"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd stay up a bit longer," Phoebe replied."Mm. What did you want to talk to me about?" Valarie asked.Phoebe handed her a bank card, sighing. "You know how things are with your father's business. We don't know how much longer it'll hold out."Your dad and I have been saving this money for you since you were born. Originally, it was meant for your wedding, but we've decided it's better to give it to you now."Valarie's smile faded as she looked at the card, hesitant to take it. "Mom, I can't take this.""Take it," Phoebe urged. "Think of it as your wedding gift from us. There might not be anything left for you later."Valarie shook her head. "I really don't need it, Mom. You should give it to Dad to help with the business instead—"Phoebe interrupted, "This isn't enough to save the company. And it's been saved under your name since you were born. Your dad and I have been adding to the account every year. Even if we go bankrupt, no one can touch it
"Alright, I'll be down in a moment," Valarie replied.After dismissing the maid, she quickly freshened up and went downstairs within 20 minutes.As soon as Valarie entered the living room, she saw Zayn's mother, Monica Eyman, sitting on the sofa. Her expression immediately darkened.With a frown, she moved to sit beside Phoebe and coldly regarded Monica across from her. "What are you doing here?"If it weren't for the Updikes' enabling, Zayn wouldn't have dared to treat her the way he did. The very thought made her stomach churn with disgust.Monica had once acted so fond of her, even 'warning' Zayn in front of her to treat her better. For a time, Valarie had believed Monica truly liked her—until she discovered that Zayn had a mistress who had already borne him a child—and that Monica knew about it. Monica even visited them regularly.After learning this, Valarie lost all respect for her.Monica forced a weak smile. "Valarie, I'm truly sorry for what happened with Zayn. I didn't
"Mrs. Updike, do I look like an idiot to you? Or are you just not thinking straight?" Valarie asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.Monica's expression stiffened in response."Then what do you want?" Monica demanded, her voice cold.Valarie raised her eyebrows and said firmly, "Even if they're sent abroad, they could always come back. What I want is to sever ties completely."Monica's face hardened. "Valarie, you're still just a young woman. Don't be so ruthless. Zayn's mistress may be at fault, but the child is innocent. I can't believe you'd suggest something so extreme!"Her gaze carried a note of disappointment, as though Valarie's words reflected poorly on her character.Once, that look might have affected Valarie, but now Monica was no more than the mother of the defendant—a near stranger to her."Whatever ruthlessness I have pales in comparison to yours, Mrs. Updike. After all, you managed to raise a rapist," Valarie retorted."What did you just say?!" Monica shot up fr
An hour later, Anthony stood outside the Genge residence with a grim expression.The butler greeted him, "Mr. Updike, Mr. Genge does not wish to see you. Please leave.""I'll wait," Anthony replied firmly. "Until he's willing to see me.""Mr. Updike, waiting is pointless. When Mr. Genge makes a decision, no one can change it," the butler said.Anthony asked, "But what did I do to offend him? Why is he determined to destroy my company?"The butler paused, then answered, "Mr. Updike, if you're looking to save your business, you'd be better off asking the Weirs for help."With that, he closed the door. If Anthony understood the implication, he would not linger.In less than a minute, Anthony turned and left.…Monica rushed to meet him outside the Weir residence.The moment she saw him, she exclaimed, "Aren't you the one who said the company is on the verge of bankruptcy? What are you doing here at the Weirs'?""To ask Valarie to spare us," Anthony replied.Monica's eyes widen
All these years they had been married, it had always been Anthony who gave in to Monica. She was accustomed to having her way with him, so it was unlikely she would hold her temper now.What she could not tolerate most was Anthony hitting her in front of a maid.Silence settled between them.Anthony regarded Monica with tired eyes, devoid of the affection that once filled them.Monica's heart pounded as she realized he might actually be serious."You—" she began, her voice faltering.He cut her off, "Fine. If you want a divorce, we'll divorce."She stared at him, stunned. She had only intended the comment as a threat, never imagining he would actually agree.As the shock wore off, it gave way to rage. Not only was he not apologizing for hitting her, but he was also so brazen about it."Fine! But don't you dare regret it!" She spun around, anger burning within her, and stormed back to her car.Watching her drive away, Anthony remained silent. He turned to the maid at the door
As expected, Anthony knew how to handle serious matters—he had far more patience than Monica.When he saw Valarie's car, he immediately ran in front of it."Mr. Updike!" his assistant exclaimed.Valarie was startled and slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, she wasn't driving fast, and her car stopped just inches from Anthony.Anthony's assistant hurried over, still shaken. "Mr. Updike, are you alright?""I'm fine," Anthony replied, his gaze fixed on Valarie through the car window.With a calm expression, he added, "Ms. Weir, I'd like to talk to you."Valarie opened her car door and stepped out, her face icy. "Mr. Updike, we have nothing to discuss. Please move.""Ms. Weir, I only want to apologize," Anthony said.Valarie scoffed. "Your wife came here this morning throwing insults, and now you're here acting all apologetic. Are you two playing good cop, bad cop, thinking I'm an easy target?""Ms. Weir, I am sincerely sorry for my wife's behavior," Anthony replied evenly. "As fo
