Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 62

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Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Valentina stood frozen, utterly stunned by the turn of events. “This… This wasn’t how it was supposed to go…” Her voice trembled.

This wasn’t the ending she wanted.

All she ever wished for was to drag Valerie through the mud, humiliate her beyond redemption.

But looking around now–at the gasps of admiration, the whispers of awe–Valentina had no doubt: after tonight, Valerie’s reputation would soar, her name praised, her image immortalized.

From this day forward, people would only remember Valerie as the daughter of the Clark family–elegant, radiant, and dazzlingly talented. No one would even know that she, Valentina, was the real daughter.

The thought alone sent a chill through her bones.

Juliette, equally shocked, stood speechless.

If this disaster was part of Valentina’s plan… wasn’t it just self–destruction in disguise?

And then–her phone buzzed.

She picked up. Valentina’s voice sliced through like a whip, high and brittle. “No more waiting. Get her–now.

Juliette’s heart dropped. ‘Is she out of her mind?‘

Back in the banquet hall, thunderous applause broke out. One round after another.

For the first time, Valerie was tasting what it felt like to be at the center of everything–surrounded by admiration, praised by all, not mocked, not

scorned.

It was like living in a different lifetime. She smiled genuinely, descending the steps from the stage.

“Valerie!” Everett beamed, his face glowing with pride.

But just as she reached the bottom, someone slammed into her.

Gasps erupted around the room.

A loud splash–then the shatter of glass. Wine spilled, staining her icy blue gown with swirls of crimson and gold.

The cold from the air conditioner pierced through the soaked fabric, and Valerie instinctively sucked in a breath.

The server, pale with shock, trembled as he stammered out, “I–I’m so sorry, Miss Clark! I didn’t mean to–I really didn’t-”

Even as he babbled apologies, his hands reached toward her as if to help wipe the stains.

Before he could touch her, a strong hand seized her wrist–and in the next second, Valerie found herself pulled into a firm, familiar chest.

She looked up. Aiden.

His face was dark with stormy calm as his gaze swept over the server.

The poor man, already shaking, now turned ghost–white under Aiden’s stare. “S–sorry.”

Juliette pushed through the crowd, her voice sharp with rage. “Are you insane?! Do you even know how expensive her gown is? Can you afford to pay for

it?!”

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Chapter 62

She sounded like she was standing up for Valerie—but Valerie knew better. It was nothing more than stirring the pot.

Juliette wanted everyone to see, to talk, and to resent.

Valerie frowned slightly. She looked at the terrified server, then sighed. “Forget it. I’m sure it was an accident.”

She straightened, gently pulling away from Aiden–her soaked dress clinging to her uncomfortably. But in the process, some of the wine had stready soaked into his suit.

She looked up at him, guilt flashing across her face.

His suits were never cheap.

She reached out, trying to dab at the stains. “Your suit…”

Before she could finish, Aiden shrugged off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “Let’s go.”

Juliette flinched and stepped in quickly, grabbing Valerie’s hand. “You’re too kind, really. Come on, I’ll take you somewhere to get changed.”

And just like that, Valerie was pulled away from Aiden’s arms.

Everett looked flustered, his smile forced. “You should get cleaned up too.”

Aiden nodded coolly. But as he turned to leave, his voice dropped low. “Check that server.”

Everett blinked. “You think it was intentional?”

It was odd. So many people around, so much space–why Valerie, of all people? And why the direct hit?

If it was on purpose… what for?

Aiden turned, his gaze sharp. “And where’s that adopted daughter of yours?”

Everett stiffened. For a second, he thought Aiden meant Valerie–but then he realized: Valentina.

And his stomach dropped. ‘No… She wouldn’t. Would she?‘

Unease crept in.

Everett forced a smile, leading Aiden toward the lounge area. But as soon as Aiden stepped through the door, Everett rushed off in a panic.

Aiden watched him go, recalling something Valerie had whispered to him earlier at the banquet.

“Aiden,” she’d said, “you brought your people tonight, right? Can I borrow a few?”