Natalie had also soon arrived at Archer’s office alongside Braelynn.
Valeria’s eyes lit up upon seeing Braelynn and said, “Braelynn, you’re here too? Come and have a seat here!”
Braelynn greeted Archer politely before sitting down beside Valeria. She said with a smile, “I am free today and President Garcia had brought me over to have a free meal later.”
“The dinner would not be enjoyable at all. You would lose your appetite upon seeing Michael’s mother putting on a ridiculous act later.”
Braelynn grinned and said, “It’s okay, I’ve seen a lot of good shows. She can continue her act while I enjoy the delicious food. Don’t worry as I would not be easily affected by it.”
Archer chuckled and said, “Braelynn is such a flexible person. Valeria, you ought to learn a thing or two from her.”
“It’s fine if Ms. Valeria just sits back and relaxes. She doesn’t have to do this as Mr. Howard is always her trump card. However, things are different for me. I would be faced with hell if I don’t have a few tricks under my sleeve.”
Valeria was feeling pitiful for her although Braelyn had replied with an uplifting tone. Braelynn had excelled in her studies in high school and was being sent to further her studies abroad. She must have been bullied and suffered a lot at such a young age. Lucian did not truly adore her as she had other plans in mind. Lamont, on the other hand, did not truly understand her as her father. It was impressive for Braelyn to be such a tough cookie over these years.
Valeria reached out to hold Braelynn’s hand and said, “Do not keep things to yourself when you are met with trouble. Tell me about it and I will help you out.”
“I was talking about the past and things have now changed for the better. Everyone has been very caring towards me, especially President Garcia and President Saunders. They have treated me as their own.”
Valeria had an idea and suggested, “Mom, Dad, why don’t we take Braelynn as my sister? She will then be the second daughter of the Saunders family and it will definitely be a breeze.”
Natalie nodded with a smile and agreed, “Sure, I have no objection to this proposal.”
However, Archer shook his head and said, “Nope, it’s not doable. Braelynn would then be the eldest daughter of our family instead. Valeria, have you forgotten that she is actually two years older than you?”
“I’m fine with that. I am willing to step down if both of you agree to it.”
Braelynn was very touched and said, “Valeria, President Saunders, President Garcia, thank you so much for treating me so kindly. I genuinely appreciate the gesture but I am lucky enough to have a pair of supportive parents. They have given me a second life and I will forever be grateful to them. I have deemed them to be my biological parents forever.”
Braelynn was indeed very loyal towards Lamont and Lucian ever since they had adopted her. Unfortunately, Lucian had some ulterior motives in mind. Braelyn would definitely be fuming with anger if she came to know that Lucian was actually the one behind her biological parents’ death.
Valeria and Archer stared at each other and immediately changed the topic.
The four of them continued chatting in the office for a while. Archer then glanced at his watch and said, “The meetup session would be starting soon. Let’s make our way to the private room now.”
They got up and went to the private room. It was seen that Stanty, Meadow, and Micahel had already arrived.
Stanty smiled and stood up to greet the Saunders family. Meadow also put on an awkward smile and addressed them politely.
She greeted Archer and Natalie politely but her gaze suddenly changed upon the sight of Valeria.
Valeria was aware of her feelings and was extremely pleased to see Meadow in a displeased state. Valeria put on a forceful smile and said, “Mr. and Mrs. Davis, hello there!”
Stanty was a businessman and would not give Valeria an annoyed look when he was also feeling dissatisfied with Valeria. He smiled and said, “I am friends with your father and it’s fine if you address me by my name.”
Valeria grinned and said, “Mr. Davis is a much more suitable greeting. After all, Michael had also addressed my father by President Saunders instead of Archer.”
Stanty was stunned as she had gracefully opposed his idea. He had initially expected Archer’s daughter to be rather clueless and naive.
Meadow was extremely displeased upon seeing Stanty being refused by Valeria. Meadow put on a forceful smile and said, “We came to B City today not just to meet with the Saunders family. We have also invited Richard and his sister to tag along. President Saunders, is it alright?”
Meadow had even invited Richard and Abbie to attend dinner tonight. What was she trying to do?
Valeria thought to herself while Archer smiled faintly and replied, “I would have no objection as long as Mr. and Mrs. Davis are okay with it.”
The Saunders family sat down and footsteps soon emerged from outside. Richard and Abbie had also arrived and they greeted both Stanty and Meadow politely. It could be seen that the Clark and Davis families were very close with each other.
Stanty and Meadow still had their smiles on but there was a hint of displeasure on Meadow’s gaze upon the sight of Abbie.
Abbie was not naive and had certainly felt the awkward gaze from Meadow. She was different than Azalea as she would not take the initiative to mend things up. She greeted the adults before taking a seat beside Valeria.
Valeria, Braelynn, and Abbie began to chat with each other. The waiter then came in to serve them tea but Valeria was not a fan of it. Abbie then instructed the waiter, “She would like a glass of fruit juice, preferably either fresh corn juice or tomato juice.”
“Why would you opt for those? I hate them the most,” Valeria glared at Abbie.
“I heard that tomato is beneficial for your skin. You shall hang in there for a while for the sake of the babies in your belly.”
Meadow was taken aback as Michael did not mention anything about Valeria’s pregnancy. Stanty and Meadow were both unaware that Valeria and William had already registered as a married couple.
Meadow assumed that she had gotten ahold of Valeria’s big secret. How could the daughter from a well-cultured family be caught in a premarital pregnancy?
Meadow blinked her eyes and chimed in, “Valeria is pregnant? Since when did it happen? When are you planning to get married?”
Valeria remained silent as she did not want to have any contact with her. Natalie then replied, “It has been about three months!”
“What? Why aren’t you married yet? Could it be possible that William is reluctant to marry you? How irresponsible of him! Why would he do this when you are pregnant with his children? Isn’t this an embarrassing thing to Valeria? You guys have to convince him to register with Valeria as a married couple as soon as possible.”
Meadow spurted her opinion at the speed of lightning and Michael, who was seated next to her, had no chance to interrupt her. He was out of words upon seeing Meadow making a joke out of herself.
‘Valeria, you have criticized me for being a mistress. However, you are currently caught being pregnant before marriage. Well, it looks like you are not better than me either.’
Meadow thought to herself and took a sip of tea. She was then aware of the dead silence in the room as everyone was staring at her.
Meadow was feeling confused and asked, “Why are you all looking at me? Did I say something wrong? I have advised accordingly for the sake of Valeria! It’s vital to protect the reputation of her being the daughter of a wealthy family. She would be looked down on if someone else finds out about such a disgraceful thing, right?”
“Mrs. Davis, may I know how did you ascertain that Valeria was indeed caught being pregnant before marriage?” Natalie no longer smiled and was instead staring at Meadow with a pair of icy cold gaze.
Natalie had been a professional in the business industry and had always been very friendly towards others. However, she would not hesitate to act ruthlessly should one gets onto her nerves. Meadow was feeling extremely uncomfortable upon the sharp gaze from Natalie.