Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Although Phoebe phrased it as a question, her tone lacked any remorse, instead, her eyes gleamed with provocation and gloating as she stared, and scalding water splashed onto Valerie’s body and hands, sending waves of searing pain through her skin.

Valerie frowned, convinced that Phoebe’s actions were deliberate. She yanked her hand away, fixing her with an icy stare, and asked, “Dot even kno you?”

Phoebe hadn’t expected Valerie to show such defiance. She scoffed, “No.” Phoebe stepped closer, sneering. “Do I need a reason to hate someone? Someone like you–what makes you think you’re good enough to marry Aiden?”

Valerie had anticipated something like this, yet she couldn’t help but chuckle wryly at Phoebe’s words. ‘Wow, Aiden attracts trouble, she mused. If he’s so popular, though, why is he still stuck on me? Dealing with Arianna was bad enough, and now there’s another one–handpicked by Grandpa, no less.

“You’ve completely misunderstood,” Valerie said, her smile cool and detached, her eyes glacial. “It wasn’t that I married Aiden, it was Aiden who married me.”

Phoebe paused, momentarily confused by what she heard.

Valerie retorted calmly, “Instead of harassing me, why not ask Aiden why he married someone like me? Honestly, I’m just as puzzled as you are.”

Phoebe bristled, her anger flaring. “Are you throwing this in

my face?”

“Not at all,” Valerie said calmly. “I’m simply guiding you to the right approach to prevent wasted effort.”

She glanced down at her drenched clothes and stated, “What you did today is done. But if you can’t win over Aiden, splashing me or burning me a hundred times, éven boiling me alive won’t matter. The decision between us has never been mine.”

Phoebe was visibly surprised by her composure, and as she listened, a strange expression flickered across her face before she finally demanded, “What is that supposed to mean?”

Valerie, not explaining, gestured to the shattered glass on the floor and asked the nearest servant, “Could you please clean this up?”

Taken by surprise, the servant quickly nodded. “Right away.”

Valerie brushed past Phoebe without a second glance and walked out. Esmeralda was slouched carelessly on the sofa; seeing Valerie walk out, composed and erect, her gaze drifted to Valerie’s hand, and she was taken aback.

Scalding water flushed her arms and the backs of her hands a furious pink, the burns shockingly vivid against Valerie’s naturally smooth skin; her light clothing was soaked through, leaving the extent of any hidden burns unknown.

Esmeralda was shocked, thinking, ‘Could Phoebe be this ruthless?‘

Waylon frowned, noticing it as well. Valerie approached him, seemingly calm and with downcast eyes, and adopted the persona of a dutiful junior. “Grandpa, I’m so sorry, I was a bit clumsy and spilled the coffee. I couldn’t make it for you. Did you want to talk about something?”

Waylon’s thick brows furrowed in displeasure as he asked, “Do I need a reason to ask you to come over?”

“No, Grandpa,” Valerie explained, her tone calm and respectful, “I was simply wondering if, since your staff can’t make coffee, Aiden could either replace them or train them. That way, you wouldn’t have to call me out here just for coffee, saving you the trouble.” Despite her deference, a subtle hint of

sarcasm laced her words.

Waylon scoffed, “What, I can’t even tell you what to do anymore? Aiden’s spoiled you, huh?”

“Not at all, Grandpa,” Valerie replied gently. “Next time you want coffee, just call me I’ll be sure to come prepared to make it for you. I was just worried you might get thirsty while waiting, since it’s a good hour and a half drive from campus.”

Louis watched Valerie, his eyelid twitching, betraying his hidden unease, as Esmeralda burst into laughter. “No wonder–completely spoiled by Aiden. It’s

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Chapter 169

no surprise you’ve suddenly found your voice, Valerie,”

Ignoring Esmeralda’s snide remark, Valerie turned to Waylon and said, “Grandpa, if you excuse me, I’ll be going now. I’ll be sure to perfect my coffee. making skills before my next visit.”

As Phoebe emerged, she noticed Valerie walking away. Adopting an innocent expression, she approached Waylon with contrived worry, saying, “Mt Walker, I accidentally spilled the drinks – it seems Valerie was splashed. Shouldn’t you have asked her to stay and get it treated? What if she gets blisters?”

Waylon sneered. “Enough. Do you think I’m a fool? I know what you’ve done,”

Phoebe’s words caught in her throat, and her cheeks flushed.

“Enough! I understand you’re defending your sister. She harbored feelings for him back in college and is still studying in Docrein. Aiden secretly got married without even telling me. When I learned he married a Clark, I ignored it. But now it turns out she’s an impostor from who–knows–where, an orphan no less! It’s outrageous!”

Waylon’s eyes glinted coldly as he said slowly, “Your sister will be back soon. Apply some pressure–enough to make your point and show her she’s out of her depth. I like this girl, but it’s a pity she isn’t cut out to be a member of the Walker family.”

With a sly smile, Phoebe said, “Mr. Walker, let me handle this. You relax.” After a few more sweet words to Waylon, Phoebe quickly left with Esmeralda.

Esmeralda emerged with a playful smirk, asking, “Well, how did it go? A tough one, wouldn’t you say?”

Phoebe smirked. “She’s a tough nut to crack, alright. I dumped a whole cup of water on her–her hand swollen, but she didn’t even flinch. Someone that patient and stubborn will be impossible to dislodge if she latches onto the Walker family.”

Intrigued, Esmeralda leaned forward and inquired, “So, what a

are

you

working on these days?”

Phoebe sneered. “Women like her are all the same: desperate social climbers with more patience than most. Only a real scare will teach her to back off”