Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 74: Uninvited Summons

The air conditioner hummed gently as they sprawled out on the plush beige couch, their legs stretched out, each holding a glass cup filled with layers of cake and cream. The mess from their earlier celebration still lay around the room—deflated balloons sagging against the walls, bits of confetti glittering on the carpet, and a few empty party hats stacked on the coffee table.

Valerie spooned a generous bite of cake into her mouth, leaning back with a sigh of satisfaction. "You know," she began, her words muffled by the cake, "if my junior at work rolls his eyes at me one more time, I might actually lose it. How can someone be that cocky and that wrong?"

Delphinia chuckled, delicately scooping up a bit of cake from her glass. "Maybe he thinks he’s impressing you. You know, ’Oh, look at me, I’m so smart.’"

"Please," Valerie groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "If that’s his idea of flirting, he’s doomed. I don’t date children."

Delphinia smiled, her shoulders relaxing as she sank deeper into the couch. "Well, at least you have work drama to complain about. My new life is... different."

Valerie perked up, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Oh, yes, Mrs. Walton, how’s the glamorous life of being a wife and stepmother?"

Delphinia rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "It’s... busy. I’m still getting used to it. And stepmother isn’t exactly the term I imagined for myself at this point in life."

Valerie smirked, propping her chin on her hand. "I still can’t believe you beat me to becoming a mom, even if it’s by marriage."

Delphinia gave a small laugh, looking down at her glass. "Yeah, though technically, I’m a stepmother. It’s still surreal sometimes."

Valerie tilted her head, her curiosity unrelenting. "Do you know anything about her mom?"

Delphinia shook her head. "No, not really. I’ve never asked, and Evander hasn’t brought it up. I figured it’s not my place."

Valerie’s brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded. "Probably for the best. Still, I can’t help but wonder."

They kept talking, their voices softening as things grew more peaceful. Delphinia glanced at her watch and let out a small sigh. "I should probably head home. I promised Evander I wouldn’t be late."

Valerie pouted, leaning back against the couch. "Already? The night’s still young."

"I know," Delphinia said, standing up and reaching for her bag, "but I don’t want to break my word. Besides, you’ve had your cake, your gifts, and my company. What more could you possibly need?"

Valerie laughed, standing up to give her a tight hug. "Fine, fine. Thanks again for everything. And I love the watch. Seriously, it’s perfect."

Delphinia smiled warmly. "I’m glad you like it. Happy birthday again, Valerie." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

With a final hug, Delphinia stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind her. The muted hum of the overhead lights followed her down the quiet hallway. The night air felt refreshing as her shoes echoed faintly on the pavement.

Wow, no drinking tonight. Not that I ever planned to, and Valerie isn’t exactly the "shots and regrets" type either. But still... Her lips pursed as her thoughts wandered.

The last time she drank... Yeah, that had been an experience. Who would’ve thought that one night of bad decisions and too many glasses of questionable cocktails could lead to, well, marriage? She nearly snorted out loud at the memory.

Better to stay clear of it entirely, she decided. Unless, of course, she found herself utterly heartbroken, seething with rage, or drowning in misery. Then, maybe—just maybe—a drink could be justified.

She didn’t notice the black car parked near the entrance until its doors swung open. Her stomach dropped when a group of men in sharp black suits stepped out, their presence intimidating.

Delphinia froze, her fingers tightening around her bag. The tallest of them, a man with slicked-back hair and a cold expression, stepped forward. "Young lady," he said in a clipped tone, "please come with us."

Delphinia’s stomach churned, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to stand tall, her voice steady despite the growing dread. "No. Why would I?"

The man’s expression didn’t waver. "It’s the master’s order."

Her throat tightened. Of course. Her father. She swallowed hard, her mind racing. She should have known Valerie’s apartment would be one of the first places they’d look for her. How could she have been so careless?

"I’m not going anywhere," she said firmly, taking a step back.

The man’s face stayed blank, though a hint of irritation flickered in his eyes. "Master has instructed us to bring you home. We hope you won’t make this difficult."

Delphinia’s jaw tightened, her nails digging into her palm. "Tell my father I have no intention of coming home."

The man’s lips pressed into a thin line. "We were hoping you’d comply, but if you continue to resist..." His eyes flicked briefly toward the apartment building, and Delphinia’s stomach twisted.

"No," she said sharply, her voice trembling slightly. "Don’t you dare involve her. Valerie has nothing to do with this."

"Then make this easy for all of us."

Delphinia’s chest rose and fell as she glanced back at the building, her thoughts spinning. She couldn’t risk Valerie getting caught in the crossfire. Letting out a shaky breath, she squared her shoulders and met the man’s gaze. "Fine. I’ll come with you. But leave her out of this."

The man inclined his head slightly, gesturing toward the car. "This way."

Delphinia paused before following him, dread weighing her down. The other men stepped aside, their expressions cold as she got into the backseat. She clenched her fists in her lap, her thoughts racing as the door clicked shut.

As the car pulled away, she stared out the window, the city lights blurring into streaks of color. Her heart ached with anger and fear, but she forced herself to remain composed. She had made her choice, and now she would face whatever awaited her at the Harrington estate.