Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 109

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TUNE

Chapter 109

Chapter 109

‘At least, Russell probably won’t go after me because of Juliette anymore, right?‘ Valerie thought

Even now, Valerie could never understand what deep–seated hatred Juliette harbored against her in her old life–hatred so intense that Juliette wished her to lose everything.

When Juliette learned Valerie had divorced and lost Aiden’s protection, she even went so far as to track Valerie down to that dilapidated apartment building and pushed Valerie to her death.

‘Could it really have been nothing but jealousy?‘ Valerie wondered to herself. Valerie just couldn’t wrap her head around it.

Valerie held her phone and quickly texted Russell: [Got it. I’m free.]

Russell couldn’t help but feel a little surprised and pleased. ‘Sure enough, helping her out has clearly paid off. Valerie is being much nicer to me than usual, for sure,’ he wondered. ‘No, wait. That’s not right.’

Russell’s smile stiffened. He gave himself two quick slaps and muttered angrily under his breath, “Damn, how fucking desperate are you? So many people used to fawn over you and you never cared.

“Now, after being ignored by her for days, just one reply and you’re thrilled. What a pathetic loser.”

Russell, cheeks puffed up in frustration, tried to act all cool and aloof as he typed: [I’ll send a car for you both.]

Valerie was a bit surprised and replied: [Us both?]

Russell: [Huh? I thought you’d bring Adrienne along–since, you know, you’re a girl and all.]

Russell thought, ‘No, no, that’s definitely not right. Damn, that was way too long, totally ruins my aloof image.‘

Russell immediately recalled his message and replied: [Yes.]

But Valerie quickly replied: [I saw that.] She followed up with a laughing emoji.

Russell was stunned for a moment. ‘Ugh, so damn frustrating.’ Russell fumed inwardly.

Valerie put away her phone, a faint smile playing on her lips. ‘He’s a strange one,‘ Valerie thought to herself.

Adrienne hurried over and said, “Oh. I just remembered. I forgot to tell you. That note I got at lunch? It’s a birthday party invitation.”

“A birthday party invitation?” Valerie echoed in surprise.

“Yeah. Got invited to a finance senior’s birthday party, and he asked me to bring some friends,” Adrienne sighed. “Just like our classmates said. They’re obviously after you.”

Valerie shook her head. “Was I mentioned in the invitation?”

Adrienne said, “No, but since we’re so close, when they ask me to bring friends, they’d obviously assume you’d be coming. So-”

Valerie chuckled and lightly tapped Adrienne’s forehead. “Come on, he didn’t even mention my name. That invitation was clearly for you.

“I saw how his face turned red when he slipped you that note, and his eyes were on you the whole time.”

Adrienne froze momentarily, then flushed bright red without realizing it. She muttered under her breath, “No way? That can’t be ti

“Why not?” Valerie said gently. “Adrienne, you really are pretty. You just need a bit more confidence in yourself.”

“Don’t kid me. I know exactly what I’m like,” Adrienne muttered.

1/3

Chapter 109

“Forget it,” Valerie sighed, reaching out to brush Adrienne’s bangs aside. “Your bangs are so thick they cover your forehead. It makes you look a bit dull.

“But your skin is flawless, so clear and radiant. And those big eyes, that cute little nose and mouth. You always dress so casually Honestly, if you just put a little effort into your look, you’d definitely outshine all the other girls.”

“The other girls?” Adrienne asked.

Valerie looked around and whispered, “Jasmine and her crew.”

Adrienne chuckled. “Why so sneaky? You didn’t even say anything bad about them. What’s there to be afraid of?”

“Exactly, I’m just telling the truth,” Valerie said as she stood up. “Come on, let’s head to Shelton Entertainment. You’re coming with me, and once we’re done, I’ll take you shopping.”

Adrienne’s eyes lit up. “Great. Your taste is amazing. I haven’t gone shopping in ages.”

Though Valerie’s outfits were understated, every piece she put together resulted in an effortlessly head–turning look.

Adrienne eagerly packed up her things and quickly followed Valerie to Shelton Entertainment.

The driver who picked them up was quite chatty. Valerie and Adrienne enjoyed plenty of juicy industry gossip along the way, and by the time they arrived at Shelton Entertainment, both were in high spirits.

Russell was in a meeting upstairs. The receptionist, recognizing her as Valerie, Russell’s new collaborator, quickly ushered her into the music studio.

The studio was stocked with every instrument imaginable, a grand piano stood center stage, surrounded by drum kits, an organ, bass guitars, and more.

Adrienne couldn’t play any instruments, but seeing all the instruments in the room still made her a little envious. She said, “I’ve always admired people who can play music, but I was such a klutz as a kid.

“I tried learning the violin from my grandpa, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get the hang of it. Later, my parents paid for piano lessons, but I could barely get past the basics. Even my teacher told my mom thaat I absolutely had no musical talent whatsoever.”

Adrienne delivered the last line in a pitch–perfect imitation of an elder’s earnest, well–meaning tone, making Valerie stifle a laugh.

“Everyone’s got their own strengths–like, you’re great at writing, but me? I’m totally hopeless at it,” Valerie said, suddenly struck by an idea. “Oh, right.

“Russell wants to turn my song into a pop track, but I can’t write lyrics myself. Instead of him finding someone else, why don’t you give it a shot?” Adrienne’s eyes lit up briefly before dimming again. She hesitated, “But all I really know how to write are romance stories. Writing lyrics? That just feels way out of my league.”