might be a little off his rocker. Who would go on a double date like this? It would be awkward!Brandon cast a detached glance at Valarie, his voice cool. "Jessica is a bit shy. She might feel uncomfortable with too many people around. We have other matters to attend to, so we'll be leaving now."Valarie suppressed the sting rising in her chest. They had just met, and he was already calling her Jessica. Clearly, he was quite satisfied with her.Zayn nodded. "Alright. Let's arrange to meet again next time."Brandon didn't say anything else and walked away with Jessica.When Valarie raised her head again, all
Realizing she couldn't escape, Valarie bit Brandon's lip hard.Brandon let out a muffled grunt but didn't release her. Instead, he kissed her even more fiercely.It wasn't until Valarie felt as if she were going to suffocate that Brandon finally let her go.His gaze darkened further as he looked at her swollen lips.After catching her breath, Valarie raised her hand, ready to slap him.However, Brandon caught her wrist and pressed his forehead against hers, his voice low. "Valarie, haven't you ever felt anything for me in these five years?"Valarie bit her lip and replied coldly, "Brandon, do you even know what you're doing? Since we've both chosen to go on blind dates, why can't we just leave each other alone?""But I can't bear to see you dating other men," Brandon muttered.Valarie took a deep breath, placing her hand against his chest as she looked up at him seriously. "We're not suitable for each other.""Why aren't we suitable? What makes us incompatible?" Brandon asked.
As they approached, they noticed that Damon looked upset.Nyla raised an eyebrow and asked, "Mr. Sumner, have you been waiting too long?"Damon suppressed his discontent and forced a smile. "No, let's head inside."Just then, Mason suddenly looked up at Nyla and said, "Mommy, I need to pee. Can you come with me?"Nyla nodded. "Sure.""I'll take Buddy to the restroom. You two go ahead," she said, taking Mason by the hand and walking away.Once Nyla and Mason were gone, Damon's expression turned icy. "Mr. Raynor, we're here at the zoo as a family of three. What's your purpose in showing up?"Oliver smiled, but his eyes remained cold. "Mr. Sumner, the recent troubles with the Raynor Group—that's your doing, isn't it?"Damon didn't deny it. "Just giving you a little reminder not to interfere with our family time."A sneer flashed in Oliver's eyes. "Do you really think Nyla will forgive you? What kind of family do you think you have?"I asked Buddy, and he's fine with me being her