Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 327: Valerie’s Fate (3)

It took two weeks before Adrienne and Valerie decided to execute the plan based on what Uncle Shark learned about Derek and Airi’s clandestine relationship. They knew they had to be careful and discreet to gather more evidence and expose the truth without causing unnecessary harm or drama.

"It’s not too late for you to back out, Val," Adrienne told Valerie as they waited for Valerie’s brother to arrive at their meeting place. The restaurant where Valerie met with her brother was where Derek and Airi frequently visited.

Adrienne’s voice was concerned as she continued, "We need to tread carefully and ensure that we don’t raise any suspicions. It could jeopardize everything if Derek and Airi catch wind of our plan."

"I know, Addie, but don’t you think it’s too late for me to back out now?" Valerie gave her friend a weak smile. She knew this day would eventually arrive, and she had decided to go through with it. The stakes were high, and she couldn’t afford to let fear hold her back.

She took a deep breath and said, "I’ve come too far to turn back now. We just have to trust that our plan will work and that Derek and Airi won’t suspect a thing."

Adrienne nodded. Because of her straightforward personality, she knew it wasn’t easy for Valerie to scheme against her younger sister. Valerie needed to pretend she had no prior knowledge of Airi’s affair with her fiance to gain her brother’s sympathy.

"You only have one chance, Val. You have to take advantage of it." Adrienne reminded her friend. "If you hesitate or show any sign of doubt, Derek and Airi will catch on. Stay strong and focused, and remember why we’re doing this."

"I understand, Addie. Leave this to me. I won’t let your help go to waste."

Valerie exchanged a few words with Adrienne before she alighted from their car. They were parked near the restaurant and expected to see Derek and Airi enter at any moment. Valerie took a deep breath, reminding herself of the importance of the mission and the potential consequences if they failed. She straightened her posture and walked towards the entrance with determination, ready to face whatever awaited her.

Valerie sat inside the restaurant and waited for her brother to arrive. It didn’t take long before she spotted Nathan coming. She lifted her hand to catch his attention. Nathan saw her and joined her.

"Did you wait for too long? Sorry for keeping you waiting," Nathan apologized as he sat across from Valerie. "I got caught up with some last-minute preparations."

Valerie smiled. She knew how hardworking her brother was. Nathan was dedicated to his work and wanted to prove she was worthy of taking on more responsibilities.

"No worries, Nathan. I understand," Valerie reassured him. "I’m just glad we finally have a chance to catch up and enjoy a meal together."

"It’s been a while, isn’t it?" Nathan smiled at her. "You’ve recently joined the company, and I have yet to treat you to a meal."

Valerie let out a laugh. "Well, better late than never," she replied. "I’m looking forward to it. Besides, I’ve heard great things about this restaurant." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Did you invite Airi? She might misunderstand you again if you keep your distance from her. "Nathan asked while Valerie took the menu before her.

Valerie hesitated before responding to Nathan’s question.

"I did invite her, Nathan, but Airi said she’s already had an appointment she cannot reschedule." She shrugged, "I don’t mind though. I figured it would be better if it were just us tonight. We can catch up on work and discuss everything happening in our lives."

Nathan nodded in agreement, and they proceeded to order their food. As they waited for their meals to arrive, Valerie couldn’t shake the guilt that washed over her. She was deceiving her brother, and it weighed heavily on her conscience.

But she couldn’t turn back now. The evidence Uncle Shark had gathered was too damning to ignore, and she knew that if she didn’t act, Derek and Airi’s relationship would only continue to escalate.

As they ate, Nathan talked about his plans for the company and how he wanted Valerie to be a key player in their upcoming projects. Valerie listened attentively, but her mind was preoccupied with the impending confrontation with her sister and fiancé.

After they finished their meal, Valerie excused herself to use the restroom. As she washed her hands, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. She was ready.

When she returned to the table, Nathan was on his phone, scrolling through emails. Valerie took the opportunity to survey the restaurant, looking for any sign of Derek and Airi.

And then she saw them. They sat at a distant table, oblivious to the events that would soon unfold. Valerie’s heart raced as she returned to her seat and sat across from Nathan.

"Nate, should we get going?" She asked.

Nathan lifted his gaze and shook his head. "I’m not that busy, Val."

His eyes then scanned the crowd, and suddenly, the smile on his face faltered. It seemed he also spotted Derek and Airi from afar.

"What’s wrong?" Valerie asked, feigning innocence.

Nathan didn’t answer immediately. His eyes fixated on Airi, who was smiling sweetly on Derek. Her arm twined with him, and she laughed about something Derek had said. Nathan’s expression changed, and Valerie knew he was picking up on something.

"Nate, what’s the matter?" Valerie pressed.

Nathan shook his head, but his eyes had already darkened. Valerie was too familiar with her brother’s expression. She could see the anger building inside him. She knew Nathan had a strong sense of justice.

"Let’s wait for a while, Val." He answered.

Valerie was about to ask what was happening, but he cut him and said, "Please."

She could only nod and lower her gaze, feeling guilty that she had tricked her brother into seeing Derek and Airi.

"That’s it," he said, standing up from his seat. "I can’t stand seeing them like that."

Valerie stood up, too. "Wait, Nathan. What’s going on? Let’s talk about this first."

Nathan stared at her for a moment. He hesitated momentarily, then glanced in their young sister’s direction only to see Airi kissing Valerie’s fiance.