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If it weren’t for Martha confiding in her, Valeria would never have known Sebastian had been kidnapped as a child and that he was afraid of dogs. 

The man dragged out his words. “I’ve got a lot up my sleeve, Ms. Neal. Take your time getting 

to know me.” 

There was a pause on the other end. 

Sebastian got into the car, started it, and urged her, “Send it over. Late nights will make a woman lose her edge.” 

Valeria looked downstairs at the black car parked under the streetlamp. 

And he said he was being low–key. Sure, the car was understated, but it was parked right at the entrance of the apartment building, completely blocking it. 

“Stay up late, and wear down your kidneys,” she responded. 

“Didn’t you already find out for yourself whether it’s true or not?” 

Valeria didn’t even get angry when he said she would lose her edge. However, the moment she threw something back at him, he seemed to have taken offense. 

‘Are you offended?” Valeria hung up the phone straight after. 

She then muted her phone and tossed it onto the table to charge it. 

Moments passed before she grabbed her phone and saw a text she had received on WhatsApp. 

It was a text from Sebastian. “Do you really think I lack the guts to knock on your door?” 

Valeria parted the curtain just enough to peek out. He was still there. 

“Selena’s Peace” replied, “Leave now.” 

“Turn off the lights.” 

Valeria switched off the lights and got into bed, leaving only a small desk lamp on. 

“Send me the file. I’ll leave once I get it,” Sebastian texted again, so Valeria sent it over. 

As her building was old, the soundproofing was terrible, and her unit wasn’t on a high floor. Besides, the window frames were made of aluminum alloy. 

Hence, Valeria heard Sebastian’s car start and drive away. 

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When she checked her phone the next morning, she saw that he had sent over a file at 2:30 am. 

He had even corrected the mistakes she made because she was too sleepy. 

“Selena’s Peace” replied, “Thanks.” 

Sebastian didn’t respond. He was probably resting. 

That morning, Shane brought Lucy to the ophthalmologist, and Valeria brought Selena to the orthopedics department to remove the brace. 

Selena was told to avoid any strenuous activity for now and given some medication to prevent muscle atrophy. 

When they returned at noon, Shane mentioned he wanted to buy a car. His job was transferring him this year, so he would be returning to work in the country. 

He needed a car to get around and asked Valeria whether she had time in the afternoon to accompany him for a test drive. 

Ultimately, they placed a deposit on a white BMW X5, and it was scheduled to be delivered 

after the New Year. 

It was past 6:00 pm by the time they were done. Shane then said he had made an appointment with a real estate agent to look at houses later. 

In Nashwark, most listings were on sub–sale properties with new developments being rare. Valeria went with him to see a few properties. 

Property prices in the area were still sky–high, and as a result, houses near school districts were extremely expensive. 

“Houses in Fort Blold are well laid out and located near Ocho High School and Serenity Academy,” Shane commented. 

Only then did Valeria realize that he was house–hunting based on school districts. It was for Selena’s future schooling. 

“There’s no need. Lenny and I… Well, I was planning to tell you and Ms. Fowler after the New Year. I’m taking Lenny back to Verdanci District,” she revealed. “My granny is living alone in the district, and I’m worried about her. She’s getting old and refuses to move to the city.” 

Margaret said she couldn’t stay in cramped city houses. 

Besides, whenever people were old, they would always long to return to their roots. 

The last time Valeria visited, Margaret even had a cough. 

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Every time she went back to her hometown, she would bring Margaret some highly effective cold medicine and health supplements. 

Valeria only had two family members, Margaret and Selena. 

She thought about it carefully when she recently returned for a visit. The slow pace of life in the countryside suited her better. Being someone sentimental, she could feel at ease about Lucy with Shane back in Slate City. 

Shane looked at her and pondered for a moment. Although he was surprised, he merely nodded and asked, “When are you leaving?” 

“After the New Year. I still need to wrap up some work.” 

They arrived at the neighborhood after 8:00 pm and went to the nearby ravioli shop. 

Beatrice almost didn’t recognize him. 

She stared for a few seconds until Valeria reminded her with a smile. Only then did she recall 

he was Lucy’s son and quickly showed them to a seat. 

After that, Beatrice received a phone call. 

“Delivery? We’re not on any delivery platforms. If you want us to deliver, we’ll arrange it ourselves, but it’ll be slower.” 

“Oh, okay. Ten sets, right?” 

She grabbed a pen and paper and started jotting down the orders. Then, she asked, “How do you want to pay? You could scan my Venmo code.” 

“What? Put it on Valeria’s tab?” Beatrice froze for a moment. Then, she looked at Valeria, who had just sat down nearby, asking, “Valeria, your friend’s on the line.” 

“Huh?” Valeria walked over. 

She had a faint idea who it was, so she took the phone from Beatrice. “Hello?” 

Sure enough, Sebastian’s voice came through. “Are you at the shop?” 

“Yes.” 

“I’m on night shift. Treat me and my department to dinner.“. 

“Why am I the one paying?” 

“I gave you a dress, so buy me dinner. It’s a fair trade.” 

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“Got it. I’m hanging up now.” 

Valerie said nothing else and pulled out her phone, ready to scan the code. 

Just as she was about to hang up, Sebastian’s voice came through again. “Who are you having dinner with?” 

Chapter 184