Chapter 9 

At Emerald Garden. 

Valeria pushed open the door and saw her son lounging on the couch, watching anime with a serious expression. 

Seeing her enter, Alex ran toward her, exclaiming, “Mommy!” 

She embraced her sleepy son and smiled gently. “Alex, were you well–behaved at Mr. Lever’s house last night?” 

“Of course!” 

Valeria touched his little face affectionately and said, “Good boy Mommy will bring you some milk.” 

“Mommy, wasn’t I great just now?” Alex’s face beamed with pride, feeling accomplished. 

Thinking about her son’s reaction at the Tasty Restaurant earlier, Valeria couldn’t help but give him a thumbs–up. 

But… how did this little rascal learn to curse? 

Valeria’s face suddenly changed. “Alex, when did you learn to use curse words? Who taught you that word?” 

“Um… Mommy, don’t be so serious, okay?” 

Alex started avoiding her gaze and pretended to watch TV, 

Valeria held Alex’s chubby little face and told him seriously, “You’re not allowed to use such foul language from now on, understand? It’s not good, and Mommy doesn’t like it.” 

“Okay…” 

Alex observed her expression and asked, “Mommy, was that man who we met tonight being mean to you?” 

“That man?” Valeria repeated in her mind. Is he talking about Hackett?” 

Valeria laughed and said, “Why do you say that?” 

“I think that man is not a nice person. Mommy, stay away from him. The look in Alex’s bright eyes looked so determined. 

Valeria couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Did this little rascal evaluate his own biological father like that? 

“Okay. Mommy will stay away from him, and you should too. If you see him, go the other way, understand?” 

Alex nodded in agreement. “Okay, Mommy, you should get closer to Keith then.” 

Keith… 

Alex liked Keith and kept saying he wanted Keith to be his dad. 

Valeria felt helpless and said, “I’ll bring you some milk. After you finish it, go to bed. No more TV. It’s not good for your eyes.” 

Meanwhile, Cheryl had also returned home. The first thing she did upon arriving home was to turn on the recording mode on her phone, ready to listen to what Hackett and Valeria had said earlier. 

Cheryl pressed the play button and listened to the entire recording 

Her face turned extremely dark. Just as she suspected! These tw people were in contact behind the scenes! 

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Chapter 9 

And Hackett even took Valerja to meet his grandfather! 

What did that mean? 

Hackett’s grandfather disliked Cheryl. Four years had passed, but he still refused to accept her, always insisting that Valeria was the only granddaughter–in–law he recognized. 

Now that Valeria had returned, it seemed that Cheryl’s dream to marry Hackett would not happen. 

Barron would find a way to reconcile Valeria and Hackett! 

“No, no!” Cheryl exclaimed in her heart. “I can’t let that happen! Absolutely!” 

Cheryl clenched her lips tightly, her face full of dissatisfaction. She was determined to get Hackett and marry into the James family. 

The next day, early morning. 

At Cooper Law Office. 

This was Valeria’s first day at the law office after returning to the country. Just as she was about to enter the office, the secretary approached her and said. “Ms. Sharp, there’s a Ms. Yeats who claims to have an appointment with you and is waiting in the office.” 

“Ms. Yeats?” 

Valeria looked puzzled. She had just returned to the country, and the only temporary case she was handling was related to the James Group. Why would “Ms. Yeats” suddenly appear? 

“Alright, I see. I’ll go take a look.” 

Valeria pushed open the office door and saw a woman wearing sunglasses on the couch in the reception area. 

“May I ask what your name… 

The woman took off her sunglasses, raised her head, and revealed her face with heavy makeup. 

It was Cheryl. 

Valeria’s face immediately turned cold. “What are you here for? To cause trouble?” 

“Valeria, why did you suddenly leave last night? I had so much to say to you.” Cheryl put on that fake smile, looking innocent 

and naive. 

Valeria sat down on the opposite couch, adopting a professional attitude. “Ms. Yeats, do you have business with me? It’s working hours. Let’s only discuss work matters.” 

Now that Hackett wasn’t present, Cheryl didn’t need to pretend to be innocent anymore. She took out a card and placed it on the coffee table. “Valeria, I don’t know what your purpose is for coming back this time, but if money can solve this problem, you can ask for as much as you want, as long as you stay away from Hackett. 

Well 

“How much money is in this card? Valeria asked. 

Cheryl thought she had piqued Valeria’s interest, “2 million dollars.” 

“You think you can dismiss me with 2 million dollars? Is Hackett only worth that much to you! Remember, the james family Is incredibly wealthy Valeria’s words were dripping with sarcas 

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Chapter 9 

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Cheryl widened her eyes in surprise. She didn’t expect Valeria to say such things. 

“Hackett doesn’t love you at all! Otherwise, why would he divorce you? Even if the James family is incredibly wealthy, it has nothing to do with you! Don’t be too greedy! 2 million dollars is a large sum of money!” Cheryl exclaimed. 

Valeria chuckled lightly. “If that’s the case, what are you afraid of?” 

“What am I afraid of? Afraid of what?” Cheryl had a hint of guilt the moment. She was afraid that Hackett would remarry. 

“Then why would you give me money? Are you afraid that Hackett and I will get back together?” 

Cheryl was so angry that her nails dug deep into her palms as she sternly said, “I don’t want to see you bothering Hackett and affecting our relationship! In short, I hope you disappear from Hackett’s world forever! 

“I would prefer if you both disappeared from my world. If you have nothing else to say, please leave. I’m busy,” Valeria replied, not bothering to entertain Cheryl’s presence any longer She stood up and walked toward her desk. 

Cheryl was furious and stood up in anger. “So, you’re saying you’ll continue to pester Hackett and try to use Barron’s favor toward you to achieve your goal of remarrying Hackett, right? 

Valeria was genuinely exasperated. Why did Cheryl always feel like it was Valeria who was pestering Hackett 

“So what if 1 am? Once I have Hackett, I’ll get the incredible wealth of the James family. Do you think I care about your 2 million dollars! Take your card and get out of my face. It’s Hackett’s business to spoil you, but I’m not obligated to show you respect!” Valeria sat back down, ready to check the documents on her desk. 

Meanwhile, Cheryl suddenly seemed out of breath. She clutched her chest, trembling as she pointed at Valeria. “You…. You… 

The next moment, Cheryl collapsed to the ground with a thud, fainting. 

Valeria was momentarily stunned by the sight 

Was it real? Or was Cheryl just pretending right now? 

Valeria hesitated for a few seconds, then got up and walked over, calling out, “Ms. Yeats?” She noticed Cheryl’s pale face. Cheryl was lying motionless on the carpet as if she had fainted. 

Valeria started panicking and quickly took her phone from her bag to dial 911. Then, she called Hackett. Surprisingly, four years had passed, but Hackett’s phone number hadn’t changed. 

The phone rang a few times before he answered. 

“Who is this?” A deep, cold voice came from the other end. 

“It’s me, Valeria. Your beloved Cheryl fainted in my office. We’re taking her to the hospital now. You should come quickly.” Valeria was speechless. What kind of situation was this? 

As Valeria had expected, Hackett’s furious voice came from the other end of the phone. “Why did she faint in your office? Why was she with you?” 

“We’ll talk about it at the hospital” Valeria hung up, realizing she couldn’t expla