Marriage Resumption (Valeria and Hackett)

Chapter 268

"I don't like it," she deliberately raised her voice, openly disagreeing with Hackett.

Hackett didn't press the matter further and decided to see her of

When they reached the underground garage, Valeria suddenly suggested, "How about we all get together for dinner at the Maddox family's place this weekend? You'll have to be the gracilis host since I'm not well-acquainted with Clayton, and Alex might not be too keen on joining. We'll be counting on you to maintain decorum.

Hackett was momentarily stunned, genuinely surprised by Valera's swift acceptance.

He had assumed that Valeria would reject the idea outright, so he responded, "Certainly, I'll be there to fetch you all when

the time comes."

"Sounds good."

Valeria pulled open her car door, settled into the driver's seat, started the engine, and gradually departed.

Hackett remained rooted in place, his gaze fixed on the fading taillights as they disappeared into the depths of the underground garage. He heaved a deep sigh. This wasn't what Viileria had desired, yet she had compromised, and he couldn't fathom her reasons. The weekend came around swiftly.

As evening descended, Alex had been nagging for dinner incessantly, but Hackett was conspicuously absent.

"Alright, quit your hollering. "Daddy will be here soon, and he'll take you out for something delicious. How does that sound?"

"But when's Daddy coming, Mommy? Why's he taking so long? Alex's face wore an expression of hunger-induced despair, on the brink of a meltdown.

Valeria comforted Alex, saying, "I just called a moment ago, and there's a bit of traffic on the road. Daddy will be here soon! Hang on a little while longer. Here, have a cookie to keep your tummy at bay. Chime!

to abandon his

Make sure to have your dinner on time. We might be back a little

Valeria. "Are you ready? Let's go." Valeria grabbed her purse and exited the house. They settled

"Have you informed. Clayton? Does he know

not nervous

hint of a smile played on the

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Nov 19

Chapter 268

gazed outside. "Daddy, where are we? I'm starving. I want something

villa, a wave of genuine nervousness washed

been lost twenty years ago, could I have grown up in place like

her seatbelt and

blend of curiosity

to the dining room where the Maddox family had been patiently waiting. Valeria held Alex's hand as they navigated through the garden, heading steadily toward

starting to grow impatient. "Why haven't they arrived yet? Could there have been a last-minute change of

impatience and apprehension. Clayton furrowed his brow. "What kind of talk is that? Elena's all grown up. How could she go back on her word? Besides, we just confirmed everything over the phone. Traffic's a mess right now. You had to choose dinner during rush hour." "I just thought evenings would be more relaxed, and after dinner, we could have some coffee,"

silently, her emotions a swirling mix that was hard

approached. "Mr. Maddox, Ms. Sharp, and Mr.

brightened as

resist pointing and exclaiming, "Oh no, it was the annoying yet unpleasant aunt,

outstretched arms, yearned for a hug. Valeria, her patience unwavering, cradled the child and gently admonished, "Alex, we can't do it

suppressing her frustration, was comforted by Loretta, "Oh well, he's