Chapter 81: Valora’s pride

The following few days passed peacefully.

Soren seemed determined to make up for every moment he had failed to cherish Elowen. He never returned home empty-handed.

Sometimes he brought her chocolates, lilies, and something she loved to eat. Other times, he surprised her with jewelry, designer dresses, or little things he thought might make her smile.

He made time for breakfast with her, even when his schedule was packed. Whenever possible, he returned home early, eager to spend the evening with his wife and daughter.

He would sit beside Elowen, hold her hand, and listen to her talk about her day. Sometimes, he would rest his palm over her stomach and speak to their unborn child, telling her how much he was eager to welcome the little one.

Seraphina too enjoyed having her father around. She would often climb onto his lap, demanding his attention. And Soren never turned her away.

Watching him with their daughter filled Elowen’s heart with warmth. She had once longed for such simple gestures. And now they were becoming part of her everyday life.

Gradually, the pain she had carried for years began to ease. She knew that the past couldn’t be erased, and she wasn’t foolish enough to believe that a few affectionate days could undo everything.

But Soren was trying, and that mattered to her.

Perhaps they could finally build a happy family she had always wanted.

Unfortunately, those who wanted to destroy their peaceful marriage had no intention of letting them enjoy it for long.

That afternoon, Adel arrived at the Vale estate carrying a gift box. The smile on her face was bright, but there was something artificial about it.

"Valora," she drawled, opening her arms to greet her. She hugged her, kissing her cheek. "How have you been?"

"Just fine," Valora replied with a welcoming smile. "Come, have a seat."

As they both took their seats, Adel handed her the box. "This is a little something for you."

"You didn’t have to bring anything." Even though Valora said that, she eagerly opened the box. She was always curious about the gifts Adel brought her.

When she unwrapped it, she found a collection of skin care products. "Oh!" Her eyes lit up with surprise. "I love this brand."

"I know," Adel replied with a smile. "They’ve just launched a new anti-aging range. I thought you might like it, so I brought these for you."

"I love them," Valora beamed. "Thank you."

She put the box aside. She then called out to the housekeeper. "Mrs. Gable, bring us some coffee."

The housekeeper promptly went into the kitchen and started brewing the coffee.

Valora turned her attention back to Adel. "By the way, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Tahlia. She used to visit me so often, but she hasn’t come here even once in the past week. She hasn’t called me either."

Ever since the dinner that night, Tahlia had stopped visiting the Vale estate. Valora assumed it was because Soren had refused to marry her.

"How is she doing these days? I hope she hasn’t fallen sick."

Adel was slightly taken aback.

She had expected Valora to know about Tahlia’s past actions, about how she had spiked Soren’s drink to force him to marry her. But judging by her concerned question, it was obvious that Valora was still unaware of everything.

’Soren hasn’t told his mother the truth yet.’

Something cunning sparked inside Adel’s brain.

She had originally come to ease the tension between the two families. But now that she knew Valora was still in the dark, she thought she could use the situation to her advantage.

"Don’t worry. She is fine." Adel waved a hand, trying to dismiss her concern. The next moment, her face fell. "It’s just..."

She let out a heavy sigh as she continued, "She has been quite upset lately. Soren dismissed her."

"What did you say?" Valora exclaimed, staring at her in disbelief.

She had no idea that Soren had fired Tahlia.

"He dismissed her! How could he do that?"

"Don’t be angry, Valora. It was Tahlia’s mistake," Adel said in a pitiful tone, as if trying to soothe her. "She did something that upset Soren. That’s why he fired her."

"He can’t fire her because she made a mistake," Valora exploded. "Doesn’t he understand that our families share a deep bond for years? He can’t throw away that friendship over a small mistake. I’ll talk to him."

Adel’s eyes sparkled with hope. But she hid it beneath a weary look. "He is the boss of the company. No one can challenge his authority. And I don’t want you to end up fighting with your own son over this. I don’t want this matter to create a rift between you and Soren."

"No, Adel. I won’t stay silent." Valora’s voice deepened, her anger sharpening.

She had always taken pride in being the matriarch of the Vale family. For years, she had enjoyed the respect and authority that came with her position. The household operated according to her wishes, and no one had dared to challenge her decisions.

"He can be the boss of the company," Valora muttered. "But I am the head of this family. I won’t let him ruin the friendship between our families just because of his one decision."

She lifted her chin arrogantly. "All these years, I’ve never interfered in his decisions. But that doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate everything quietly. This household should run according to my terms. Here, my decision is paramount."

She squared her shoulders, her expression turning resolute. "And I’ve decided to make Tahlia the daughter-in-law of this family."

Excitement burst through Adel’s chest. But she kept her expression doubtful. "But Soren is already married."

"Everyone knows about the reality of that marriage," Valora cut in sharply. "I’ve never accepted Elowen. I’ve only tolerated her all these years because of the old man. Now that he is no longer alive, there is no need to keep her in this family."

Adel could barely contain the joy coursing through her veins. Yet she maintained a weary expression.

"They have been married for seven years. I don’t think Soren will be willing to divorce Elowen."

"It’s no longer about whether he agrees or not. It’s about the pride of this family." Valora’s eyes darkened.

"Soren himself knows that Elowen isn’t suitable to be his wife. That’s why he has never taken her along to any social gatherings. It’s obvious that he feels embarrassed to introduce her to the people in his circle."

Valora was absolutely convinced of her judgment.

In her eyes, a woman married to the Vale family should be someone from the elite family, not someone from a modest background.

Elowen didn’t come from an influential family, had no established connections among the business elite, and had no social standing. She lacked the quality of mingling with the high society.

To Valora, Elowen didn’t have the confidence and sophistication that needed to stand beside Soren at prestigious banquets and international business gatherings. Valora believed having a wife who couldn’t contribute to the family’s social influence was nothing but a shortcoming.

"But Tahlia is different," Valora added. "She was born into an elite family. She knows the etiquette, understands how these people think, and knows how to handle herself in any social setting. She is perfect in every aspect to be Soren’s wife."

Her tone turned even more resolute. "Soren should have married her a long time ago. But because of that scandal back then, the old man forced him to marry Elowen. Now it’s time to rectify that mistake."

She reached out and put a hand over Adel’s. "I’ll make sure Soren marries Tahlia."

Adel finally let her lips curl slightly. "Since you are so confident about it, I’ve no objections."