CHAPTER 5: Wife on Display

The deep hum of an engine drew everyone's attention to the front gate.

Two long black luxury sedan rolled into the Hayes residence. The Hayes family went outside.

Carter stepped out first. He walked around the vehicle and opened the rear passenger door.

A young woman in a fitted navy suit stepped out beside him. She carried herself with quiet professionalism and gave Carter a slight nod before following him towards the house.

Lydia frowned. “Carter…” She glanced at the vehicles and the woman “What's going on?”

Carter's mouth curved. “Mr. Vale believes first impressions matter.”

“Isn't this a little excessive?”

He lowered his voice. “People need to see how important you are to him.”

The young woman stepped forward. “My name is Naomi Ellis.” She inclined her head politely. “I'll be assisting you with appointments, clothing, scheduling, and anything else you may require.”

“Okay, thank you.”

Carter removed a cream envelope from his briefcase. “This is from Mr. Vale." He walked towards Richard. “As the head of the family.”

Richard reached for it. Victoria moved at the same time.

Then Richard turned. “Grace.”

“Come.” He gently drew her forward. “You should receive this with me.”

Carter paused for the briefest moment. 

Richard placed the envelope in Grace's hands. Then he looked towards the waiting car. “Lydia!”

She turned.

“I’ll take good care of your mother.” His voice carried across the driveway. “You don't have to worry.”

Lydia blinked twice, as if the second look might reveal a different man standing there.

Beside him, Victoria's smile disappeared. Her eyes remained fixed on Grace.

“Mom…” Vanessa murmured.

Lydia looked back through the rear window. Her mother waved. 

Then Carter spoke. “We’ll stop at the house first. Then proceed to Vale Group.”

Lydia looked at him. “The company?”

 “You’re meeting Mr. Vale there.”

“Is it to introduce me to the board?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

“He wants the board to hear about you from the employees before you get introduced formally to them.” 

“Is that all”

“There’s a woman who has been trying to get Mr. Vale’s attention.”

Lydia raised an eyebrow.

“Is she troublesome?”

“Not exactly. She is using business as a means to be around him. 

 Lydia laughed. “Even Louis Vale can’t get rid of someone?”

“Not without damaging a business relationship.”

Carter's expression turned serious. “But don't misunderstand, she has a professional character.”

Lydia nodded.

The gates of Louis's mansion opened automatically. The car rolled inside.

Lydia barely had time to admire the sprawling estate before Carter spoke. “We're short on time.” “Naomi please help Mrs. Vale change.”

Naomi nodded. “This way.”

She led Lydia into a comfortably furnished guest room near the entrance hall. A cream designer dress lay across the bed. Matching heels and jewellery were arranged beside it.

Lydia touched the soft fabric. Within the hour, she was dressed and back in the car.

By the time they reached Vale Group, Carter had already called ahead.

“We're almost there.” He told Louis.

Louis ended the call and left his office.

The atmosphere in the lobby shifted the moment he appeared. Employees slowed. Then stopped.

Louis checked his watch. “Five minutes.”

Whispers followed. Who was important enough to make Louis Vale come downstairs?

A few employees pretended to work while watching him.

Louis's expression hardened. “Do you all have nothing to do?”

Everyone scattered.

He watched them disappear before taking out his phone. “Carter?”

“We're outside.”

He ended the call.

A florist arrived moments later with a bouquet.

The employees who had just dispersed immediately began sneaking glances back.

A flower in Louis Vale's hand?

The whispers returned. “Who is it for?” “Is it for Miss. Ashford?” “Engaged already?” “No way.”

Louis walked towards the sedan.

He opened the rear door. Lydia stepped out.

He placed the bouquet in her hands.

She stared at it, then at him. “Is this necessary?”

“Hold it.” He leaned slightly closer. “We have an audience.”

He took her hand. Together, they walked toward the entrance.

Employees were no longer pretending to work.

Louis glanced at them. Then, clearly enough for some to hear, he said, “Come, wife.” The lobby erupted in whispers.

“Wife?” “Louis Vale is married?”

Carter followed behind them, hiding a smile. Naomi carried Lydia's handbag.

Louis didn't release Lydia's hand as they entered the elevator.

She glanced at their entwined fingers. For a second, the warmth of his hand felt strangely real. She reminded herself why it wasn't.

Across the building, Celeste Ashford’s assistant hurried toward her.

“Ms. Ashford.”

Celeste looked up from her laptop. “What is it?”

“Mr. Vale’s wife is in the building.”

Celeste’s fingers stilled over her laptop.

“Come again?”

“His wife. She’s with him.”

She closed the laptop. “Where?”

“There should be close to his office by now

"What will you do now Ma?"