Vallerie Stop

Earlier Outside**

Xavier stood before his father, Old Chen, his eyes cast downward in a rare display of submission. The air in the room was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of unspoken words.

Old Chen's face was a mask of displeasure, his eyes blazing with a fierce inner fire. "Xavier, I am disappointed," he said, his voice low and measured. "Deeply disappointed."

Xavier's shoulders tensed, his jaw clenched in anticipation of the storm to come. He knew that he had let his father down, that he had brought shame to their family's name.

The scandal had been brewing for weeks, a toxic mix of rumors and speculation that had finally boiled over into the public eye. Xavier's fallout had been catastrophic.

Old Chen's reputation had been tarnished, his business dealings compromised by the whispers of scandal. Xavier's own reputation had been left in tatters, his name synonymous with shame and dishonor.

"I don't know what to say, Father," Xavier said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Old Chen's expression turned glacial. "You will say nothing," he spat. "You will do nothing." You will simply disappear from public view until this scandal blows over."

Xavier nodded, feeling a stinging sense of shame. He knew that he had let his father down, that he had failed to live up to the Chen family's expectations.

But as he turned to leave, Old Chen's voice stopped him. "Xavier."

He turned back, his eyes locking onto his father's.

"I expect more from you," Old Chen said, his voice heavy with disappointment. "I expect greatness. And I will not settle for anything less."

Xavier nodded, feeling a surge of determination. He would not let his father down again. He would rise above this scandal, above the shame and dishonor.

He would prove himself worthy of the Chen name. He would get to the bottom of the issue, especially with Becca in his custody as bait. He was sure he would soon gain clarity.

Only for him to walk back into the dining room to find Vallerie and Rebecca bickering. 

*******

As the evening sun cast a warm glow over the Chen estate, the family gathered in the living room, their faces relaxed and their smiles genuine. The atmosphere was tranquil, filled with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clinking of glasses.

Xavier sat on the couch, Becca by his side, his arm draped casually over her shoulders. Old Chen occupied his favorite armchair, a glass of fine scotch in hand, while Vallerie had taken a seat on the opposite couch, her eyes fixed on Xavier with a mixture of longing and resentment.

Warwick, the elderly butler, moved discreetly around the room, refilling glasses and offering hors d'oeuvres. The scent of roasted meats and fresh vegetables wafted from the kitchen, teasing their taste buds and building anticipation for dinner.

As they chatted, Becca found herself feeling more at ease, her initial nervousness dissipating as she began to feel like a part of the family. Xavier's presence beside her was reassuring, his gentle touches and occasional whispers making her feel safe and protected.

But despite the warm atmosphere, Becca couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched, that unblinking eyes were trained on her from across the room. She glanced over at Vallerie, who was sipping her drink with an air of affected nonchalance.

Their gazes met, and for a moment, Becca felt a jolt of tension. Vallerie's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for a weakness, a vulnerability to exploit. Becca's instincts screamed at her to be cautious, to guard herself against this woman who seemed to embody the very essence of malice.

But Xavier's gentle squeeze on her shoulder reassured her, reminding her that she wasn't alone. She was part of this family now, and they would protect her from harm.

Or so she hoped.

Old Chen's piercing gaze scrutinized Becca. Something familiar sparked in his eyes.

"Quin Jeremy," he murmured, lost in thought.

His former secretary at the Los Angeles clothing enterprise. A loyal friend, alongside Mr. Park. Together, they helped Old Chen stabilize his company and preserve his father's legacy.

Memories flooded back.

Quin's kindness, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Old Chen's expression softened. Could this girl be related to Quin?

Becca's style and elegance reminded Old Chen of Quin Jeremy, his former secretary. As he gazed at Becca, he was struck by her captivating beauty.

Xavier's taste in women was impressive, a welcome surprise after his painful past. Old Chen recalled Xavier's devastation and emotional numbness following his first heartbreak.

He silently thanked God, believing Xavier was finally ready to move on and settle down.

But who was this enchanting young woman? Old Chen's curiosity grew. Some questions lingered, but he would rather watch and wait.

"Sir, dinner is served," Warwick whispered into Old Chen's ear.

Old Chen nodded, and Warwick retreated.

Vallerie's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Xavier, where did you meet this lovely young woman?"

Xavier feigned indifference, deliberately ignoring Vallerie's question.

Becca's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She slid off Xavier's lap and settled onto the sofa beside Vallerie, creating a subtle distance.

Xavier's gaze narrowed, his piercing stare screaming, "Why did you move? "Did I release you from my lap?" But Becca remained unfazed, her expression serene.

Vallerie's eyes darted between Xavier and Becca, sensing tension.

Fifteen minutes passed, and Darwin and Monic, Old Chen's skilled cooks, presented an exquisite spread on the dining table.

"Shall we?" Old Chen gestured, inviting everyone to the dining room.

As they gathered around the table, Xavier's expression softened, reminiscent of happier times spent with his father.

Just as they began to take their seats, a young man and woman entered the house, joining the group.

"Hey, Dad!" Raymond exclaimed, scanning the room. His gaze locked onto Becca, then shifted to Xavier, his piercing eyes flashing with surprise and curiosity.

"Raymond, welcome!" Old Chen smiled. "I see you're right on time."

Raymond's eyes still fixed on Xavier and Becca, his expression unreadable. Raymond's gaze lingered on Becca, his mind racing. Who was this stunning woman? She looked quite familiar. And why was she sitting beside Xavier, looking utterly comfortable?

He took a seat across from them, his eyes never leaving Becca's face. "So, Dad, who's your guest?" Raymond asked, his tone polite but laced with underlying curiosity.

Old Chen smiled warmly. "My dear, this is my youngest son, Raymond. Raymond, she is... a friend of Xavier's."

Becca's cheeks flushed slightly at the vague introduction. Xavier's hand found its way to hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Raymond's eyes narrowed, sensing an unspoken story. "Nice to meet you…..?," he said, his voice measured.

"Becca" Xavier answered sternly. Much to the dismay of Vallerie, whose face flushed red in anger.

As they began to pass dishes and serve themselves, the tension around the table grew thicker; the family engaged in pleasant small talk. Sonia, Raymond's girlfriend, excused herself to the bathroom, leaving the others to enjoy fresh fruit.

Xavier's phone buzzed, and he stepped outside to answer. "Sir, we've obtained photos of the woman," a voice said on the other end.

" Ah, it's a woman, then. " Keep me updated. "Find anything, report immediately," Xavier instructed, his tone firm.

As he spoke, someone's arms enveloped his waist. The feminine scent of strawberries wafted up, but this wasn't Becca's embrace. Too bold, too forward.

Xavier turned to face Vallerie, her eyes pleading. "Xavier, honey, don't shut me out. I've loved you since I was young. Why bring another woman to humiliate me? I love you, Xavier."

Xavier's expression darkened. He flung off her arms. "Vallerie, stop." His voice was low, menacing.

He returned to the house, a fake smile plastered on his face. "Baby, dinner is over. Time to go."

Joycelyn, Xavier's mother, intervened. "Dearie, stay for the day. It's been so long since you visited."

She had heard all the conversations and saw them eat. She didn't want to destroy the father-son chit-chat. 

Vallerie's gaze lingered on Xavier, longing and desperation etched on her face.