Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

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Valerie had seen it coming. Quick as a flash, she grabbed Aiden and pulled him back a few big steps.

The scene unfolded exactly as it had in her previous life.

She looked up. The sunlight poured down, illuminating her fresh, delicate features, making her look even more stunning.

Kelly was caught off guard, momentarily dazzled – then quickly turned furious. She had missed.

Aiden’s face darkened. He barked, “Kelly, get down here!”

Kelly, undeterred at being called out by name, just shrugged and said shamelessly, “Didn’t see anyone down there. Oops, my bad.”

Without another word, she picked up the basin and headed back inside.

Aiden turned to Valerie, his face grim. “Did it get on you?”

Valerie shook her head,

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In her previous life, though, she hadn’t been so lucky. Half her body had been soaked through. Kelly had stood upstairs, shouting mockingly, “Dressed like that – are you here to mourn someone? There’s no funeral at our house, you know. Aiden, don’t just bring anything unlucky back home.”

Before Aiden could even lose his temper, she had already scampered away.

When Valerie had stepped inside back then, the elders in the living room had all stared

ar

her bedraggled appearance with open disgust.

Soon after, Arianna had arrived, perfectly dressed and radiant, making Valerie look even more miserable and out of place.

But today, things were different. She had picked out a proper gift, bought a new outfit, even had her hair and makeup professionally done deliberately arrived a little later than she had in her previous life.

Sure enough, by the time she entered, Arianna was already there.

–

and had

David had never been one to fuss over birthdays. The so–called celebration was really just an excuse for the relatives to gather and, more importantly, to size up Aiden’s future wife. But now, all their attention had been stolen by Arianna.

Arianna’s voice was soft and sweet as she carefully set down her carefully prepared gift, explaining, “This is a heated knee wrap for Ruth. Her knees always ache in the winter – this should help keep her warm. I thought it would be perfect for her.”

Noelle Walker beamed at her. “Arianna, you really are so thoughtful! Whoever ends up marrying you will be incredibly lucky. I wish you could be part of our family…”

Arianna smiled tenderly and said, “No matter whose daughter–in–law I become, I’ve always been close to you. Being able to care for Ruth would make me

so happy. I’ve always felt for you–managing such a big household all on your own. Whenever I can, I want to help ease your burden. Even if I can’t officially join the Walker family, doing my part to help is the least I can do.”

At her words, a wave of regret rippled through the room.

Especially Noelle, who took Arianna’s hand and said with a sigh, “Such a sensible, good girl… I really thought you and Aiden would end up together. What

a shame…”

Aaden’s mother Vivian Walker couldn’t help but feel a little regretful herself. She had always been fond of Arianna–sweet, considerate, exactly the kind of daughter–in–law she had hoped for.

But then that old engagement had suddenly resurfaced, and Aiden had stubbornly insisted on marrying some nobody from a small, insignificant family. With Aiden’s grandfather Waylon Walker landing firmly behind the arrangement, there was nothing she could say.

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Chapter 6

Blushing prettily, Arianna suddenly broke into a delighted smile. “Aiden!”

In the Walker family, among the younger generation, Aiden was the sixth child.

At her cheerful call, the relatives all turned their heads – but the first thing they saw wasn’t Aiden himself. It was the stunningly beautiful young woman standing just behind him.

Valerie stood there quietly, looking both beautiful and sweet, her face carrying a clarity and innocence that Arianna, for all her polish, simply didn’t have.

It made her all the more captivating.

In the Walker family’s living room, glances were exchanged – some filled with amazement, others thoughtful. A few relatives lowered their voices to whisper, “No wonder Aiden insists on honoring the engagement. She really is stunning.”

Aiden led Valerie inside and introduced her coolly, “Grandmother, Dad, Mom, Aunt, Uncle, this is Axel’s granddaughter, Valerie.”

Valerie greeted each person politely, not missing a single title – more than a dozen greetings in a row, and not one mistake.

Even Aiden glanced sideways at her in mild surprise. Kelly, who had been itching to trip her up, froze, suddenly unsure how to act.

“She’s truly beautiful,” Noelle said with a smile, standing up. “No wonder – she’s Axel’s granddaughter after all. What a beauty. No wonder Aiden is so smitten! Smashing up a million–dollar shop just to make her smile – now that’s generous!”

Noelle had always favored Arianna – she was even a fan of her movies.

In her previous life, Noelle had been one of Valerie’s harshest critics – and one of the people she had disliked the most.

Sure enough, as soon as Noelle spoke, Ruth Walker’s face darkened. “Wasteful!” she snapped.

But Noelle just smiled meaningfully. “How can you call that wasteful? Spending a little money for a beautiful woman? Perfectly normal.”

As she spoke, she took Valerie’s hand warmly, her smile growing even sweeter. “Right, Ms. Clark?”

Valerie almost couldn’t keep from laughing bitterly. Noelle seemed all kindness on the surface, but every word she said was pushing her toward the

edge.

Aiden lounged lazily on the sofa, narrowed his eyes, and shot her a cold glance.

There were few people in this family he truly respected – and Noelle was definitely not one of them.

Sniping at someone right in front of everyone – she’d only gotten more skilled over the years.

Aiden let out a cold laugh and was about to speak when Valerie beat him to it. She gave a calm, gracious smile and said, “Hearing you say that makes me feel terribly guilty!”

Her tone was polite yet poised, her smile easy and unflustered far calmer than anyone had expected.

Noelle’s expression shifted subtly. “Guilty? Whatever for?”