Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Juliette only then remembered to check the amount on the check. As soon as she saw it, her mood shifted from disappointment to delight, becaus Rowan had actually given her 30 thousand dollars.

Valerie noticed the amount as well and, with a half–smile, remarked, “That’s quite a sum, actually.”

Juliette tucked the check away with a scoff. “For such a wealthy family, they only offer this much? How stingy.”

She glanced at Valerie and added, “I’m starving. I heard there’s a fancy restaurant in Epey. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s amazing. Treat me to a meal, will you?”

Epey was one of Reano City’s most famous landmarks. Only the rich and powerful dined there, and the prices were outrageous. Valerie couldn’t help but smirk inwardly this was clearly an attempt to take advantage of her.

Valerie shook her head. “I’ve been saving up to buy a birthday gift for my dad. Maybe we should skip it.”

“Seriously?” Juliette raised an eyebrow, looking at her with disdain. “You’re a rich wife, how could you not have money?”

“You know,” Valerie replied, “I don’t want to spend his money.”

You’re

Juliette understood the implication and, with a sly smile, asked, “You and Aiden had another argument?”

Valerie sensed the underlying glee in her tone and sighed dramatically. “It’s not exactly an argument. Same old story, you know how it goes.”

Juliette secretly relished her discomfort. She thought, ‘Serves her right!‘

But she still pretended to care, saying, “Well, then let me treat you. By the way, what are you getting your dad for his birthday?”

Valerie immediately thought of the “coincidence” from her previous life and said, “Probably a watch.”

In her previous life, she’d despised Aiden and, driven by her pride, refused to use his money. She’d spent all her hard–earned savings to buy Everett a luxury watch.

No one would’ve guessed that Valentina also bought him a watch–and one that was even more expensive and better than Valerie’s. Compared to that, Valerie’s gift seemed embarrassingly cheap.

Some relatives, who knew Valentina was married, had started to gossip maliciously. They’d openly mocked Valerie, calling her cheap, petty, and saying she couldn’t compare to Valentina when it came to thoughtfulness and generosity. They’d criticized the family for wasting so many years on her.

Everett never spoke up, but his attitude toward Valerie grew noticeably colder. He then hugged Valentina and beamed as he introduced her, “This is my long–lost daughter, Valentina.”

As for Valerie, he never mentioned her again.

Later, when the incident occurred, Everett didn’t hesitate to abandon Valerie in order to protect Valentina.

It wasn’t until much later that Valerie realized the odd coincidence. She had bought a watch for him, and Valentina had done the same–only hers was better and more expensive. The only person she had ever mentioned it to was Juliette, and that had been in passing.

Valerie’s eyes grew colder as she replied, “I’ve already picked out a watch. I’ll buy it in a few days.”

Juliette made a mental note of this and grinned. “Alright, I’ll go with you when the time comes. Now, let’s eat!”

They soon arrived at Epey. The restaurants there were all upscale, and the service was impeccable. The staff quickly ushered them inside.

After sitting down, Juliette couldn’t resist showing off. She turned to Valerie and said, “I heard they bring in world–class musicians to perform here- violin, piano, or any other instrument. If no one’s scheduled to perform, guests can volunteer. And if more than 90% of the audience claps, the meal is

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Chapter 26

freel”

Juliette sat up straight, her expression full of smug pride, waiting for someone to pull out her chair. Her air of superiority caught the waitress attention and he gave her a few curious glances.

Though not every diner at the restaurant was wealthy, their demeanor and behavior always gave away their social standing,

The waitress had seen enough people to easily tell which class they belonged to.

The waitress thought, ‘This girl, looking so proud, has wrinkled clothes, and her makeup is a mess–her fake eyelashes are crooked, the eyeliner and mascara have smudged, leaving her with large, dark circles under her eyes.

‘She looks like a careless girl who hangs out in bars.

‘In contrast, the woman across from her exudes elegance from head to toe.

‘From the moment she entered, it is clear that she carries herself with confidence and refinement.

‘Now, as she glances at the menu, the calm and composed aura she projects feels completely different from the awkward, forced coldness of her companion.’

Juliette skimmed the menu for a moment, then snapped her fingers and said, “Waiter.”

The waitress was slightly taken aback. She was a woman, so “waitress” would have been the proper term.

But with good professional training, she quickly walked over. “Hello.”

Juliette, without hesitation, ordered several dishes. The waitress politely replied, “Excuse me, but you’ve only ordered appetizers. There are soups and main dishes available. Are you sure you want to order so many appetizers?”

Juliette froze for a moment, then her face flushed with anger. “I told you to order, so just do it. Stop talking so much!”

The waitress rolled her eyes, though she still smiled politely. “I was just reminding you. Is there anything else you need?”

Juliette’s temper flared. “What’s with your attitude?”

The waitress, clearly irritated now, lowered her tone. “I was just giving you a reminder. What’s wrong with my attitude?”

“Juliette!” Valerie, looking a bit helpless, turned to the waitress. “Sorry, let me order.”