Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Valerie stood outside the door and frowned. She knew that Ashley didn’t like her, but she didn’t expect Ashley to be so hostile towards her, even though she had paid off the money she owed Julian long ago. Not only was her mother trying to sell her marriage for money, but even Ashley still kept this in mind

At that moment, Ashley stormed out of the room and instantly froze u

upon seeing Valerie, realizing that Valerie might have overheard what she had just said. Ashley didn’t dare make eye contact with Valerie and dragged Aiden downstairs.

“Mom, Dad, no, no fighting!” said Aden

“Keep out of grown–ups‘ business! Ashley snarled.

Aiden was trying to keep up with Ashley but almost fell. Valerie was worried and thought, ‘She’s Aiden’s mom. Even if she’s mad, she wouldn’t hurt. him Valerie quickly took the gifts to the living room and closed the door to avoid getting teased by the neighbors.

Julian was sitting in the living room chair with his head hanging down. A trace of surprise flashed across his face when he saw her coming. “Valerie, why are you here!”

Valerie interrupted him by asking. “Did you fight with Ashley again!”

He sighed, feeling pretty stuck. “Tve been wanting to get a piano for Aiden because it’s the first thing he’s ever asked for. He’s mentally challenged and is never good at anything I want to do this for him. But when I talked to Ashley, she said we didn’t have the money I’ve been handing over nearly all my salary to her. How can we not have 4,000 dollars! I just can’t figure out what’s happening with our finances.”

“Calm down, Julun. How did she explain this?” asked Valerie.

“She said buying a piano was a waste of money because Aiden wouldn’t be able to use it. She also said that she put all the money in funds and stocks and lost a lot of money a while ago. She’s trapped now answered Julian

valerie couldn’t help but frown. Funds and stocks had been a total mess lately. Even the pros were losing money. And Ashley had gone all–in with her money.

Julian continued, “I asked her to withdraw the money, and she got mad and blamed you. Sorry, Valerie. Don’t take it to your heart. She was overwhelmed by anger. I’ll talk to her after this”

Tm fine, really. But you really shouldn’t have left Aiden outside. He might be traumatized,” said Valerie.

Julian was stunned and felt guilty. “You’re right. It won’t happen again.”

Valerie remembered the bank card Julian gave her last time. She took it out and handed it to him. “Why don’t you use the money to buy a plano for

Aiden.

“No, Valerie, I can’t take it back. Don’t worry. I will have my salary in sen days. F’ll have the money for the piano then,” said Jalian seriously. “You’re married. Valene, so you should discuss it with your husband before spending money. I hope you learn from what happened to me and Ashley”

Valerie felt pretty bummed out and thought the whole thing was a bit ridiculous. Who in their right mind would dump all their cash into stocks and funds without any backup plan she thought. Her mind raced with dark thoughts, and she couldn’t help blurring out, “What if she was scammed?

12:17 PM