Marriage Resumption (Valeria and Hackett)

Chapter 20

Valeria was busy ordering food, afraid Hackett might notice Alex's presence. After getting her order, she quickly left the restaurant, completely unaware of the amusing scene that had just unfolded.

She found Alex standing by the display window outside the restaurant, laughing so hard he was practically doubled over. She had no idea what he was finding so amusing.

"Alex, what's making you laugh so much?"

Seeing Valeria come out, Alex put on an innocent expression, "Oh, nothing, Mommy. Let's hurry up and get some food. We need to eat quickly and then play. Remember, life's too short, like you always say!" With that, Alex grabbed her hand and started pulling her away.

At the same time, two people came out of the restaurant, discussing what they had just witnessed.

"Did you see that Cheryl, the celebrity, just fell on her butt in the restaurant? Hilarious."

"Yeah, and I saw a little boy deliberately pull her chair away. Kids can be so mischievous."

"Who's that handsome guy sitting across from Cheryl? Could he be her rumored wealthy boyfriend?"

Valeria's expression changed as she heard snippets of their conversation.

Seeing her reaction, Alex quickly changed the subject, "Mommy I'm starving. Let's go eat, and then we can play some more. We shouldn't waste time! Life's too short, just like you said!" Valeria held onto Alex. "Eat my foot, you little rascal! And speaking of rascals, that little boy who pulled the chair away wasn't you, was it?"

"No!"

Valeria tried to look stern, pointing at Alex's little head. Tve taught you not to lie, haven't I?"

Alex's confident demeanor quickly deflated, and he muttered, "Okay, okay, it was me. But I wanted to get revenge for you. They were being mean to you."

Valeria was initially upset, but hearing Alex's words touched and amused her. She decided not to scold him. Instead, she took him elsewhere and gave him the burger and cola she had ordered. "Sweetie, you can't do things like that. It's not right

What worried her even more was that if Hackett had seen Alex's mischievous act, she could not imagine what consequences that could lead to.

"Yeah, Mommy, I know. I won't do it again."

"Good boy. Finish eating, and then we can play one more activity before heading bone. Im really tired."

In truth, the real reason she wanted to leave this place was that Hackett's presence here filled her with immense unease. She dreaded the possibility of Hackett catching sight of Alex. That could lead to serious trouble. Thus, she desired to swiftly exit. to avoid potential- complications.

Despite Alex's desire to play more, seeing Valeria looking exhausted, he reluctantly nodded. "Okay"

"Such a good boy. We'll come back to play next week, alright?"

Wed,

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"Mommy, why does that uncle keep bothering you?" Alex suddenly asked, taking a bite of his burger. He looked at her with his grape-like eyes, waiting for an answer.

Valeria was momentarily taken aback, realizing that Alex was talking about Hackett.

She smiled, "He's not bothering me, sweetheart. We were just discussing some business. Don't worry, I'm strong, and no can bully me."

Alex let out a soft hum, then continued. "Mommy, do you want to marry that uncle? I don't want you to! I want Keith!" Valeria was struck dumb.

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Valeria was a bit baffled by Alex's thought process. She did not know where he got the idea that she wanted Hackett as her husband "You're thinking too much, dear. I won't let that uncle become your dad."

Alex visibly relaxed, happily taking another bite of his burger, "That's good, Mommy. You must choose Keith. You and Keith

match so well!"

Hearing these words, Valeria could not help but feel amused and speechless. She had not expected Alex to be so mature and wise. Just then, her phone rang.

Valeria glanced at her phone. It seemed to be Barron calling. The thought of facing Barron after the orchestrated events of last night made her hesitate. Barron's willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals genuinely unnerved her. After a few seconds, she decided to answer the call. "Grandfather

"Mr. Barron.

"Valeria, I've made a reservation at a restaurant. Let's have dinner together tonight. There's something I want to discuss with

you.

It was an excellent opportunity for her to express her stance clearly to Barron. She needed to make it absolutely clear that she would never reconcile with Hackett. She hoped Barron would stop trying to set them up.

"Alright, please send me the address, and I'll be there on time."

Night fell quickly. The entire city was bathed in neon lights, creating an enticing atmosphere. Valeria arrived punctually at the restaurant where Barron had made the reservation.

However, the moment she pushed open the door to the private dining room, she felt like turning around and leaving. She could not believe Hackett was here too.

"Valeria, you're finally here. Come in and have a seat." Barron had initially worn a stem expression, but upon seeing Valeria, his face immediately lit up with a smile.

Valeria reluctantly walked into the private room, wearing an expression that clearly showed her unwillingnessContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"Mr. James." She greeted him and took a seat.

Upon seeing her. Hackett's deep eyes showed a hint of surprise, but he had anticipated Barron's intentions.

Barron poured a cup of coffee and placed it before Valeria, his smile returning. "When are you two going to make it official?"

"Official?" Both Valeria and Hackett looked up at her grandfather almost in unison.

"Seems like you're on the same page. It seems like you got along quite well last night." Barron chuckled as he noticed their synchronicity. "Of course, I mean the official remarriage proces Don't tell me you're unwilling to take responsibility for last

night?" His tone carried a hint of threat as his gaze turned sharp, directed at Hackett.

Hackett lifted his coffee cup, downing the contents in a display of impatience. "You're overthinking things. Nothing happened last night."

Suddenly, the air in the room seemed to freeze.

Barron stared at him long before saying. "Are you even a man? Aber being drugged like that, you didn't succeed? How useless can you be!"

Valeria widened her eyes in shock. She had not expected Barron to scold Hackett like this.

"Grandfather! Do you find it honorable to drug us? Don't you think you're being disrespectful as an elder?" Hackett's anger surged, and he found himself infuriated at the memory of being manipulated by Barron last night.

Barron was even angrier, and he slammed his cup onto the ground. "How dare you speak to me like that, you rotten kid! Everything I've done was for whom? Isn't it for your own good? Why is everyone so ungrateful? I've given you such a perfect opportunity, and you couldn't even manage to do anything! Are you trying to drive me to my death with your attitude?"

Hackett realized that his grandfather was impossible to reason with, stubbornly set in his ways.

As Barron and Hackett quarreled, Valeria cleared her throat and interjected. "Mr. James, can I say something?"

Her words managed to cool down Barron's anger slightly.

Breathing heavily, Barron turned his attention to Valeria, his attitude visibly softening. "Valeria, go ahead.

"Mr. James, I'm truly grateful for your kindness and fondness towards me. However, Hackett and I are already divorced. We can't reconcile, and I don't want to remarry him. He has someone he cares about, and I...

Barron's heart was in his throat, and he interrupted, "And you? Have you fallen for someone else?"

Barron's words sound so harsh to Hackett's ears.

Sitting across from her, Hackett's heart skipped a beat, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.

He raised his gaze to look at Valeria, waiting for her response.

He did not quite understand what was happening to him. The mere thought of Valeria falling for someone else made him feel profoundly uncomfortable as if needles were pricking at his heart.

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