Magic 66

“I once worked as a janitor at a martial arts academy,” Valerie said lightly. “I picked up a few self–defense tricks by watching the instructors.” 

Jonah stared at her. “Self–defense tricks?” 

“You worked at a martial arts academy, too?” Noah asked in surprise. 

“Poor kids do whatever they must to survive,” Valerie replied. 

Noah fell silent. 

On the other hand, Jonah clearly didn’t buy it. “What kind of academy produces skills like yours?” 

Valerie’s tone didn’t change. “A private school back home. They only took children between five and eight.” 

Jonah fell speechless at that and didn’t press on. 

gave a small bow and said politely, “Apologies for earlier. I hope you’ll both forgive the 

Valerie 

offense.” 

Noah chuckled. “Offense? Don’t make it sound so formal. Any friend of Kieran’s is a friend of mine. 

“Honestly, when I saw those two women giving you trouble in the jewelry store, I was about to step in. Who could’ve guessed they’d end up tearing into each other instead? It wasn’t the ending I expected, but it was one hell of a free show.” 

“It was quite the spectacle,” Valerie agreed with a nod. 

“So,” Noah asked, “that actress–what’s she to you?” 

The word “actress” brought a flash of amusement to Valerie’s eyes. “She’s my biological father’s current wife–Sonia Woodward’s mother.” 

Noah blinked, confused. “Wait, you and Sonia are sisters? That woman’s your yom?” 

Jonah cleared his throat and stepped in. “Logically, this young lady is the ex–wife’s daughter, while Sonia is that of the current one. They share the same father but have different mothers.” 

Valerie shot him an approving look. “Exactly.” 

Noah’s face lit with sudden clarity. “No wonder I couldn’t stand Sonia. Figures she was raised by that stepmother of yours.” 

If not for Lucius, Noah wouldn’t have bothered giving Sonia the time of day. 

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On this point, he and Valerie shared common ground. 

His own mother had died young, and his father remarried. His stepmother and her son treated him like an intruder under their roof. Ever since, Noah had held no fondness for stepmothers or half–siblings born of them. 

This encounter stirred something in him—an interest in befriending Valerie. 

“Since fate put us in each other’s path, why not find a quieter place to talk?” he suggested. 

Valerie wasn’t keen on mixing with Lucius‘ circle of friends and was about to decline when Noah gestured upward. 

“The mall’s top floor is for wholesale rough emeralds. Jonah’s grandfather has a birthday coming up. Mr. Gray Senior loves collecting stones, so I came along to help him pick out a few pieces.” 

Suddenly, he remembered his manners. “By the way, this is Jonah Gray, my friend. And this is 

Valerie Collins. She’s connected to Kieran’s side.” 

Valerie and Jonah exchanged greetings, though her attention had already been caught by the 

mention of rough emeralds. 

The old mansion, soon to be signed over to her, was in a rare and valuable location, though parts of its layout needed reinforcing and adjustments to make the most of its design. 

High–quality emerald, prized for its strength and rarity, was one of the essential materials for the setup. It might be a good chance to secure a few pieces. 

Valerie smiled and said, “I’ve never seen real raw emeralds before. Might as well take advantage of your generosity and broaden my horizons, Mr. Jensen.” 

“Don’t call me Mr. Jensen,” Noah said quickly. “Noah will do.” 

The mall’s top floor was just as Noah had described. Large, uncut stones of all shapes and sizes 

were laid out in neat rows, imported from across Southeast Laysia. 

Customers chose whatever caught their eye, paid the marked price, and could then request cutting or delivery. 

Unlike the crowded lower levels, the top floor was nearly empty. 

Noah was clearly a regular. The moment he appeared, the staff greeted him with warmth and deference. 

Valerie idly twirled her pen between her fingers as she wandered among the stones, her gaze 

calm and unreadable. 

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Chapter 67