Marriage Resumption (Valeria and Hackett)

At that, Valeria smiled and did not say anything.

However, at that moment, someone entered the lounge, and it was Kaden.

To be honest, Valeria didn't have a favorable opinion of this man and didn't even want to look at him.

However, Kaden paid no attention to her attitude and approached with a smile, saying, "Ms. Sharp, you should come out now. Mr. Maddox and the others are waiting for you."

Valeria let out a sarcastic laugh and turned to Kaden. "It's so funny. Didn't you want me to stay away from the Maddox family? Why are you so kind as to call me out?"

Valeria was intentionally taunting Kaden, unaware that he had ulterior motives.

At that, Kaden continued to smile, ignored her provocations, and looked at Ella, who was standing nearby. "Ms. Patel, could you step out for a moment? I have something to discuss privately with Ms. Sharp." Hearing it, Ella gave Kaden a once-over and asked, "Is there something you can't say in front of me, or do you intend to harm Valeria?"

At that, Kaden replied calmly, "What nonsense is that? You must be joking. I'm her sister's boyfriend and soon-to-be brother-in-law. How could I harm her?" Ella's speculative comments didn't seem to affect Kaden.

Ella narrowed her eyes at him and retorted, "Then why do you want me to leave? Say what you have to say in front of me."

At the same time, Valeria didn't intervene to ask Ella to leave, making it clear that she wanted Kaden to speak his mind.

"Very well, Ms. Sharp, I'd like to explain myself to you. That day, I acted impulsively. I apologize. Please forgive my audacity It's just that I care deeply for Elsie and only want to make her happy. So, I apologize for my foolish behavior, and I won't do something like that again."

Kaden offered a sincere apology, one that might sway anyone, but not Valeria.

However, Valeria, uninterested, responded, "That's unnecessary, Mr. Hardin. I only hope you won't meddle in our family affairs any longer."

"Thank you for your forgiveness. By the way, Mr. Maddox wants you to come out quickly. Take the left elevator. It seems he has a surprise prepared for you. I don't know the details, but you'll find out once you're there." From the beginning to the end, Kaden continued to wear a friendly smile.

Since her father asked her over there, Valeria adjusted her hair and glanced at Ella, saying, "Okay. I'm ready. Let's go."

Ella wasn't particularly fond of attending such events, feeling out of place in this atmosphere.

"Valeria, I think I'll pass. I might feel a bit awkward at these gatherings. I'll head back now."

Valeria understood Ella's feelings and didn't want to force her into something she didn't enjoy.

"All right, you go ahead. Get some rest early. You don't have to wait for me."

"Okay, take care of yourself"

So, Valeria followed Kaden out of the lounge. The two of them headed toward the banquet hall together. When they reached the elevator, Kaden guided her to the left one. "Ms. Sharp, this way, please."

"What kind of surprise is it?" Valeria could not help but ask.

"I'm not sure, and Mr. Maddox didn't tell me. He just asked me to take you in this elevator," Kaden replied with a shrug.

Valeria wondered if Clayton had prepared a gift for her outside the elevator or given her a huge bouquet of flowers. That was all she could think of. Otherwise, what surprise would there be?

After they entered the elevator, Kaden stood behind Valeria. The smile on his face was disappearing bit by bit.

However, at that moment, Valeria was oblivious to what awaited her. The elevator descended floor by floor as she eagerly anticipated the opening of its doors..

With a soft chime, the elevator doors slowly slid open.

At that moment, Kaden suddenly said, "Ms. Sharp, please step out and turn right on the left side of the elevator. I think I left my phone in the lounge, and I need to retrieve it." Valeria didn't pay much attention to Kaden's words and walked out of the elevator. Was the banquet hall on this floor? Why was it so deserted, with no sound to be heard? And where was the surprise? Valeria hadn't seen anything yet.

Valeria wasn't exactly disappointed, just curious about what Clayton had prepared as a surprise.

She started looking for the banquet hall down the corridor but found nothing in sight.

In the next moment, a cloth suddenly covered her mouth from behind, and before she could react or scream, she was rendered unconscious and slumped into the arms of the man behind her. The two men then carried the unconscious Valeria on their shoulders and entered a room. Not long after, two people walked out of the room with a large suitcase, in which Valeria was concealed.

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, everyone was eagerly awaiting Valeria's entrance, but she had yet to appear.

At this point, Kaden had silently returned to Elsie's side.

Clayton began to feel irritated, asking, "Why hasn't she come yet? Could she have changed her mind?"

"Give her a little more time. Women take time to get ready. Besides, it's not time yet!" Loretta spoke up in Valeria's defense, knowing that Valeria might be struggling internally or feeling conflicted, and she didn't want to pressure her. Elsie, on the other hand, remained silent, clearly displeased. Why did Valeria's return have to be celebrated with such extravagance?

"What's the big deal?" Elsie muttered under her breath.

Kaden, who was nearby, leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry. Valeria won't be coming tonight, and no one will find out about her."

After all, her identity hadn't been announced yet, and the guests at the event had no idea Clayton was about to reveal that his eldest daughter had been found. They all thought it was just an ordinary gathering.

Elsie's eyes widened instantly, and she looked at Kaden behind her in shock. "Don't tell me that you did it?"

"Hush..." Kaden just signaled Valeria to remain silent.

Elsie's heartbeat accelerated, and she was even a little bit inexplicably panicked. What had Kaden done? Why couldn't Valeria come? Had he hidden Valeria somewhere?

0094%_

She began to make all kinds of guesses. Her mind was in a mess, and she could not hear what they were saying at all.

After a while, Valeria still hadn't arrived, and Clayton was becoming impatient. He turned to Loretta and said, "Could you go to the lounge and see what's going on? Maybe she's feeling unwell."

Clayton didn't want to believe that Valeria had suddenly changed her mind. He had a feeling she wasn't that type of person.

Loretta nodded and left the banquet hall.

Meanwhile, Hackett, who had been watching silently, narrowed his eyes slightly. Valeria wasn't the type to back out at the last minute. Why hadn't she arrived yet? Could something have happened? Hackett picked up his phone and dialed Valeria's number, but no one answered, and when he called again, it went straight to voicemail.

What was going on?.

Hackett had a sinking feeling that something was amiss. He turned to leave for the lounge to check on Valeria. At that moment, Loretta returned, looking distressed. "Clayton, what do we do? Valeria is not in the lounge, and I couldn't find her anywhere. Where could she haveThis belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

gone?"