Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 330: You Made Your Bed, Now Lie in It (2)

Valerie was relieved when her father managed to break her engagement with Derek. She didn’t think she could proceed with their wedding after seeing him intimate with Airi. She knew deep down that she deserved someone who would be faithful and loyal—qualities she couldn’t find in Derek.

"Are you still worried that they will blame you for it?" Nathan asked her one morning while they were having breakfast.

Valerie shook her head. She wasn’t bothered anymore by what people might say, though she wondered if Airi would still try to bring trouble into their lives after being kicked out of their Xia family. Despite her wrongdoings, her father was kind enough not to press charges against Airi.

Valerie appreciated her father’s compassion but knew Airi’s actions had consequences. She hoped that Airi would learn from her mistakes and find a way to improve her behavior.

"I’m just worried about how Airi is fairing this time. She’d never been away from us for such a long period before," Valerie expressed her concern to her father. "I hope she realizes the impact of her actions and takes this opportunity to reflect on her choices rather than blaming us."

"Airi isn’t a child; you should coddle, Val. She knew what she was doing when she chose to get involved with Derek." Nathan responded, "You don’t have to worry about being engaged to someone else. I convinced Father to allow you to decide on your marriage."

Valerie looked up at Nathan, her eyes widening with surprise. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "What do you mean, Nathan?" she asked, unable to contain the excitement in her voice.

"I mean, Father has decided to let you choose who you want to marry," Nathan reiterated, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "He understands that you deserve to be happy and that your happiness comes first."

Valerie felt a sudden burst of warmth in her chest, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She knew her father loved her, but she never imagined that he would give her the freedom to choose her partner. Young women like her, born into affluent families, rarely had the right to choose their husbands, as their elders usually arranged or chose them.

"Thank you, Nathan," she whispered, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "I don’t know what to say."

"You don’t have to say anything, Val," Nathan said, reassuringly touching her shoulder. "Just promise me that you’ll choose someone who will treat you with the love and respect you deserve."

Valerie nodded, feeling grateful for having a brother like Nathan. She knew that he would always have her back, no matter what.

"Are you going somewhere?" Nathan asked, noticing his sister’s outfit.

Valerie smiled and nodded. Her workload had considerably lessened lately since the annual conference ended, so she decided to take a well-deserved vacation.

"I’m to meet Myrtle and Addie with her sisters. It’s been a while since I saw them, and we planned to have lunch together today." Valerie replied, standing up from her seat. "I’ll be back in time for dinner."

Nathan nodded and watched as his sister left the room, happy that Valerie could finally choose her happiness. He knew she had been through a lot, especially with Derek, and he was glad she could move forward.

Meanwhile, Valerie walked out of the house, feeling light and free. She took a deep breath of fresh air and enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her face. She couldn’t wait to see her friends and catch up with them.

Valerie met with Adrienne at the mall. Scarlett and Samantha, Adrienne’s young sisters-in-law, were acting appropriately. This wasn’t the first time she had seen them. She was amazed at how Adrienne was loved dearly, not only by her husband but also by her in-laws.

Scarlett was introverted, while her older sister, Sam, was more outgoing and talkative. Despite their different personalities and mothers, Valerie could see how close the sisters were. Samantha paid attention to her younger sister’s comfort, while the younger one helped Sam with her choices in clothes and fashion.

As the four girls walked towards the restaurant, they chatted and laughed, catching up on each other’s lives. They talked about their families, careers, and future plans. Valerie noticed that Adrienne was quieter than usual, and she could sense that something was bothering her.

"Is everything okay, Addie?" Valerie asked, placing a hand on her friend’s arm. Adrienne rarely shared her thoughts and worries with her and Myrtle unless they asked her.

Valerie was aware that the Jiang family was facing several problems lately. Even Old Master Jiang’s death was known within their circle. Adrienne had been estranged from her family for a long time, and Valerie was surprised that she hadn’t said anything yet.

"I’m fine, Val. My mom is about to make her first public appearance soon, and I’m worried about her. It wouldn’t be easy for her to see my father with Camilla, and I don’t want to see her hurt." Adrienne said, her voice trembling slightly. "I just hope everything goes smoothly and my mom can handle it."

Valerie placed a comforting arm around Adrienne’s shoulders, offering her support. She was glad that things were getting better for Adrienne. The old Adrienne she knew used to cower in fear and didn’t have a backbone to stand up for herself.

"Your mom is a strong woman, Addie. She’ll get through this and has you and your brother to rely on."

Adrienne nodded, sighing deeply. "I hope you’re right, Val. I just can’t help but worry."

As they reached the restaurant, they were greeted by Myrtle. They all hugged and exchanged pleasantries before heading to their tables.

Once settled, they ordered their food and continued their conversation. The mood was lighter now, and they talked about more trivial things, like fashion, beauty, and the latest gossip in town.

"I heard Airi has left your family. Do you have any news of her whereabouts?" Adrienne suddenly asked.

Valerie’s smile slightly faltered. It’s been a week since Airi left their home, but she couldn’t help thinking of her. She wondered what kind of life Airi had. The Xia family had provided everything she would need from the moment she was adopted by their family, and though Valerie knew her father had given Airi some money, it would run out soon.

"I heard she’s staying with one of her friends," Valerie answered, hoping that would be enough information for Adrienne. "But honestly, I haven’t talked to her since she left."

"I’m sure she’ll be fine," Myrtle chimed in. "Airi is a tough girl. She’ll find her way."

Valerie nodded, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest. She couldn’t help but feel partially responsible for what happened to Airi.

"You don’t need to feel responsible for her deeds, Val," Adrienne said as if she knew what her friend was thinking. "I’m worried about you. Since you’ve effectively unmasked Airi, she does no need to hold back."

"What do you mean, Addie?" Myrtle whispered, careful not to be overheard by Scarlett and Samantha, who were busy talking about Scarlet’s next recital.

"I’m not sure." Adrienne lowered her gaze and stared at her drink. "I can ask Uncle Shark to visit her, but I’m sure she has nowhere to go but to her uncle. He’s bad news, Val. We don’t know what he would try to do with Airi. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried something to taint the reputation of the Xia family to extort some money."

Valerie’s heart rate quickened at the thought of her family’s reputation being tarnished. She knew her father would not stand for it, and she couldn’t let that happen.

"I need to talk to Airi," Valerie said, determination in her voice. "I need to make sure that she won’t do anything that could harm my family."

Adrienne nodded. "I understand, Val. But be careful. Airi might resent you now. You never know what Airi is capable of."

Valerie knew that Adrienne was right, but she needed to do the right thing. If Airi needed help, she didn’t mind lending her a hand. However, if Airi planned to scheme something against the Xia family with her uncle, she might need to discuss it with Nathan.

"Do you think Airi hates me now?" She couldn’t help but ask. "What should I do?" Valerie asked, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. "Should I talk to my father about this?"

Adrienne shook her head. "No, don’t involve your father just yet. Let me talk to Uncle Shark and see what’s going on. In the meantime, you just focus on yourself, Val. You deserve it."

Valerie nodded, feeling grateful for having friends like Adrienne and Myrtle. They always knew how to cheer her up and support her, no matter what. As they finished their lunch and said their goodbyes, Valerie couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that their problems with Airi and her uncle were far from over, and she had a feeling that things would get worse before they got better.