Chapter 8 Meeting the Cooperation Partner

After picking out her clothes, Valerie noticed Howard still quietly watching her.

Feeling a bit shy under his gaze, she held up two outfits for him to choose from. "Which one do you think looks better?"

"Which one?" Howard looked at the clothes, clearly not suitable for a formal occasion, and hesitated.

He was about to gently explain when Valerie continued, "Where are we going for our... first date tomorrow?"

"Date?"

"Yeah, isn't it?" Valerie was also taken aback.

Howard chuckled softly, moving his wheelchair closer to Valerie with a teasing smile. "When did I say we were going on a date tomorrow?"

"You said you were taking me out and to dress formally..." Valerie was completely confused. She lowered her hands slightly that were holding the two outfits.

Seeing Howard remain silent, Valerie grew anxious. "What is it then?"

"Do you remember the collaboration project between the Carter Group and Aurelia Holdings?" Howard said gently. "You might need to meet some of the partners."

Instantly, Valerie felt a rush of heat from her feet to her head, realizing her mistake. She looked at the clothes in her hands, feeling utterly embarrassed.

She took a step back, her eyes darting around. Hugging the clothes to her chest, she stammered, "S-sorry! I thought it was..." The word "date" was now too embarrassing to say.

"It's okay," Howard said, amused by Valerie's reaction. "Given our unique situation, it's understandable to think that way, and we indeed need that."

"Enough!" Valerie gathered the clothes in her arms, signaling him to stop talking. She was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear.

With a forced laugh, she quickly ran back to her room, slamming the door and leaning against it. She could feel her heart pounding wildly.

She ruffled her hair, closed her eyes, and stomped her feet in embarrassment. "So embarrassing..."

Just then, her phone vibrated. She saw a message from Wayne.

[He didn't do anything to you, did he?]

[People like him are usually very dark inside. Marrying someone you barely know, how could he be a good person?]

[You should divorce him quickly. Staying away from him is best for you.]

[Don't say I didn't warn you. You'll regret it if something happens.]

Valerie's smile faded as she read the messages, her face growing cold. Since they had broken up, what business was it of Wayne's?

Howard might not be perfect, but Wayne certainly wasn't either. Deciding to ignore him, Valerie put her phone aside.

Wayne, noticing she had seen the messages but not replied, sent more.

[I know you saw my messages. Don't ignore me.]

[He's really not a good person. Don't you trust me?]

[Reply quickly.]

Valerie closed her eyes, turned off her phone, and tossed it aside.

The next day, Valerie woke up early and dressed carefully before heading downstairs.

Joseph and Howard were already waiting in the living room. Her appearance caught their attention. Howard's eyes were drawn to her, and even Joseph couldn't help but take a second look.

Valerie smiled slightly and walked towards Howard with elegance and confidence. Howard's eyes showed a hint of admiration, and he smiled. "You look great."

She twirled in front of him. "Is this appropriate now?"

Howard chuckled. "Absolutely."

The three of them headed to a high-end restaurant. As they entered, Howard explained why they were here to the staff.

On the way, Howard quietly briefed Valerie on the preferences and dislikes of their business partners, even sharing some amusing gossip that piqued her curiosity.

"Valerie?" A familiar voice called out, and she turned to see Wayne and Laura standing nearby.

Her smile froze as her mood soured at their presence.

"It really is you," Wayne said, walking over. His expression darkened when he saw Howard.

Turning to Valerie, he spoke with displeasure. "Didn't you see what I sent you yesterday?"

"Yes, Valerie, Wayne was only looking out for you," Laura added, linking arms with Wayne and glancing disdainfully at Howard in his wheelchair.

"Marrying a disabled man like that, your future is uncertain," Laura said softly. "If you're mistreated, how can he stand up for you? Have you thought about that?"

"As a woman, you'll have to handle Aurelia Holdings' affairs and then come home to take care of him. Won't that exhaust you?"

"To be blunt, being with him will ruin you!"

Valerie's smile vanished. "It's none of your business."

She shot a scornful look at Wayne and Laura, finally focusing on Laura. "And you."

"You came to Aurelia Holdings pretending to apologize, then cursed me insincere, and now you're here to judge my life."

"Is it because life with Wayne is too comfortable and boring after his proposal?"

Wayne's face turned red with anger at Valerie's sarcasm. He pulled Laura behind him, shouting, "Valerie!"

Before he could say more, he noticed a group of people at the entrance and his eyes lit up.

Ignoring Valerie, he led Laura towards the entrance. "Mr. Wilson, what a coincidence to see you here."

Wayne rubbed his hands together, smiling at Robert Wilson. "Since we're here, would you like to join us for a meal?"

"And you are...?" Robert asked impatiently.

"I'm Wayne from the Smith family—"

Robert, clearly uninterested, glanced around and noticed Howard in his wheelchair. His demeanor changed instantly, and he pushed Wayne aside.

With a broad smile, Robert approached Howard. "Sorry, I didn't see you because someone was in the way."