Chapter 23


    Chapter 23


    Valerie stood outside the door and frowned. She knew that Ashley didn’t like her, but she didn’t


    expect Ashley to be so hostile towards her, even though she had paid off the money she owed


    Julian long ago. Not only was her mother trying to sell her marriage for money, but even Ashley still


    kept this in mind


    At that moment, Ashley stormed out of the room and instantly froze u


    upon seeing Valerie, realizing that Valerie might have overheard what she had just said. Ashley


    didn’t dare make eye contact with Valerie and dragged Aiden downstairs.


    “Mom, Dad, no, no fighting!” said Aden


    “Keep out of grown–ups‘ business! Ashley snarled.


    Aiden was trying to keep up with Ashley but almost fell. Valerie was worried and thought, ‘She’s


    Aiden’s mom. Even if she’s mad, she wouldn’t hurt. him Valerie quickly took the gifts to the living


    room and closed the door to avoid getting teased by the neighbors.


    Julian was sitting in the living room chair with his head hanging down. A trace of surprise shed


    across his face when he saw hering. “Valerie, why are you here!”


    Valerie interrupted him by asking. “Did you fight with Ashley again!”


    He sighed, feeling pretty stuck. “Tve been wanting to get a piano for Aiden because it’s the first


    thing he’s ever asked for. He’s mentally challenged and is never good at anything I want to do this


    for him. But when I talked to Ashley, she said we didn’t have the money I’ve been handing over


    nearly all my sry to her. How can we not have 4,000 dors! I just can’t figure out what’s


    happening with our finances.”


    “Calm down, Julun. How did she exin this?” asked Valerie.


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    “She said buying a piano was a waste of money because Aiden wouldn’t be able to use it. She also


    said that she put all the money in funds and stocks and lost a lot of money a while ago. She’s


    trapped now answered Julian


    valerie couldn’t help but frown. Funds and stocks had been a total messtely. Even the pros were


    losing money. And Ashley had gone all–in with her money.


    Julian continued, “I asked her to withdraw the money, and she got mad and med you. Sorry,


    Valerie. Don’t take it to your heart. She was overwhelmed by anger. I’ll talk to her after this”


    Tm fine, really. But you really shouldn’t have left Aiden outside. He might be traumatized,” said


    Valerie.


    Julian was stunned and felt guilty. “You’re right. It won’t happen again.”


    Valerie remembered the bank card Julian gave herst time. She took it out and handed it to him.


    “Why don’t you use the money to buy a no for


    Aiden.


    “No, Valerie, I can’t take it back. Don’t worry. I will have my sry in sen days. F’ll have the money


    for the piano then,” said Jalian seriously. “You’re married. Valene, so you should discuss it with your


    husband before spending money. I hope you learn from what happened to me and Ashley”


    Valerie felt pretty bummed out and thought the whole thing was a bit ridiculous. Who in their right


    mind would dump all their cash into stocks and funds without any backup n she thought. Her


    mind raced with dark thoughts, and she couldn’t help blurring out, “What if she was scammed?


    12:17 PM