Chasing the Unexpected

hapter 34

Nyla walked over and took Valarie’s cold hand, whispering, “Valarie, maybe there’s some misunderstanding. Don’t be too upset.”

Valarie nodded. “Mm, I know.”

She wouldn’t believe Jacqueline’s words until Tom himself confirmed them in person.

Soon, Tom’s secretary, Fred Sailor, arrived.

He hurried over to Jacqueline, completely unaware of Valarie and Nyla standing nearby. “Ms. Rainford, Mr. Genge is in a meeting, so he sent me.”

Jacqueline pointed her chin in the direction of Valarie and Nyla. “There, they’re the ones trying to take the suit from me.”

Fred turned to speak but froze when he saw Valarie and Nyla. His face paled.

“Ms. Weir…”

At that moment, Fred had only three words in his mind: “It is over.”

Valarie was Tom’s current girlfriend, while Jacqueline was Tom’s childhood friend. Fred hadn’t expected Jacqueline to run into Valarie on her first day back in the country, let alone in such an unpleasant situation.

Noticing Fred’s unusual reaction, Jacqueline frowned. “You know her?”

Fred had no time to answer Jacqueline’s question because Valarie was now looking at him with a half- smile. “I just heard Ms. Rainford say her boyfriend is Tom Genge. Is that correct?”

“Ms. Weir, there must be some misunderstanding. Why don’t we wait until-”

Before Fred could finish, Jacqueline cut him off coldly, “Mr. Sailor, what could be misunderstood? It’s only a matter of time before Tom and I are together. So, saying he’s my boyfriend isn’t wrong.”

Jacqueline’s eyes were filled with determination and confidence. She had grown up with Tom, and the families had always intended to match them.

When she was in high school, she had avoided settling down too soon by studying abroad. After experiencing life overseas, she realized Tom was the best match for her. She returned this time with the intention of marrying him.

Fred just wanted Jacqueline to stop talking. If she continued, Tom would likely be in big trouble tonight. “Ms. Weir, Ms. Rainford and Mr. Genge have known each other since childhood, so they are quite close.” Before Valarie could respond, Jacqueline frowned and said, “Why are you explaining to her? What does my relationship with Tom have to do with her…”

Suddenly, Jacqueline seemed to realize something and looked at Valarie with a sharp, cold gaze. After scrutinizing Valarie for a few seconds, she sneered and raised an eyebrow. “You do have some looks. Tell me, how much does Tom pay you per month? I’ll give you ten times that amount. Just stay out of our way.”

Her words were filled with contempt, and she looked at Valarie with scorn, clearly mistaking her for

someone who sold her body.

However, Valarie wasn’t angry at Jacqueline’s insulting words. It wasn’t worth arguing with someone like her. She smiled faintly and said, “A dirty mind sees everything as dirty. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I am currently Tom’s legitimate girlfriend.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Jacqueline’s face darkened, and disbelief filled her eyes. When she left, Tom had liked her. How could he possibly be with another woman?

“Ms. Rainford, you said you and Tom’will be together sooner or later. Are you that eager to be the third party?”

“Shut up!” Jacqueline gritted her teeth and glared at Valarie. “Tom is just playing with you. With our 20- plus years of relationship, you should know what really matters.”

“20–plus years, and you still aren’t together. Is that something to be proud of?”

“That’s because I went abroad, giving you the chance to swoop in. Now that I’m back, do you think I can’t make him break up with you within a month?”

Valarie smiled, but there was no warmth in her gaze.