Chapter 64
churned and threw herself into his arms. “Let’s just pretend last night never happened, okay? I don’t want to make
mybos
off,
Clayton tried to pry bar o bot Valerie chung to his neck, rehning to let go
He wished he could pretend never happened. But he hadn’t expected valerie to diag his mother into this mess. He could no longer art ske nothing had
, understand you. I know you didn’t make this to happen. My dad was willing to die for Mc Patel, and i’d do the same for you,” Valerie
utside the hospital room, Valene was clearly using her father’s sacrifice to pressure the Patel family into taking
dont take care of their benefactor’s daughter–and worse, Clayton slept with her and refused to take responsibility–how intain their political careers wondered Lilhan,
age of the internet, every word and action had to be carefully considered to avoid being twisted and spread
John was under investigation, Lilian couldn’t afford to make things worse.
ople at the door holding up their phones, recording the scene. Whether or not they would actually post the footage online,
you trying to force the Patel family into being ungrateful?” Lillian glanced at her son, her words dripping with insincerity. “I’ve always thought you’d make a wonderful wife. It’s such a pity your mother took you away back then.
you two have found your way back to each other. That must mean you’re destined to be together, Clayton, start making e mamaga license with Valerie”
use when he noticed a servant signalling to him with her eyes. With so many people watching at the door, if Clayton publicly arry Valene, all would laugh at her.
Clayton decided to play along for now once they were in the hospital room, he could explain everything properly Vally would surely understand me, he
came to discuss the wedding details” Clayton forced a st smile, his voice strained. “Vally, you’re not feeling well. Let’s talk inside.
“Clayton, are you really going to marry me? Valerie clung to his arm, subtly angling him to the side.
red that Clayton’s face was perfectly framed for someone in the crowd holding up a phone to record.
repeated herself. “You’re really going to marry me, right? But if you’re not sure, I won’t force you. I just want you to be honest with me.”
“Since Valerie’s so considerate in asking me, I should think about her as well wondered Clayton
Clayton’s voice was steady as he declared, “The only one I’ve ever loved is you. I mean it. I want to marry you.”
“Clayton, I’ve always loved you the most, toovaligie threw herself into his arms, her grip tightening as if afraid t
aid he’d slip away.
Clayton patted her back lightly, muttering under his breath, “Don’t overdo it” But when he looked up, his hand froze mid–air,
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Chapter 64
May
Audrey stood at the back of the crowell, her radiar
itting through the scene like a blade.
At that moment, Clayton fell as it his bloed had turned to ice, chilling him from head to the “to, this isn’t how it was supposed to Everything said just new —it was all a be,” he wondered.
Clayten wanted to get back together with Audrey. Noticing Clayton’s sudden stiffness, Vaferie turned to see what had caught his attention. When her
landed on Audig, Valerie showed no sign of embarrassment
Instead, Valerie tightened her pipe Clayton and walked up to Audrey, her tone dripping with triumph. “You heard him, didn’t you? Clayton said I’m the obe he’s always loved. Mi. Henderson, surely you’ll wish in happiness, won’t you?”
“Of course” Audrey nodded with a smile. “A pfect pair of scum. At least they’ll keep their mess contained, she wondered.
“Audrey, 1—” Clayton’s voice cracked with pain. It had been so long since he’d seen her smile to brightly.
Her radiant smile was stunning, but to him, it was like a dagger, twisting deeper with every glance,
“Audrey, let me explain. Vally and “Clayton reached out to grab Audrey, but Valerie intercepted his hand hallway,
Valene intertwined her fingers with his, swaying their hands back and forth with a sweet smile. “Ms. Henderson, Clayton bringing me back already shows
his choice. You won’t hold it against me for keeping it from you, right?”
“Vally, shot un” Clayton’s voice was sharp, a warning hidden beneath.
“What is 127” Valerie pouted.
Valerie leaned in close, whispering in his ear, “Aren’t we supposed to be acting? if so, can’t you make it convincing enough to make me happy for once?
