Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 18

As Valerie was leaving the mall, she unexpectedly ran into Juliette.

70%/

Juliette was surrounded by a group of well–dressed men and women, all looking impeccable. They seemed to be the “good friends” Juliette always

mentioned.

Valerie didn’t recognize any of them, but she had heard plenty about them before.

In her previous life, Juliette had spent a considerable amount of money trying to win their favor.

It was clear that, despite their reckless behavior, this group had indeed brought Juliette some benefits.

For example, they had helped her break into the entertainment industry, taken her to lavish events, and even helped her find her biological parents.

When Juliette saw her, a flicker of panic crossed her face, as if she wanted to avoid her. But Valerie spoke first, “Juliette? What are you doing here?”

The group of wealthy kids immediately perked up.

The woman in front of them had fair, flawless skin and delicate features. Her outfit was chic and tasteful, but what really caught their attention was her aura–elegant, aloof, yet irresistibly captivating.

She looked like an ethereal beauty, dazzling and bright. Even from a distance, her striking presence was enough to leave a lasting impression. To their surprise, Juliette actually knew her!

Juliette gave a forced, awkward smile. “Valerie.”

With a look of concern, Valerie walked up to her. “What happened this afternoon? Why did you need to borrow so much money?”

Juliette’s expression changed immediately. She tried to stop her, but it was too late.

As soon as Valerie finished speaking, the surrounding rich kids shot them curious glances.

“You borrowed money this afternoon?”

“Didn’t you ask your dad for it?”

Juliette’s face turned bright red. She quickly stepped forward to pull Valerie away. “Don’t ask about it. I had a really urgent situation this afternoon that needed to be solved, but it’s all taken care of now. I’m about to go eat with them, so you should head back.”

Valerie responded with a thoughtful “Oh.” “Someone mentioned your dad earlier. What’s going on? Didn’t your dad…”

Her voice wasn’t too loud, but just enough for those behind them to hear.

Juliette immediately grabbed her hand, her voice low and pleading. “I’ll explain later. Valerie, please go ahead, I need to leave too!”

A smile flickered in Valerie’s eyes as she glanced over at Juliette’s group of “friends” before slowly replying, “Alright then. Just be careful. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.”

Juliette quickly nodded. “Sure!”

Once Valerie walked away, Juliette sighed in reliéf.

She turned back to her group of wealthy friends, forcing a smile. “She’s a friend of mine. My dad’s money came through too slowly this afternoon, so! borrowed some from her.”

The others weren’t entirely convinced. One of them remarked, “You should’ve told us earlier. You could’ve borrowed from us!”

1/3

22:10 Tue, 27 May

Chapter 18

“Yeah, why go to someone else? That’s such a hassle!”

“Or you could’ve just said you were short on cash, and Rowan would’ve picked up the tab, right, Rowan?”

Juliette’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Rowan Johnson reluctantly tore his gaze away from Valerie’s direction, clearly still enchanted by her.

Rowan stroked his chin and then turned to Juliette, asking, “Is that your friend? Which school does she go to?”

70%

At that, everyone immediately caught on. They exchanged knowing glances and shot him a teasing look. “Rowan, have you taken a liking to someone?”

“She’s really beautiful! Her skin is so fair and smooth, and that tiny waist–wow! And her face, it’s like something straight out of a painting. I didn’t know Juliette had such a friend. Why didn’t you bring her out sooner?”

“Juliette, what’s the name of that gorgeous girl?”

A wave of jealousy stirred in Juliette’s chest.

It had always been this way. Without Valerie, Juliette could still be considered a small beauty. But in front of Valerie, she didn’t even have the right to compare. All eyes were always on Valerie.

Juliette hesitated for a moment, then answered, “Her name is Valerie. She’s studying jewelry design at Reano University.”

“Reano University, a top student!”

Reano University was widely regarded as the best school around.

Rowan’s eyes lit up. “How old is she?”

“She’s the same age as me, twenty.”

Rowan thought back to the image of the girl, feeling a strange, almost cat–like itch in his chest. “Twenty? She looks so young, barely older than a teenager. She really has a youthful look.”

He couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Is she as innocent in other ways as she seems?‘

Aiden had left for a business trip today, thinking he would have a few quiet days to plan his next steps. But when he returned home, he found an

unexpected guest.

Arianna was sitting in the living room, sipping coffee and chatting cheerfully with the housekeeper.

The housekeeper had served the Walker family for many years and came from the Walker Manor. Even Aiden had to show her some respect.

In Valerie’s previous life, Arianna had quickly gained the housekeeper’s favor, often having her pass along updates about Aiden’s whereabouts.

Valerie, on the other hand, had listened to her “best friend’s” gossip and believed she was the mistress of the house. She’d put on airs to assert dominance over the servants, thinking it was necessary to maintain control. But she had no idea how that would backfire.