<b>Chapter </b><b>60</b>
<b>“</b><b>Julian</b>, <b>Ashley</b><b>, </b>this <b>is</b><b>…</b><b>” </b>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 <b>of </b>refined <b>grace</b>.
Julian’s <b>expression </b>softened a bit at his weing gesture. However, Aiden, shy by nature<b>, </b><b>was </b>intimidated. The unfamiliar setting and the presence of <b>a </b>stranger overwhelmed him. He clung to Julian, peeking out cautiously at Matthew.
Julian gently encouraged Aiden, “Aiden<b>, </b>this <b>is </b>your uncle Matthew. <b>Say </b>hello to him.”
Valerie squatted down, opening her arms. “Aiden, you <b>were </b>excited to see me today, right? Come give me a hug, okay?”
<b>Despite </b>their attempts to reassure him, Aiden <b>grew </b>more anxious<b>, </b>gripping Julian’s pants tightly. Just <b>as </b><b>tears </b>seemed imminent, Matthew produced tworge toy <b>boxes </b>from behind him.
Aiden’s eyes widened in surprise.
One box contained <b>a </bplete set of Transformers model kits, and the other <i>a </i>deluxe train building block set–irresistible treasures for any child.
Valerie looked at Matthew, puzzled. ‘When did he get these<b>?</b>‘
Before she could dwell on it, she sensed Aiden’s hesitation and quickly encouraged him, “Look, Aiden. These are from Uncle Matthew. <b>If </b>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.”
<b>“</b>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 <b>was </bpletely absorbed with his new toys, barely noticing Matthew as he struggled to hold the
boxes. Valerie stepped in to help him bnce them. Once Aiden had a firm grip, his <b>face </b>broke into a delighted grin <b>as </b>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 <b>we </b>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 sureContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.
to get the freshest ones.”
<b>As </b>Julian began hauling the fruit <b>boxes </b>inside, Matthew stepped up to lend a hand. “Let me help with that, Julian.”
Julian, already weary from lugging the heavy <b>boxes </b>up several floors<b>, </b>appreciated the <b>offer</b>.
<b>Matthew’s </b>willingness to help shifted Julian’s <b>view </b>of him slightly. Before his <b>visit</b><b>, </b>Julian had braced himself for the <b>worst</b><b>, </b>imagining a man with a <b>foul </b>temper and dubious morals. He had <b>even </b>brought a brass knuckle <b>as </b><b>a </b>precaution, nning to use it <b>as </b>a weapon if this <b>new </b>family member <b>dared </b><b>mistreat </b><b>Valerie</b>. Valerie had faced enough hardships<b>, </b>and Julian was determined to protect her.
<b>However</b><b>, </b>meeting Matthew somewhat <b>changed </b>Julian’s attitude toward <b>her</b><b>. </b><b>Matthew </b>might have <b>stern </b>exterior, but his actions spoke volumes- he shared in household duties, thoughtfully purchased toys tofort Aiden, and didn’t hesitate to help with <b>heavy </b>lifting.
Julian’s <b>respect </b>for <b>Matthew </b><b>increased </b>incrementally. However, Julian couldn’tpletely let go of his reservations.
After <b>all</b>, Matthew <b>got </b><b>Valerie </b>pregnant without <b>even </b>a proper wedding. Julian remained wary, not fully ready to embrace Matthew as family.
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