Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 55

No Ads

Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Valentina glared at them, jaw clenched in disbelief. “Mom, that’s the so–called savage man you were warning me about?*

Even Alannah, who had come in expecting to be appalled, was caught off guard.

It really… wasn’t as bad as she’d imagined.

In fact, the two of them walking side by side–unexpectedly matched, strikingly so.

Juliette had just arrived, her mind entirely preoccupied with the “grand surprise” she’d planned for Valerie. She had no idea Aiden was already here. Sa when she spotted him, she froze, startled. Recovering quickly, she walked up and called, “Valerie!”

Valerie turned at the sound of her voice.

Juliette, looking like she’d seen a ghost, ran to her, shooting Aiden a quick, unreadable glance, and said urgently, “Come with me for a second.”

Without waiting, she tugged Valerie off to a quiet corner.

Valerie hadn’t even come to a full stop before Juliette launched into her, voice low but angry, “Why didn’t you tell me Aiden was coming? What the hell, Valerie?” She said it like Valerie had committed some unforgivable crime by not reporting Aiden’s arrival in advance.

Valerie’s eyes darkened. She looked directly at the so–called “best friend” she hadn’t seen in a long time and said coolly, “He wanted to come. Am I supposed to stop him? Besides, he’s my husband. Do I need your permission to bring him?”

Juliette choked on her words. For a moment, she had no idea how to respond. Something about Valerie felt… off. She quickly softened her tone. “Did you forget? I said I had a surprise planned for you! Now that he’s here, how can I still give it to you?”

“What kind of surprise can’t be given in front of my husband?” Valerie tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Don’t tell me… you were going to set me up

with another man?”

That jab landed. Juliette’s eye twitched, her guilt flashing for just a second. Before she could respond, she noticed Aiden approaching behind Valerie.

Juliette immediately averted her gaze. “What nonsense are you saying? You’re married! Why would I set you up with anyone? Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

She turned, ready to flee. But Valerie caught her by the wrist, her voice sweet and playful. “Don’t be like that! You said you had a surprise for me–what kind of bestie would tease me and then run away?”

Juliette hadn’t expected Valerie to be so clingy today. And before she could wiggle free, Aiden was already by Valerie’s side.

Valerie turned to him, as if only just noticing his arrival, and smiled with syrupy charm. “Why are you here? Juliette and I were sharing secrets–you’re not allowed to eavesdrop.”

She gave him a gentle push, then turned back to Juliette with the same warm tone. “So, where’s this surprise you promised me? What is it exactly?”

Juliette glanced awkwardly at Aiden, forced a dry laugh, and mumbled, “Oh, I’ll tell you later. I really need the bathroom.”

With that, she hurried off. Valerie let go of her hand, watching Juliette’s back retreat with a soft smile that quickly faded, her eyes narrowing.

Yes… this was clearly the kind of “surprise” one couldn’t reveal with Aiden around.

Especially since after Valentina and Juliette hatched this little plan, they’d probably tipped Aiden off first. If anything slipped now, they’d be exposing

themselves.

As she was thinking, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

1/3

Chapter 55

Aiden’s breath brushed against her ear, his voice low and velvety. “What surprise?”

He was close. Too close. Valerie shivered instinctively, her body tensing.

No matter how many intimate moments they’d shared, this being held like this in front of so many people was new, startling

She tried to push his hand away on reflex.

But Aiden’s grip tightened, his tone laced with a teasing threat as he whispered, “What? Afraid someone might see?”

Valerie froze. Then, just as quickly, she looke

something really thoughtful.”

up and beamed brightly. “I don’t know either. She’s been teasing me about it for ages. I imagine it’s…

Her voice rose at the end, flirtatiously. Aiden caught that flicker in her eyes–a sharp glint of mockery, of cold amusement wrapped in sweetness.

Something in him stirred. His gaze lit up with interest, and he chuckled under his breath. “What scheme are you cooking up now?”

Valerie met his eyes for a moment, then turned away uneasily. “I don’t scheme. I’m a good girl.”

Aiden smirked. “You didn’t look like one when you

wer

setting up Arianna.”

Her spine went rigid. Her heart skipped, but she recovered quickly, lips curving with playful provocation. “Why? Still not over her?”

Her glance–cool, laced with wicked charm–made something in Aiden shift.

His smile deepened. His fingers brushed her cheek as he said softly, “She’s just someone who’s not worth my time. If my wife’s jealous, she can pluck her

anytime.”

That strange word–wife–still felt surreal to Valerie. She gave a wry smile, turned away, and muttered, “The banquet’s starting. Let’s go.”

Aiden didn’t mind. Still holding her close, he added casually, “I got a message today.”

“Oh?” Valerie looked up.

“Someone said they had a surprise for me. You think it’s the same one as yours?”

Bingo. Their timing really had been perfectly coordinated.

Valerie’s gaze sharpened, her tone laced with layers. “Could be. W

knows?”