Valarie smirked. "I know. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."Anthony stepped aside with a nod, and Valarie got back into her car, driving off.She had originally planned to meet Nyla, but changed her mind and headed straight for the Genge residence instead.When she arrived, a maid greeted her, "Ms. Weir, Mr. Genge is waiting for you in the living room."Valarie snickered. Tom had known all along she would come.Entering the living room, she found Tom lounging on the sofa with a smile. She mirrored his expression and sat across from him."Tom, didn't I tell you I want nothing to do with you and don't want to see you again?" Valarie asked.Although she was smiling, her gaze was icy, filled with disdain.Tom was unfazed by her attitude. Calmly, he poured her a cup of coffee. "I can't stand seeing anyone bully you, so I did something about it. How is that wrong?"Valarie took the cup he handed her and promptly poured its contents into the trash bin beside her."I do
As soon as Valarie finished speaking, Tom grabbed her chin and lowered his head abruptly. The sudden closeness brought him so near that he could smell the faint scent of roses on her.He swallowed hard, his breath quickening noticeably.Valarie's face, however, remained expressionless as she looked at him, her gaze steady and indifferent, as if she were staring at a stranger passing by.Once, her eyes had been filled with warmth and affection for him. She had always been there whenever he looked back.Now, he could find no trace of the love she once had for him in her eyes.A sharp pang spread from Tom's chest, filling his whole body. His hand, still holding her chin, trembled slightly. If only he had realized his feelings sooner, he wouldn't have lost her."Tom, don't look at me with that guilty expression. I only find it pathetic," Valarie spat.If he had broken things off cleanly rather than wavering between her and someone else, she wouldn't despise him as much as she did no
"That's more like it," Valarie chirped.Nyla couldn't help but say, "Valarie, stop bullying Brandon all the time."Brandon turned to her and sighed dramatically. "Aunt Nyla, since you mentioned it, I have to say something. You have no idea what I've been through these past six months, I— Ouch!"Before he could finish, Valarie pinched his waist. "What was that? Tell me, Brandon. Have you been unhappy these past six months?""N-No... I've been very happy..." Brandon winced."Have I bullied you then?" Valarie pressed."No..." Brandon murmured.Valarie huffed. "If not, then keep your mouth shut, or Nyla will really think I mistreat you." Brandon gave her a pitiful look, lowering his head like a scolded puppy.Before they married, Valarie had been gentle and beautiful in his eyes. But after marriage, he realized how wrong he had been.Gentle and beautiful? All an illusion.If he stayed out drinking and came home late, he'd have to choose between sleeping on the couch or outside.
Taking Mia to work was exhausting, but every time she smiled at Damon, it made everything worth it."She'll be fine. Didn't you just say she loves us both equally? She'll cry for a bit, but if you stop taking her to the office, she'll get used to being at home," Nyla reasoned.Seeing Nyla's determination, Damon finally relented. "Alright, we'll try it tomorrow. But if she cries too much, you'll have to take her to the office.""Deal!" Nyla said....After getting ready for work the next morning, Damon kissed Mia on the cheek and headed for the door.As soon as he changed his shoes at the entrance, she reached her little arms toward him, asking to be held. She had grown so accustomed to going to the office with him every day that it had become a reflex.Damon glanced at Nyla. "Nyla, maybe today we should—"Nyla interrupted, "Nope. You go to work. And if you're free for lunch, don't bother coming home. If you need to work late, no rush to come back either."Damon chuckled. "You'
"Brandon, from now on, I'm entrusting Valarie to you," Jonathan said. "She's been spoiled by us and can be a little willful at times. I hope you'll be patient with her in your marriage, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together."Brandon held Valarie's hand tightly, his expression solemn. "Dad, don't worry. I'll cherish her with all my heart."Jonathan nodded, stepping down from the stage. He discreetly wiped away his tears.After exchanging vows and rings, Valarie and Brandon sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by cheers and applause.…On the way home from the wedding, Nyla glanced at Damon. "I saw Mr. Weir wipe his tears so many times today. When Bunny gets married, you'll definitely be just like him, sneaking off somewhere to cry."Damon's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze sharpening. "No one will ever be good enough for my daughter. If she never gets married, we'll take care of her for the rest of our lives."Nyla raised an eyebrow and
