Chapter 2446

It was very late when Valerie finally returned home to the Reyes residence.

“Ms. Valerie, Ms. Theron would like you to come see her,” Uriel said as he appeared out of nowhere like a ghost.

Valerie clutched her chest and grumbled, “Mr. Atkinson, you’ve got to stop sneaking up on me like that. You scared the hell out of me.”

Uriel chuckled. “I just had to make sure you were behaving yourself. If you weren’t, I’d have to step in for Mr. Reyes Senior and give you a little reminder of manners.”

Valerie said coldly, “Dad and you are always worried about me. But don’t you realize I’m a grown adult now? I’m no longer that silly girl who needs constant lectures. I’m a Major General in the military now. I have my own subordinates. I can handle any situation.”

Uriel shook his head. “Unless the day comes when I’m dead and buried, I’ll never stop looking after you, Miss. It’s my duty to keep you in line.”

Valerie felt displeased, but she did not dare act out against Uriel. She took a deep breath and asked, “What’s this about anyway?”

Uriel replied, “It’s about your marriage. You’ll understand when you go see Ms. Theron.”

Valerie’s eyes widened, and her tone turned sharp. “My marriage? She’s trying to marry me off? No way! That’s not happening. I’m not done having fun, and I’m definitely not getting married. Not in this lifetime!”

Fuming, she stormed off toward Elaine.

When she arrived, she did not even bother with greetings. “Mom, what’s this supposed to mean? I just heard from Uriel that you’re trying to marry me off?”

Elaine smiled. “Valerie, perfect timing. I have an excellent marriage prospect here that I want to discuss with you. You don’t have to decide right away, but I hope you’ll consider it.”

Valerie frowned. “Mom, who is it? Is it someone from the Harding family? Or another family? You should know my temperament; I don’t fancy anyone. If anyone dares to covet me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Elaine stepped forward and took her delicate hand, coaxing, “Valerie, you’re not getting any younger. Career is important, but marriage needs to be considered too. I’m only two years older than you, but look, I’m already married now.”

Valerie scowled. “That’s different. You got snatched up by my dad—an old man chasing after someone younger. Honestly, I’ve never understood why you’d want to be with someone his age. Doesn’t it feel… weird when he touches you?”

Elaine’s cheeks instantly flushed bright red, and she said angrily, “Valerie, you’re out of line! How can you casually comment on such things? I married Finnegan because I admire him, because I was willing. It has nothing to do with our age difference.”

Valerie pouted. “Mom, stop fooling yourself. Even though he’s my dad, I know what kind of person he is. Men, once they’re powerful, want multiple partners, a harem of thousands. Even my dad isn’t some saint.

“When you married him, rather than calling it admiration, you were just greedy for the power he held. And what my dad valued was just your youthful beauty. These years, you’ve really been keeping him satisfied.”