All Chapters of Brian's Poisoned Vow – Forced to Wed, Determined to Kill : Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

"I think you should go with a gift. A carton of fish wouldn't be a bad idea."The proposal was cogent, and Paschal, who hadn't considered it, took a deep breath. "What would I do without a friend like you? Make it two cartons," he said."Consider it done. See you tomorrow.""See you then." Paschal looked at his screen after the call. Then, he stretched out on his bed, his eyes fixed on the plain ceiling. He was lost in thought when Sean's voice pulled him back. "Good evening, Dad. We're back."He rose swiftly to see his son standing happily in the doorway."Welcome back. I hope you didn't overstress my grandchild."Sean perceived that Valerie had kept the demolition a secret and played along. "Not at all, Dad," he said, taking a seat beside him. "He's naturally independent. He revolted when he got tired, so we stopped."Paschal laughed aloud. "I'm not surprised. That boy can't be intimidated.""You got it, Dad," Sean said, but the pretense was becoming a strain. "I should go get ready

"Come to grandpa," Paschal said, stretching his hand to the toddler.Valerie felt a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere, as tangible as a change in barometric pressure. She crossed the space that felt both vast and infinitesimal, and carefully transferred the warm, sleepy weight of her son into her father’s waiting arms.The moment the child settled against Paschal’s chest, a profound transformation occurred. The old man’s arms, which had moments before hung limp with despair, curled around the boy with an instinctive, protective strength. He buried his face for a second in the child’s soft hair, his shoulders trembling not with sobs, but with the sheer, overwhelming force of a love that grief had temporarily obscured.Sean, watching from his post, felt the rigid anger drain from his posture. The sight of his father, human and broken yet cradling his grandson with such tenderness, made his earlier anxiety feel small and misplaced. Edward lowered his gaze, a silent, respectful acknow

It was only as the afternoon sun began to cast long, golden shadows across the room, and the initial wave of excited conversation had settled into a warm, contented hum, that Brian caught Valerie's eye and gave a slight, meaningful nod.Valerie smiled and turned to their hostess. "Mrs. Wardley, before we wear out our welcome, we have something for you."All eyes turned as Brian retrieved the discreet envelope and presented it to her with both hands, a gesture of deep respect. "This is from all of us," he said. "Being by her side when I was not there was no mean feat."Puzzled but touched, Mrs. Wardley opened it. Her eyes scanned the contents, and her hand flew to her mouth. "This is... this is too much!" she stammered, looking at the substantial sum. "I can't possibly - ""It's not for you to refuse," Valerie interjected gently, moving to her side. "It's for your outfit for the wedding. Every last piece. You are my mother's representative, and we want you to feel as beautiful and as h

Brian’s Apartment - Thursday "Leonard and I should be doing our shopping today," Brian informed Valerie over the soft clatter of breakfast plates.Across from hi###185mtle Valerie, ever unsentimental, fixed her large, serious eyes on her father, her gaze a silent plea, 'I hope you won't leave me at home.'"What's that for, princess?" Brian asked, his face breaking into a wide, indulgent smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.The only answer she could give was a happy, gurgling laugh as she raised her tiny spoon in a milky toast."That would be nice," Valerie agreed, setting her juice glass down on the table. "With that done, we would be free to pick up Shana and the others tomorrow."Brian merely nodded, taking a slow sip of his coffee. He had already mapped out the subtle politics he would play to outsmart her and her uncle. He had called Leonard, who promised he would be with him shortly.They finished their meal in a comfortable silence and moved to the plush sofa to monitor

After the greetings, they led the guests toward the car park. Once there, they arranged their luggage in the trunk. Leonard collected the keys from the driver. "Join the others in the security vehicle," he instructed. "I'll drive the guests."The driver obeyed with a nod, merging with the rest of the team heading for the sleek black SUV behind them. Leonard turned to find the three women waiting by the car. Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Parker were already moving toward the back seats, a silent and tactful acknowledgment of their place.A fresh jolt of that same, unnerving energy shot through him. He moved quickly to open the front passenger door for Shana, the gesture feeling suddenly more significant than mere courtesy."Thank you," she said, her voice as warm and bright as her smile had been earlier. As she slid past him into the seat, a faint, fresh scent lingered in the air.He closed her door, the solid thunk a punctuation mark in the quiet morning. Walking around the hood, he consciously