Chapter 40
As the host of the gathering, Noah greeted Valerie and Kieran with a warm smile. “Mr. Holt, if you hadn’t shown up soon, I’d have thought you had stood me up.”
Kieran bumped fists with him like old buddies. “I wouldn’t dare blow off a sit–down with Mr. White, even if I had ten lives to spare. I was late because I had to pick someone up at the last
minute.”
Noah’s gaze slid toward Valerie, and for a moment, he was dumbstruck by her beauty. “Who’s this? She’s absolutely stunning–such a perfect face and flawless figure.”
Although that was a compliment, the words grated on Lucius‘ ears.
Kieran landed a light punch on Noah’s chest and said, “Ease up. She’s shy and doesn’t take teasing well. Oh, and she’s a friend of mine who’s just new to Windmere. I brought her tonight to meet everyone.”
Noah had met Kieran through mutual acquaintances. Though they weren’t too close, they’d always maintained mutual respect.
Valerie made a strong impression on Noah. Her distinctive beauty stood out as a one–and- only, and her calm, composed presence demanded respect.
Noah offered his hand. “Any friend of Kieran’s is a friend of mine. My name’s Noah Jensen. If you ever run into trouble, just mention my name, and no one will dare give you grief.”
Valrie reached out to shake it once. “Name’s Valerie Collins. Thank you, Mr. Jensen. I appreciate the offer.”
As their hands touched, Noah’s heart skipped a beat. A woman this breathtaking should have soft hands, but hers carried the faint roughness of calluses.
With years of training in the military, he knew all too well that those had to be the hands of someone who had trained with weapons.
Realizing he was holding on too long, Kieran gave a soft cough. “That’s enough, Mr. Jensen.”
It was only now that Noah caught himself. “My apologies. I was just wondering if you’re into weapons, Ms. Collins.”
Valerie raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Never one to beat around the bush, Noah went straight to the point and spoke whatever was on his mind. “Your hands give off a dangerous vibe.”
As a man in the military, he had sharp instincts and knew danger when he felt it. Valerie might
Chapter 40
seem young, but there was a depth in her that he couldn’t read.
2/2
She spread her palms, exposing her calluses, and gave an innocent smile. “Kids from poor families had to work the fields for tuition. These calluses are just the trophies of farm labor.”
Utterly speechless, Kieran’s first thought was, “How does she spout lies so effortlessly?”
“Her foster father commands respect from even Gustavo, so how could she possibly not afford tuition?” Lucius murmured to himself, equally at a loss for words.
Noah wondered if he was overthinking it. Was it just different circles and different lives?
He chuckled awkwardly and tried to brush it off by saying, “My mistake.”
Off to the side, Dale studied Valerie doubtfully, struggling to imagine how such a delicate beauty could ever be compared to a farmhand.
Sitting next to him was Naomi Zinger, the pampered daughter of Zinger Group, clad in designer brands. Her expression twisted with disdain at Valerie’s mention of farm work.
To her, Valerie’s supposed peasant background lowered the standing of those in a room full of Windmere’s most powerful elites.
But Noah admired Valerie’s honesty. Owning her roots was far more genuine than puffing herself up with lies and pretending to be something she wasn’t.
After a round of small talk, Noah began introducing the guests. The private room felt more
like Lucius‘ second home as the layout and every detail aligned with the taste of a luxury villa. Only Finn was absent tonight, being tied up elsewhere.
Chapter 41
Chapter 41
