Chapter 73
Valerie expected Matthew to <b>say </b>something, her heart heavy with the fear that his words–sympathetic <b>or </b><b>biting</b>–might overwhelm her.
Up until now, Valerie had considered herself and Matthew equals. Their rtionship, though not romantic, had been harmonious. He had shown her respect, and she had admired him, almost reaching the point where they felt like friends sharing a home.
However, today, Valerie felt diminished <b>and </b>vulnerable, uncertain of Matthew’s perception of her. She hated feeling <b>so </b>exposed and confused.
The climb to the fifth floor seemed to stretch on forever. Each step w
was <b>as </b>tough as scaling a mountain, but she eventually made it to her door.
Matthew’s silence deepened her sense of despair. She breathed deeply, bracing herself for the possibility that their friendship was <b>at </b>an
end.
They weren’t truly married, and she <b>couldn’t </b>allow him to pay Ruth’s demanded dowry. She knew too well that once given, Ruth would demand
more<b>.</b>
For years, she had financially supported her mother, contributing 400 dors monthly, along with gifts and household expenses. Now, her mother expected a dowry in return.
Respect should be mutual. Valerie was determined not to let Ruth manipte her emotions any longer. This time, she would stand her <b>ground</b>.
She anticipated Ruth would try to meddle in her <b>rtionship </b>with Matthew. If that happened, divorce seemed the only solution
Valerie was about to speak when a sudden loud thud interrupted her thoughts. Matthew’s fist <b>had </b>collided with the wall.
“Mr. Grand” she eximed. <b>Shocked</b>, she hurried over to <b>inspect </b>his injury.
Matthew’s punch had been powerful, his fingers red, his knuckles bleeding. Quickly, Valerie grabbed tissues to dab at the blood and was <b>about </b>to fetch the first aid kit when he unexpectedly seized her wrist.
“Do you think giving her 100 thousand dors would make her respect your <b>he </b>asked, his voice sense
Valerie looked up, meeting Matthew’s intense gaze.
He continued, Just pay her the money<b>, </b>and maybe she’ll back off and <b>start </b>showing you <b>some </b>respect. What do you think!”
Valerie was taken aback. “Mr. <b>Grant</b>, <b>what </b>are you suggesting?”Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
Matthew’s voice, heavy with <b>anger </b>and deeper than <b>usual</b>, boomed in the <b>room</b>. “She’s your mother, but she has no right to treat you as if you’re merchandise! How can you respect someone who treats you like that? To me, it’s clear she doesn’t even see you as her daughter. She’s treating you like a ve, blind to how outstanding you really are! His <b>face</b><b>, </b>usually stern, now simmered with rage.
If this had been at Noria Group, all the executives would be quaking in their boots.
Caught by surprise, Valerie felt a <b>spark </b>of joy. “Mr. Grant, do you really think I’m exceptional?” She had <b>braced </b>herself for pity or contempt because of her family issues, but praise was thest thing she expected.
Matthew nodded seriously. “You’re a great cook, you’re <b>gentle</b>, <b>you </b>know how to enjoy life, you understand people well, and you’re <b>good </b>at dealing
with them.”
<b>Valerie </bughed softly. “And that makes me exceptional:”
These were qualities even he struggled with.
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