Trading My Ex for His Uncle

"I just wanted to see if you'd tell me the truth. Now I know-you don't trust me," Jayden said.

Michelle cried, "Fine! I admit it. I sent Stefan after Valarie. I wanted him to ruin her relationship with Brandon! Go ahead and tell Brandon if you want! I don't care!"

She stood, ready to leave.

Before she reached the door, Jayden's voice echoed behind her.

"I won't tell Brandon," he said. "But I won't help you anymore, either. There's still time to stop this. You can walk away now."

Michelle's footsteps faltered momentarily, but she didn't turn back. She had never regretted her choices-why would she stop now?

As long as she could have Brandon in the end, she wouldn't give up.

If Jayden refused to help, she'd just have to figure it out on her own.

That evening, as Valarie got off work, she received a call from Nyla.

"Valarie, come over for dinner tonight! Oh, and by the way, I sent you a thank-you gift last night. Make sure you accept it," Nyla said.

Valarie had seen Nyla's money transfer that morning but hadn't planned to accept it. She had meant to tell her but had been too busy to remember.

"Sure, I'll come over. But there's no need for the money. We're friends-why be so formal?" Valarie said.

...

When she arrived at the villa and stepped out of her car, she ran into Brandon. After what he'd said to her that morning, she had no interest in talking to him. Without a word, they walked inside together.

The moment Valarie saw Nyla, she headed straight to her and sat beside her.

Brandon greeted Nyla briefly before heading to the study to find Damon.

Nyla glanced at Valarie's neck and noticed faint marks. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively looked at Brandon before leaning.in close Valarie, what's with those marks on your neck? Don't tell me... you and Brandon-"

Before she could finish, Valarie quickly covered her mouth.

"No! It's just mosquito bites," she said awkwardly.

Nyla was skeptical.

It was winter. Where would mosquitoes even come from?noveldrama

Seeing Valarie's embarrassed expression, she decided to drop it. Instead, she switched topics. "Oh, by the way, Damon and I are planning a trip in a few days. Want to come? You could use a break."

Valarie shook her head. "I've got too much work. There are several big projects I'm handling. I'll be busy for a while."

As the only daughter of the Weirs, she was expected to take over the Weir Group

in the future. Her father had already started training her for the role.

Nyla looked a little disappointed. "Alright... Then we'll plan another trip when you're free."

"Sounds good. Are you bringing Buddy along?" Valarie asked.

"Yeah. We don't feel comfortable leaving him at home," Nyla said.

Ever since the bullying incident, Mason had been in low spirits. This trip would be

a good chance for him to unwind.

"That sounds like a great idea. You guys should enjoy yourselves as a family," Valarie said.

As they chatted, Lydia came in to announce that dinner was ready.

Nyla and Valarie moved to the dining table, and soon, Damon and Brandon joined them.

Noticing Brandon's dark expression, Nyla shot Damon a questioning look.

Damon raised his brows innocently, signaling that he had no idea either.

Valarie caught the exchange and couldn't help but tease, "Seriously? You two can't even have dinner without exchanging secret looks? Have some consideration for the rest of us!"