Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 48

This swarm of relatives had long been itching for a chance to curry favor with Valentina, so the moment the opportunity arose, they pounced–taking turns to mock and belittle Valèrie. One particularly vicious old woman even slapped her across the face so hard that stars exploded behind Valerie’s eye. and her cheek stayed swollen for days.

But these people were nothing if not opportunistic. Once there was even a whiff of profit to be had, they quieted down like obedient dogs.

Valerie tilted her head, watching them with amusement. Then, all of a sudden, she broke into a sweet, sunshine–faced smile and said, “That’s right, he’s been too busy to come. But when he heard I was attending a family gathering like this—with children and elders around–he asked me to bring along some toys and health supplements.”

Valentina froze. What? That wasn’t the reaction she expect

While she stood there confused, the doors opened and several

The boxes were enormous, and as soon as they were unlatched, the

ess

carried in by staff.

filled with the delighted gasps of children.

The little girl who had earlier called Valerie a fairy squealed the loudest. “Fairy lady, are those presents for us?”

Valerie turned to her, tilted her head with a gentle smile, and said warmly, “Don’t call me fairy lady. My name’s Valerie. You can call me that. But just so you know, each gift is different–you may all pick one, but only one, alright?”

The children erupted in cheers and rushed toward the boxes like a flock of birds, faces glowing with joy.

Valentina forced a smile. “Valerie, these gifts must’ve cost a fortune.”

Valerie’s eyes curved as she replied lightly, “As long as the kids like them, that’s all that matters.”

Valentina’s expression turned concerned. “I know you mean well, but… you only just married into that family, and they’re not exactly ordinary folks. You’re still so young–don’t you think it’s a little inappropriate to be so extravagant?”

She said it with a kind tone, but her meaning was sharp and deliberate. She was clearly reminding everyone how young Valerie was–and by implication, just how old her husband must be.

Valerie, unfazed, smiled and said, “Why would it be inappropriate? My husband spoils me. Besides, this is nothing–it’s just small change.”

The kids soon finished picking their gifts, each of them running up with stars in their eyes, chirping happily. “Thank you, fairy lady!”

“Thank you, fairy lady!”

Each child clutched a high–end toy in their arms–luxury items that ordinary parents would never buy. And Valerie had casually brought two boxes of them, calling it “small change“?

The gifts for the elders were just as extravagant. Bottles of r

Some of the older folks peeked inside and were visibly thrilled.

These weren’t cheap trinkets–they were genuine treasures.

tonics and top–shelf supplements were discreetly passed around.

As the gifts made their rounds, people’s perception of Valerie shifted. She’d already been beautiful, but now the compliments poured in. “What a lovely girl–she didn’t need to bring gifts at all, we’re family!”

“She’s so thoughtful. Honestly, I feel a little guilty taking this.”

“Such grace and generosity! The Clark family is truly blessed to have a granddaughter like her.”

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13:38 Wed, 4 Jun »> 0

Chapter 48

Even the people Valentina had secretly prepped to embarrass Valerie were now too embarrassed themselves after all, their parents and children had just happily accepted her gifts.

Valentina hadn’t seen it coming.

‘Wasn’t she supposed to have a terrible relationship with that devil of a husband?‘

According to her “reliable” sources, Valerie would tremble at just the sight of him.

She’d been forced into the marriage, refused to hold a wedding, and had even registered the union in secret–just in case she could escape it later without anyone knowing.

With such a strong sense of pride, there was no way Valerie would spend his money. So how could she afford all this?

Valentina clenched her fists. ‘These greedy fools–have they already forgotten who the real daughter of Everett Clark is?‘

“What’s going on here? Why’s everyone in such a good mood?” A smooth, mature voice rang out, laced with amusement.

Valentina’s eyes lit up. She quickly leaned into the voice and cooed, “Daddy, you’re here!”

Everett chuckled warmly. “You’re a grown woman now. Girls your age are already married off–and here you are, still acting like a baby.”

Valentina wrapped her arms around his arm and pouted adorably. “But I don’t want to get married! If I do, I won’t be able to come home and see you Mom all the time. I just want to stay by your side forever.”

Everett laughed heartily. “Still such a little girl.”

Valentina stuck out her tongue playfully. “I mean it, Daddy!”

“Alright, alright. Then Daddy will take care of you forever.”

and

Valerie had thought she was over it. But standing there, watching this picture–perfect scene of fatherly love and sweet, innocent affection–she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

Valentina didn’t want to get married, so Valerie did.