Marriage Resumption (Valeria and Hackett)

Elsie was momentarily caught off guard. They had been engaged in a casual conversation, and he broached the subject of marriage out of the blue.

Though she had once yearned to wed Kaden, now... it seemed that the desire to marry him had lost some of its intensity.

"I mean, let's tie the knot. Hackett has kept his word, the engagement banquet is off, and Valeria is hack. With everyone's attention diverted, why don't we secretly get married?"

Kaden couldn't contain his impatience any longer. If they waited any longer, it felt like even a cooked duck would have time to take flight.

"L.. isn't that a bit rash? Clayton would be furious if he found out, and... Furthermore, her eagerness to marry wasn't as genuine now. Or perhaps marrying Kaden held a different appeal than it once did. "And besides what, Elsie? Are you trying to say you no longer want to be with me?"

"... I'm not saying that. It's just that... my family is in turmoil now, and I don't have the emotional bandwidth to consider my affairs. She was reluctant to admit the change in her heart, yet the truth appeared to be undeniable At that moment, approaching footsteps echoed through the garden, hinting at someone's stroll.

Elsie appeared frantic. "Kaden, you've got to leave right now. Clayton and the others are heading this way. He'll be furious if he catches you here."

"Elsie. 1.."

"Whatever you have to say, save it for a phone call. Please, Kaden, go!" Elsie pleaded desperately, glancing back at the approaching group, drawing nearer by the moment.

Once, she had been willing to defy Clayton, eager to be with Kaden. But now, fear had taken hold. She dreaded Clayton's reaction, worried he might sever ties with her.

Kaden still hoped to make a good impression on Clayton as a prospective son-in-law. He silently retreated and slipped away with no other option.

"This is our family's garden. When you were just a child, you had a special fondness for the camellia tree. Loretta insisted on keeping that tree just for you, anticipating your return. Clayton reminisced.

Valeria gazed at the picturesque scenery but could not recollect anything from her early years before age five.

At that moment, Mrs. Maddox noticed Elsie standing there and spoke up. "Elsie, why are you standing here by yourself? Are you still upset? Valeria just returned, and I got a little carried away, but I didn't intend to neglect you."

Both were her flesh and blood, and there was no favoritism. Mrs. Maddox approached and gently patted Elsie's shoulder. Elsie's eyes welled up with tears, replied strained, "I understand,

"Mommy, why is she crying? Her eyes are all red," Alex observed Elsie momentarily and then looked up to ask Valeria. Valeria was momentarily taken aback and replied, "I'm not sure.

Elsie let out a little huff in her mind, appreciating that Alex had some sensitivity, as he could tell she had been crying.

Just when everyone began to think Alex was rather kind-hearted Alex suddenly quipped, "She shed tears because she caught sight of her unattractiveness."

Tue, Nov 15

This statement left everyone present momentarily dumbfounder.

Meanwhile. Hackett couldn't help but crack a smile. Alex appeared to hold a strong

age against Elsie.

"You little troublemaker, what's with the nasty talk? Who's crying over their looks? You're the one who's shed tears over your appearance!" Elsie felt her anger reaching a boiling point. Was tids child a predestined adversary, chosen by fate to challenge her?

Clayton scolded Elsie, his voice full of frustration. "Why are you behaving like a child? You've been spoiled too much."

Elsie felt even more aggrieved, her defiance clear. "Child? Can children go around calling others ugly! Why don't you say something about Alex being so sharp and mean at such a young gel

Valeria cleared her throat, attempting to ease the tension. "Alex, that's not acceptable. You can't just call someone ugly

She looked sternly at the mischievous Alex, who cheekily stuck out his tongue, utterly unafraid of her.

Hackett affectionately tousled Alex's hair, patiently imparting wisdom. "Alex, it's not right to speak that way. It can hurt other people's feelings, understand?"

"Hmph, she's trying to steal my daddy. Anyone who vies for daddy's attention with mommy is a troublemaker!" Alex declared with an air of arrogance, showing no sign of remorse.

But those words left everyone in the room in silence, and they all understood why Alex harbored such animosity toward

ElsieContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Elsie had no words left, realizing that her past kindergarten anties had left a negative impression on Alex.

Valeria glanced at her wristwatch and shifted the conversation. It's getting late. We should head back. Tomorrow is a school day for Alex.

As she prepared to leave with Alex, Clayton silently yearned for her to stay the night, yet he hesitated to speak too much, anxious not to spoil the enchantment of the moment.

Mrs. Maddox wore a pained expression. "It's getting so late. Why don't you stay over tonight? We have plenty of empty rooms in the house."

It was the first time she had grown so close to Valeria, and she couldn't bear to see her leave.

Valeria offered a warm smile but politely declined. I'm sorry, but I have some commitments tomorrow, and besides, Alex has his bedtime quirks." With that, she looked over to Hackett, silently passing the baton

Hackett quickly caught on and explained, "We'll have plenty of time in the future. Tomorrow, I'm planning to take Alex to

like to come along?" the amusement park. How about you, Mr. and Mrs. Maddox? Would you

He was giving Clayton and Mrs. Maddox a chance, and though they were eager, they hesitated, glancing at Valeria, anxious she might refuse.

Yet Valeria remained silent, seemingly agreeable to the idea.

Mrs. Maddox cast a hopeful look at her. "Valeria, would that be alright with you? Could we spend some time with Alex

tomorrow?"

"If you've got the time, it would be fine."

Hearing her response, Clayton and Mrs. Maddox exchanged glances and grinned. Finally, they could enjoy some quality time with their beloved Alex. Chapter 270

With that, Hackett and Valeria lefi, taking Alex with them.

The Maddox family members stood at the doorstep, watching their car disappear into the distance before finally heading

back inside.

Mrs. Maddox brimmed with excitement. I should quickly prepare the kitchen for snacks and kid-friendly meals for tomorrow. A day at the amusement park can be exhausting, and we should have some juice handy." Currently, in high spirits, Clayton playfully remarked, "You weren't this diligent even when you were looking after our daughter." Little did he know that his comment inadvertently strick a sensitive chord with Loretta. Mrs. Maddox fell silent momentarily before saying. "That's precisely why we lost Elena. Tomorrow, both of us need to keep a watchful eye on Alex. We cannot afford to lose him."

"What are you talking about? We could even bring a bodyguard with us tomorrow, just to be safe. There's no way he could get lost."

Trailing behind her parents, Elsie watched their conversation with a heart full of resentment and jealousy. Was her role being replaced so effortlessly?