Brody’s eyes swept over with a dark, calculating chill. Kelly, ever the instigator, raised her brows with a glint of amusement, clearly eager for den så
Valerie gave Kelly’s hand a light tug and playfully scolded her, “I told you already, it’s just a rumor, Everyone knows the Walker family has the strictest code of conduct–disciplined, dignified, and extremely protective of their reputation. You, of all people, should know that, being one of them. If someone really did something that disgraceful, don’t you think Grandpa would be the first to unleash hell? Isn’t that right, Brody?”
Her tone seemed sweet, even complimentary, but every word was a veiled blade–daggers wrapped in silk. Separating the phrases, each sounded like praise, but together, they boxed Brody in with nowhere to dodge. Deny it, and he’d be insulting the family. Accept it, and he’d be swallowing a warning whole.
Brody stared at her lovely, smiling face, his eyes cold, but his mouth curled into a thin smirk. “You’ve got quite the way with words.”
Still smiling, Valerie turned serious. “Oh, I was just trying to defend you, cousin. After all, if it were true, at best it’s a question of your personal conduct, and at worst, it tarnishes the entire Walker family’s name. But of course, only fools believe baseless gossip, right? I’m sure people are wise enough not to fall for nonsense like that. Don’t you think so, Brody?”
Brody looked at her meaningfully, lips twitching into a mocking smile. “Anyone spreading that kind of garbage clearly has bad intentions. Surely… you
don’t believe it?”
Valerie covered her mouth with a soft laugh. “Of course not.”
Just then, a cheerful voice called from behind, “Kelly, sweetheart, you’re here?”
Kelly turned back with a sweet smile and called out, “Tinley! It’s been ages–you look as gorgeous as ever!”
Tinley beamed, delighted by the flattery, and took Kelly’s hand warmly. “Oh, look at you, still such a charmer. Why don’t you ever come visit me anymore? I miss you terribly.”
Her gaze naturally drifted toward Valerie. “And this young lady is…?”
Kelly, still holding Tinley’s hand, said brightly, “This is Valerie. Valerie, this is Aunt Tinley, my mom’s best friend–she’s amazing! Beautiful, talented, a real
musician.”
“Valerie? As in… Aiden’s wife?” Tinley blinked in surprise.
Kelly nodded. “That’s her. They just got married less than two months ago.”
2-20
“Such a big event, and it was kept so quiet?” Tinley’s eyes dropped subtly to Valerie’s stomach. She leaned in and whispered, “Don’t tell me… are you pregnant?”
Valerie laughed awkwardly. “No, nothing like that. It was a family–arranged marriage. We followed our parents‘ wishes, got the paperwork done, but haven’t had time for a proper wedding yet.”
Tinley looked relieved. “Ah, that makes sense. I heard Aiden’s been swamped lately–just took over the company, right? He must be up to his ears in work.” She leaned over to Kelly and whispered, “Brody didn’t give you trouble, did he?”
Kelly pouted. “Let him enjoy it while he can. He’ll regret it soon enough.”
Tinley got the message instantly. Squeezing Kelly’s hand, she said warmly, “If anything happens, you come straight to me, okay? I’ll handle it.”
Kelly’s face lit up, and she said sweetly, “Auntie you’re the best!”
Tinley laughed and flicked Kelly’s nose. “You little rascal. Always so good at acting cute. Come on, let’s go meet the others. You can’t cling to me the whole night at events like this.”
Kelly stuck out her lip, wrapping her arm around Tinley’s. “But I like clinging to
you!”
1/2
Chapter 32
Tinley chuckled helplessly and led the two girls into the crowd.
Once they were gone, Brody remained, a dangerous glint in his eye. Behind him, Billy watched Valerie and Kelly leave, unable to hide his awe Just when I thought Kelly was stunning, this Valerie shows up and–damn.”
“Forget it,” someone snorted. “You can’t even handle Kelly. Valerie? Don’t even dream. She’s Aiden’s wife. And you know what he’s like if he finds out you’re lusting after his woman…”
Brody downed his champagne in one gulp and scoffed, “So what if I’m lusting? It’s just an arranged engagement, not like there was even a wedding What can Aiden do–get mad? He’s still on trial period, remember? Grandpa hasn’t officially handed him the reins yet. If he wants power, he’ll need to behave.”
Billy asked cautiously, “So… what are you planning?”
Brody shoved the empty glass into Billy’s chest, smirking. “It’s not about what I want to do. The question is–what do you want to do?”
Billy’s heart skipped. He looked at Brody in disbelief, but that reckless idea had already taken root–and was spreading like wildfire.
AD
