Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Juliette’s throat had been stripped raw from screaming–now, even a whisper burned like fire. Her whole body ached from the brutal assault, but none of it compared to the overwhelming flood of regret that surged through her as she croaked, “Valerie…”

But Valerie didn’t let her speak.

She simply smiled, gently, but there was no warmth in it. “Juliette, we’ve known each other for ten years now, haven’t we? Tell me… have I ever taken anything from you?”

Her voice trembled by the end, the question catching in her throat as a single tear slipped down her cheek. Those standing nearby felt their hearts twist at the sight.

Valerie wiped the tear away and forced a smile. “Ten years ago, I promised I’d be your best friend for life. Today. I take that back.”

Juliette’s body went rigid. She stared at Valerie, disbelief written across every inch of her face. ‘No. This can’t be real. She’s not serious…”

But the look in Valerie’s eyes–utterly indifferent, cold as glass–made the truth hit like a sledgehammer. Juliette broke.

She began to cry, her sobs raspy and hoarse. Blood soaked through the blankets that barely covered her, her body trembling as she tried to crawl toward Valerie. “Please… Valerie, I’m begging you–don’t do this. We were best friends. If it weren’t for her, I never would’ve… I never meant to hurt you…”

The scene was horrifying–bruises darkened her limbs, cuts etched across her skin, and blood oozed through the sheets. The crowd couldn’t bear to look.

But Valerie didn’t flinch. She looked away and said calmly, “I used to think we were best friends too. But the night you lured me to that bar and tried to hand me off to your drunk friends–that’s when I realized… there’s no going back for us.”

Juliette’s breath caught. ‘She… knew? She’s known all along?‘

Valerie slowly closed her eyes, then gave a slight nod. “Call the police.”

Everett, Alannah, and Valentina immediately cried out in unison: “No!”

Valerie turned her head slowly, her lips curling with a bitter smile. ‘How fitting. United, just like always.‘

“Oh?” she said coolly. “Then tell me. What do you think we should do?”

Everett’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly forced a laugh and said, “Valerie, you know the saying–family matters shouldn’t be aired in public. Besides, this incident… it doesn’t just involve us, does it? Your poor friend–look at what she’s been through.”

Someone in the crowd scoffed. “That’s what she gets for trying to trap someone else.”

“Man may forgive the sins of heaven, but not his own doing,” another added.

“Your daughter teamed up with outsiders to pull off something this disgusting, and now you’re talking about saving face?”

“Calling the police is the only option.”

Voices rose, every one of them siding with Valerie. Everett, caught off guard, looked around in disbelief–then back at Valerie, now with pleading eyes. “Valentina… whatever she did, she didn’t actually hurt you, right? We’re family, aren’t we?”

And besides, no matter how messy the night had been, it was clear to everyone now–Valerie had emerged as the biggest winne

This performance was over.

Aiden glanced at Everett, his expression unreadable. Then he said quietly, “If you really believe in family, then you’d know what fairness looks like… right?”

1/2

12:30 Fri, 6 Jun GO

Chapter 67

A bead of sweat rolled down Everett’s temple. He gave a dry laugh. “Of course. Of course.”

Without another word, Aiden turned and walked away.

Those gathered–people of wealth, power, and impeccable social instincts–immediately recognized that the show was over. They slipped away, one by one, offering nods and quiet murmurs as they retreated from the scene.

The ambulance soon arrived and carried Juliette off to the hospital.

But for the Clark family… the damage was done. This night’s spectacle would spread like wildfire. In Reáno City’s upper circles, it was destined to become legend.

In the far corner of the room, Nelson had watched it all–every word, every twist–and his chest ached like it had been split open.

Juliette had called herself Valerie’s best friend. She’d insisted he attend tonight, made him promise. Was it really just to help him see Valerie again?

But what shook Nelson most wasn’t Juliette. It was Valerie. The Valerie he remembered had been soft, kind, sweet. But the woman standing tall tonight she had changed.

She was sharper now. Colder. Distant. And dazzling.