"Of course! When's the wedding?" Nyla asked.Valarie shook her head. "We haven't decided yet. He'll come to my house in a few days to discuss it with my parents."Nyla raised an eyebrow. "You're about to get really busy. Planning a wedding alone will take a lot of work.""Yeah, I'm already getting a headache just thinking about it," Valarie replied....For the next few months, Valarie was completely consumed by wedding preparations and work, barely having time to catch her breath.The wedding was set for August 8th, leaving them with less than six months to finalize everything.Valarie even traveled abroad several times to meet with designers and ensure her wedding dress was exactly what she wanted.Beyond the dress, she and Brandon spent hours discussing every detail—from the venue to the wedding favors and bouquet choices....After months of nonstop planning, the big day finally arrived.Valarie was already up, getting her hair and makeup done at 2:00 a.m.By the time N
Valarie looked up and saw the approaching glow.When the figure finally stopped in front of her, she realized it was Brandon.Frowning, she asked, "Where did you go? I waited so long for you. And what are you hiding behind your back?"Brandon flipped his phone face-down on the table, revealing the flowers he had hidden. Then he dropped to one knee."Valarie, I had planned a perfect proposal for you, but when you asked earlier about the meaning of wearing a wedding dress, I knew I couldn't wait any longer."Before I met you, my life revolved solely around work. I never paused for anyone—I never cared whether the sun was rising or setting, or if the moon was full or waning. But everything changed after I met you."I began cherishing the thought of greeting you every morning, sharing meals with you, and standing by your side for life."Valarie, I want every morning to begin with us waking up together, and every night to end with us holding each other as we fall asleep."Finally, B
Of course, every time they visited Valarie's home, Phoebe would subtly—or sometimes not so subtly—hint that they should get married.Brandon had always assumed Valarie wasn't interested in marriage since she never responded to those hints. He hadn't considered proposing.But today, seeing her so excited about picking out baby clothes made him start to imagine a future with her—building a family, raising a child.That thought filled his heart with warmth.After more than three hours of shopping, they finally left the mall, their arms full of bags.Once they loaded everything into the car, Valarie turned to Brandon. "I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat."Brandon nodded. "Sure. What are you in the mood for?""I'm not picky. Is there anything good around here? I don't feel like going too far," she replied.Brandon paused, then said, "There's a place with ethnic cuisine nearby. I went there once for a business meeting—it was pretty authentic. Want to give it a try?""Sounds g
Nyla was silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright. If you ever need Damon to help figure out Brandon's thoughts, just let me know.""I will. Don't worry about us, though. You just gave birth. Your main priority should be resting," Valarie said."Okay," Nyla replied.Valarie lingered in the bedroom for a while, but when she saw Nyla looking tired, she stood up and left.Downstairs, only Brandon was in the living room.Valarie walked over to him and asked, "Where's Damon?""He had something to take care of for work, so he went to the study. How's Aunt Nyla?" Brandon asked."She seems to be doing well, and the baby is adorable. Oh, right, I forgot to ask what the baby's name is. I only know her nickname is Bunny," Valarie said.Just thinking about Mia Sumner's cute little face made Valarie smile. She was already looking forward to the day the baby would call her godmother.A flicker of something crossed Brandon's eyes. "You really like kids, huh?""Of course! I've said befor
Once they were in the car, Nyla suddenly recalled Damon's phone call earlier. "By the way, what did Alexander want?"After a brief pause, Damon glanced at her. "He said Ms. Kinsey left you an inheritance and asked when we'd be able to go to Meristate to take care of it."Nyla pressed her lips together before replying, "Call him later and tell him to donate it or keep it for himself. I don't want it.""Alright," Damon replied.When they arrived home, Damon helped Nyla settle onto the couch, placing a pillow behind her back for support. Then, he said seriously, "Nyla, you've been through enough. Let's not have any more kids after this."During her first pregnancy with Mason, Damon hadn't been around, so he hadn't realized how difficult it was for her.Now, experiencing this pregnancy with her, every checkup and blood draw made his heart ache.Once Nyla gave birth, he planned to get a vasectomy. Two kids were enough for them.Nyla shot him a look. "This wasn't exactly planned, was
More than half an hour later, Nyla finally stirred from her nap.When she opened her eyes, she found Damon sitting by her bed, watching her. She froze for a moment, caught off guard.Rubbing her eyes, she realized he was still there and confirmed she wasn't dreaming.She slowly sat up, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in your study working?""I missed you, so I came to see you," Damon replied.Nyla narrowed her eyes. "You definitely have something to say if you're here all of a sudden."Damon chuckled, a little helpless. "I guess I can't fool you.""Of course not. I know you too well. Ever since I got pregnant, you've never come to see me like this in the afternoon," Nyla said."Alright. Go freshen up first, and I'll wait for you downstairs," Damon suggested."Okay," Nyla replied.After washing up, she went downstairs and sat beside Damon. "Alright, tell me. What's going on? You're acting all mysterious."Damon hesitated for a moment befo