Clayton froze, his words stuck in his throat like a bone he couldn’t swallow.
“So Vally has already seen through my plan, Agreeing to marriage is just a temporary measure, he wondered. ‘If she’s already figured it out, it should be easier to keep her in line later
He wondered. “Audrey, coming to the hospital to visit Lillian, has to mean she is softening, maybe even considering reconciliation.
“If she is willing to lower her guard, all I need to do is calm Valerie down and ensure she doesn’t spill what happened last night. That way, I can still win Audrey back
But he had underestimated
Valerie was cunning. Earlier, Valerie had deliberately loosened the buttons on her collar. As she swayed her arm, the
neckline shifted just enough to reveal the unmistakable marks of last night’s passion.
Audrey’s gaze swept over her, cool and indifferent, her smile as harmless as ever. Tve always thought you two were a perfect disaster waiting to happen. Like a match made in dysfunction. Here’s to a lifetime of chaos and clinging to each other.”
Without waiting for a response, Audrey turned and walked away, her steps steady and unyielding.
Clayton instinctively moved to chase after Audrey, but Valerie tightened her grip on his arm. “Clayton, let’s go talk to Mrs. Patel about the wedding plans,
Clayton turned, his gaze sharp as it landed on someone holding up a phone to record the scene. “Stop filming You’re violating my privacy.” The person immediately turned and bolted.
The crowd began to disperse. Clayton pushed Vallene into the hospital room. “You stay here. I need to use the restroom.”
Clayton hurned downstairs, his steps quick and frantic, chasing all the way to the parking lot before finally spotting Audrey. Audrey stood beside a car with a middle–aged woman, preparing to leave.
“Audrey, wait.” Clayton rushed over, grabbing the car door. “I’m not marrying Vally. Please, let me explain what just happened.”
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Chapter 64
expression calm but distant. “Clayton, we’re don
any explanations
“Andrey,
dry, do you always have to be so harsh? Can’t you be soft and went like Vally for once he said.
i
“Why should be like her? You like hen, don’t you? Then go ahead and many her” Audrey’s entre was steady,
Clayton took a deep breath, trying to suppress his frustration Since Audrey had come to the hospital to see her mother, he decided to lower his stance “Gert ess of the car Let’s talk.”
Audrey sighed, knowing full well that staying in the car wouldn’t step Clayton’s relentless pestering
She turned to Brooke and said, “I’ll step out and say a few words to him.”
Brooke’s face was full of concern. Audrey reassured her with a gentle pat on the hand before stepping out of the car
However, Audrey didn’t go far, stopping at the rear of the vehicle. “Just say it. I’ve got things to do.”
“Audrey, you’re all tough talk but so hearted inside. Coming to the hospital to see my mom–wasn’t that your way of wa talk to me property, I’d be willing to open up to you, too,” said Clayton
ing the white flag? if you’d just
He raised his wrist, to show her, got back the braided chain bracelet you carved for me. I promised you, didn’t 17 (7) keep my word.” Clayton reached But, trying to pull Audrey into his arms. “As for Vally, just give me a little more time,”
Audrey quickly st
stepped back, her gaze sharp and skeptical “Are you sure this is the one I gave you?”
Clayton took off the bracelet and handed it to her.
She impected the beads one by one, her tone icy. “The marks on Valerie’s body weren’t from a dog bite, were they?
Clayton clenched his fist so hard that veins bulged on his forehead,
Audrey held the bracelet up to the sunlight, letting out a soft laugh. Her voice was calm but laced with disdain. “I value cleanliness. Whether it’s a person or a thing, onor it’s been tainted, I won’t keep it.”
With that, the raised her hand and tossed the bracelet away
“No” Clayton lunged forward, his fingers brushing against the beads mid–air
The bracelet, freshly restrung, few through the air in a graceful arc before plunging straight into the artificial lake. Without hesitation, Clayton dove in
