Chapter 57


    Chapter 57


    As Matthew listened to Charles’s ramblings on the other end of the line, he sensed Charles was


    getting sidetracked once again. Eager to shift the focus away from Valerie, Matthew cut in sharply,


    “How’s Grandma doing?”


    “Mr. Grant, the butler reported that she sent the maids out early this morning to buy yarn. She’s


    knitting sweaters at the old mansion.”


    Matthew felt reassured by the update. He knew his grandmother had whimsical ideas about making


    Valerie a part of the family, but thankfully, it seemed she was just indulging in her knitting hobby for


    now. As long as she was preupied and not fixated on pushing for a marriage, Matthew was


    content to support her.


    “Just keep an eye on her, will you? Make sure she doesn’t wander off on her own again,” he


    instructed Charles.


    “Understood, Mr. Grant,” Charles replied.


    As Charles’s voice faded, Matthew detected the sound of footsteps nearby. He ended the call, just


    as Valerie opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat.


    “Mr. Grant, I was thinking of ordering a small cake for us to share after dinner. This bakery is quite


    renowned and offers vors like caramel, toffee, and strawberry. Which one would you prefer?”


    she asked.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Matthew thought for a moment. “Strawberry. It’s usually a hit with the kids.”


    “Perfect!” Valeri


    responded, her voice bright with


    shes at the mention of Aiden. She quickly bent her head to ce the order on her phone.


    Matthew watched as she settledfortably into the seat. Even with her head bowed, he could


    make out the outline of her face, highlighted by a yful dimple and bathed in soft sunlight, giving


    her an almost angelic glow.


    Reflecting on what Charles had mentioned earlier, Matthew felt a pang of uncertainty. Every time


    Valerie had upset him, his anger seemed to dissipate before he even realized it. Her soothing tone


    and constant smile had a mysterious way of smoothing over his frustrations, making him forget his


    initial reasons for annoyance.


    She seemed to possess the ability to transform irritation into contentment. Even now, Matthew


    found it hard to believe that he was spending a casual evening shopping and dining with a woman,


    just like any regr couple might do.


    Matthew was in surprisingly high spirits. Despite the unexpected turns his life had taken because of


    Valerie, he found himself not minding the current situation.


    As they arrived at the apartment, they noticed the kitchenware store was delivering goods. They


    entered the home, and workers bustled about, bringing in the new kitchen supplies. Shortly after,


    the seafood Matthew had ordered was delivered.


    It was Valerie who suggested they host dinner for Julian and Ashley that evening, to which Matthew


    agreed. She felt touched, appreciating his willingness to go shopping with her. Once they were


    inside, Valerie insisted that Matthew take a rest while she took care of everything.


    She dove into the kitchen work–washing dishes, cleaning seafood, and chopping meat–with skill


    and efficiency.


    Suddenly, Matthew thought of something. “Should we pick up some fruits as well?”


    Valerie chuckled. “No need. My brother owns a fruit shop. He’ll bring plenty with him. He’d be


    offended if he knew we bought fruit elsewhere.” After a brief pause, she reassured him, “Mr.


    Grant, please, don’t worry about sitting this out. I’ve got this covered. Feel free to rx in your


    room or do whatever you’d like.”


    Matthew nodded. “Alright then.” He knew his strengths, and kitchen work was certainly not one of


    them.


    However, no sooner had Matthew stepped away than a soft sob caught his attention.


    “What’s wrong?” Concerned, Matthew hurried back to the kitchen to find Valerie in front of the


    cutting board, her fingers bleeding.


    1/1