Chapter 4

Daniel's fawning smile instantly froze on his face, his voice unconsciously rising, "Didn't we already agree on everything? Why are there suddenly conditions?"

"You can take all this money," Howard said, sitting straight in his wheelchair, his gaze as cold as frost.

"My condition is that from now on, you stay far away from Valerie." He emphasized each word as if forcing them through clenched teeth, with undeniable finality.

"Deal!" Daniel agreed without hesitation. He grinned, revealing yellowed teeth, his smile practically overflowing with greed.

"The contract..." Howard shifted slightly, gesturing to Joseph. His movement was elegant and fluid; despite sitting in a wheelchair, it didn't diminish his authority or presence in the slightest.

Joseph immediately pulled a contract from his briefcase. Daniel and Valerie were stunned, suddenly realizing that Howard had anticipated this situation before taking her home.

Perhaps shortly after they registered their marriage, Howard had already thoroughly investigated her background.

Valerie lowered her eyes, feeling embarrassed that her terrible family situation was now exposed so openly before Howard.

Howard sensed her discomfort and turned slightly, their eyes meeting. She noticed Howard's grip on her hand tightened. His hand was large and warm, firmly enveloping her smaller one. Valerie's heartbeat suddenly quickened, an inexplicable feeling quietly spreading within her.

Joseph had barely handed over the contract when Daniel eagerly snatched it. His eyes bulged like saucers, fixated on every word of the contract, his appearance extremely greedy.

But seeing Howard's directness, Daniel gritted his teeth and threw out another number. "Add another five thousand dollars a month! Not a penny less." His tone grew demanding, the greed on his face increasingly obvious.

Joseph crossed his arms, unable to hold back a cold laugh. "So insatiable," he muttered, his eyes full of contempt for Daniel.

"There will be no increase. I can cancel this marriage, and you'll owe me two hundred thousand dollars," Howard said slowly. His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an invisible intimidation that instantly silenced Daniel.

Hearing there was no room for negotiation, Daniel immediately turned and signed where Joseph indicated.

Daniel grinned without hesitation, clutching the money on the table, not once looking at Valerie.

Valerie's eyes reddened slightly, filled with anger and hurt. She looked up at Howard and found him watching her with concern.

Howard frowned slightly, his eyes full of sympathy as he gently patted Valerie's hand.

Joseph handed the signed contract to Howard, who took it and unhurriedly signed his name.

With both parties' signatures, the contract officially took effect.

Daniel, holding the contract, said, "Since we won't be seeing each other anymore, you two get out of my house now!"

Valerie stared at Daniel in disbelief. After getting the money, he had burned his bridges, without a single word of concern for his daughter.

She suppressed her rage, forcibly restraining the impulse to slap this man who was her father in name only.

"Let's go," Howard's clear, deep voice came from beside her. His voice seemed to have a certain power that instantly calmed Valerie.

She had severed ties with this family that had only brought her shame. The freedom she had always dreamed of was now within reach, and it was all thanks to Howard.

Back in the car, Valerie looked at Howard and sincerely said, "Thank you."

Howard turned slightly, his gaze deep and gentle. "It's okay." Their eyes met in the air, and Valerie felt a warmth rise within her, quickly turning her head to look out the window.

Looking at the unfamiliar scenery outside, Valerie realized he wasn't taking her to Aurelia Holdings.

Valerie startled, instinctively asking, "Where are you taking me?" Her voice carried a hint of surprise and curiosity.

"My home," Howard's voice was deep and firm.

"What?" Valerie's eyes widened as she turned to look at Howard.

Howard glanced at her, raising an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth turning up in a charming smile. "You don't want to?" he teased.

Valerie blushed and quickly shook her head.

In just two days, she had married a man with whom she had no emotional foundation. She hadn't yet adjusted to the idea.

The car soon stopped in front of a villa. The mansion before her was magnificent, with a garden full of blooming flowers and shady trees. Valerie stared in astonishment.

Then she saw Joseph wheeling Howard toward her.

"This... this is your home?" Valerie stammered. Her voice was full of surprise and disbelief.

Howard nodded matter-of-factly. "Yes, I've been fortunate these years. Good bonuses, plus some investments." His tone was casual and natural, as if none of this was worth mentioning.

Valerie's jaw nearly dropped, her complex emotions instantly vanishing without a trace.

Only endless amazement remained.

They were both project managers at work, yet the gap between them was enormous.

He had investments, savings, while she...

Thinking about this, Valerie felt a surge of sadness.

She sniffled, not wanting to dwell on the past anymore.

She shook her head, following them into the villa, listening to Howard explain the layout, when suddenly something occurred to her.

Her gaze fell on Howard, a trace of awkwardness appearing on her pretty face.

But since they were legally married, she found it difficult to bring up the request for separate bedrooms.

"What's wrong?" Howard noticed her unease, turned around, and looked at her. His gaze was gentle and concerned, as if he could see through her thoughts.

He took the initiative. "We're not very familiar with each other yet, and I work very late, which might disturb your rest. Why don't we live separately for now?"

"When we're more comfortable with each other, we can decide whether to live together. Is that okay?" He tilted his head slightly, his face bearing a questioning expression.

Valerie's eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded. Her movement was somewhat eager, as if afraid Howard might change his mind.

Realizing her reaction was too hasty, she quickly waved her hand, "Actually, I..."

"You don't need to be too formal here. Just be yourself," Howard said with a smile. His smile was warm and friendly, making Valerie feel at ease.

"However, sometimes I might need your help, like pretending to be a loving couple. Can you do that, dear?" Howard's voice suddenly became deep and magnetic as he moved slightly closer to Valerie, his gaze fixed intently on her eyes.

Valerie looked at Howard's serious face, her heart racing. She felt her breathing quicken, the blush on her face growing more obvious. She hurriedly nodded, grabbed her suitcase, and rushed into her room.

Only after closing the door, shutting out that intense gaze, did Valerie slowly calm down.

The next morning, Valerie walked downstairs yawning, drawn to the dining table by the aroma of food. As she turned, her foot suddenly slipped, and she cried out as she lost control of her body.

The expected pain never came; instead, she fell into Howard's warm, solid embrace. Opening her eyes, his handsome face was inches away, his deep eyes and warm breath making her heart pound like a drum.

"Planning to stay in my arms all day?" Howard's voice was deep and magnetic, with a teasing smile playing at the corners of his mouth.