Chapter 60


    Chapter 60


    “Julian, Ashley, this is…” Valerie began, but she almost slipped and called him “Mr. Grant.”


    Matthew, sensing her hesitation, smoothly stepped in. “Just call me Matthew. Pleasee on in.”


    He moved aside, his expression cool yet not unfriendly, carrying an air of refined grace.


    Julian’s expression softened a bit at his weing gesture. However, Aiden, shy by nature, was


    intimidated. The unfamiliar setting and the presence of a stranger overwhelmed him. He clung to


    Julian, peeking out cautiously at Matthew.


    Julian gently encouraged Aiden, “Aiden, this is your uncle Matthew. Say hello to him.”


    Valerie squatted down, opening her arms. “Aiden, you were excited to see me today, right? Come


    give me a hug, okay?”


    Despite their attempts to reassure him, Aiden grew more anxious, gripping Julian’s pants tightly.


    Just as tears seemed imminent, Matthew produced tworge toy boxes from behind him.


    Aiden’s eyes widened in surprise.


    One box contained aplete set of Transformers model kits, and the other a deluxe train building


    block set–irresistible treasures for any child.


    Valerie looked at Matthew, puzzled. ‘When did he get these?‘


    Before she could dwell on it, she sensed Aiden’s hesitation and quickly encouraged him, “Look,


    Aiden. These are from Uncle Matthew. If you say ‘thank you‘ to him, they’re yours.”


    Aiden, still nervously holding onto Julian, nced at Valerie and then warily at Matthew. The toys


    were too tempting, and after a moment of indecision, he cautiously approached Matthew and timidly


    said, “Thank you, Uncle Matthew.”


    “You’re wee,” Matthew replied, handing over the toys. He then allowed a gentle smile to cross


    his face, trying to make himself seem more approachable.


    Aiden waspletely absorbed with his new toys, barely noticing Matthew as he struggled to hold


    therge boxes. Valerie stepped in to help him bnce them. Once Aiden had a firm grip, his face


    broke into a delighted grin as he inspected his gifts, warming up to Matthew in the process.


    Valerie let out a relieved breath and shot Matthew a thankful nce. “I told you there was no need


    to buy fruits; Julian always brings plenty. But then again, Julian, you’ve brought too much; I wonder


    if we can finish them before they spoil.”


    Matthew joined the conversation. “Thank you for the fruits, Julian.”


    Julian waved off the thanks with a smile. “Don’t mention it, Valerie. You love these. I made sure


    to get the freshest ones.”


    As Julian began hauling the fruit boxes inside, Matthew stepped up to lend a hand. “Let me help


    with that, Julian.”


    Julian, already weary from lugging the heavy boxes up several floors, appreciated the offer.


    Matthew’s willingness to help shifted Julian’s view of him slightly. Before his visit, Julian had


    braced himself for the worst, imagining a man with a foul temper and dubious morals. He had even


    brought a brass knuckle as a precaution, nning to use it as a weapon if this new family member


    dared mistreat Valerie. Valerie had faced enough hardships, and Julian was determined to protect


    her.


    However, meeting Matthew somewhat changed Julian’s attitude toward her. Matthew might have


    stern exterior, but his actions spoke volumes- he shared in household duties, thoughtfully


    purchased toys tofort Aiden, and didn’t hesitate to help with heavy lifting.


    Julian’s respect for Matthew increased incrementally. However, Julian couldn’tpletely let go


    of his reservations.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    After all, Matthew got Valerie pregnant without even a proper wedding. Julian remained wary, not


    fully ready to embrace Matthew as family.


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