llionaire’s Second Chance: Winning Her Back
Chapter 36 Morning Sickness at the Dinner Table
Christopher finally noticed the slap mark on my face, his brows knitting together. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Does it hurt?”
I tried to smile, but the pain in my cheek stopped me. “Did you even give me a chance to speak?”
Whenever it involved Evelyn, he always lost his cool.
“Hope.”
“Enough. Your precious Evelyn is still waiting in the car.”
I cut him off, unwilling to hear any more, and got back into the car. As I closed the door, his large hand gripped it.
“Cover up that mark on your face. Don’t let Bentley see it, or he’ll definitely-”
Every word felt like a knife to my heart, tearing my soul apart. I slammed the door shut, shutting Christopher out.
My eyes filled with tears, and I quickly turned away so he wouldn’t see my distress. I was the one who got hit, yet he was worried about Evelyn getting scolded.
Ignoring the fact that he hadn’t left yet, I floored the gas pedal and sped out of the parking lot.
Just as I stopped at a red light in front of the company building, my phone rang. It was Elissa.
I cleared my throat before picking up.
“Did Evelyn hit you?” Elissa asked urgently.
“Word travels fast at the office.”
“How can you joke about this?”
Elissa sounded annoyed. “So she really hit you?”
“Yeah, but it’s no big deal. ”
I didn’t want her to worry. She had a fiery temper and could do something rash if not calmed down.
Elissa didn’t believe me. “Don’t lie to me. I heard she slapped you.”
“Elissa, I’m really fine. Don’t get mad.”
“You better be!”
“I swear, I’m okay. I’m heading to the Valence family manor now. I’ll come by your place later so you can see for yourself, alright?”
“Alright.”
Elissa hung up faster than usual, which was rare for her.
Feeling uneasy, I sent her a quick message on Facebook. She replied instantly, which eased my mind a bit.
When I arrived at the Valence family manor, I touched up my makeup in the car, covering the five distinct finger marks on my face.
Chapter 36 Morning Sickness at the Dinner Table
It wasn’t to avoid upsetting Christopher, but because Bentley’s health was fragile. The last time he got upset at the Valence Group, he had a health scare, and I didn’t want that to happen again.
As soon as I got out of the car, Barry Anderson, the butler, came out to greet me with a warm smile.
“Mrs. Valence, you stayed in the car for so long that Mr. Valence got worried and sent me to check on you.”
I smiled gently. “Did you just get back from your hometown? Is everything settled there? If you need any help, please let us know.”
Barry had been with the Valence family for years, serving Bentley since he was young. Everyone in the family respected him. Recently, Barry had to return to his hometown to handle the funeral arrangements for his nearly 100–year–old father.
As Barry and I chatted, he led me into the main hall. The entire Valence family, including Christopher and Evelyn, was already there, looking quite harmonious. Evelyn, not daring to act out in front of Bentley, sat quietly in the corner, trying to appear well- behaved.
“Hope’s here!” Bentley’s stern face softened into a warm smile when he saw me. He instructed a servant, “Quick, bring Hope some of that fresh coffee we got today. She loves it. And pack the rest for her to take home.”
Christopher’s aunt, Audrey Valence, seeing Bentley in a good mood, playfully feigned annoyance. “Mr. Valence, you’re playing favorites!”
“So what if I am?” Bentley replied proudly. “She’s my granddaughter–in–law. You’ll understand when you have your grandson.”
Everyone burst into laughter, except for Evelyn, who clutched her dress so tightly it wrinkled, her eyes cold and piercing.
I smiled and found a seat, taking a small sip of the coffee the servant had just brought. “Bentley always thinks of us whenever he gets something nice.”
“No wonder Mr. Valence favors you; you really have a way with words!” Audrey laughed.
I smiled back but didn’t say much more. After a bit more light conversation, Barry called everyone to the dining table.
The seating for family dinners was always pre–arranged. Bentley sat at the head, with Christopher’s uncle’s family on his right. On his left were Christopher, me, Charlie, and Evelyn, in that order. The hierarchy was clear.
Evelyn, despite her dissatisfaction, had to hold it in. She might cause trouble for me elsewhere, but at the Valence family manor, even if Christopher and I were to divorce, she wouldn’t dare bully me here.
I ate slowly and carefully. Audrey enthusiastically offered, “Hope, try these prawns. I heard from Barry that you love them, so Mr. Valence made sure to get them specially for you. They were flown in fresh from the sea. We’re all benefiting from your good taste.”
Touched, I glanced at Bentley, his temples graying, and felt a surge of gratitude. In many ways, Bentley had filled the void of family affection I had missed for over a decade.
“Thank you, Bentley.” I smiled sweetly, picked up a prawn, and was about to eat it when a wave of nausea hit me. Clutching my mouth, I rushed to the bathroom.
