Trading My Ex for His Uncle



Brandon clenched his jaw, resolute. "Uncle Damon, Valarie really misunderstood. You're the bigger person here. Don't hold a grudge against her."

Valarie broke free from Brandon's grip, stepping forward to face Damon again.

"I don't need his forgiveness. Even if it costs me my life today, I'm going to get justice for Nyla!" she snapped.

Damon let out a cold laugh. “Justice? What do you think you know?"

Realizing Damon's fury, Brandon quickly grabbed Valarie's arm, saying, "Valarie, you've really

misunderstood. That woman is Nyla. It's my fault for calling you earlier-I should have told you in person. Hurry and apologize to my uncle!"

Valarie shook off his hand, her tone icy. "Why should I apologize? Fine, if you say that woman is Nyla, then bring her out right

now! I want to see just how much she looks like the real deal!"

As her words fell, the temperature around them seemed to drop sharply.

Brandon didn't dare look at Damon. Nheless, he suppressed his fear and sneaked a glance at him, calling out weakly, "Uncle Damon..."

"Brandon, are you really willing to throw away years of hard work for a woman?" Damon asked.

He had the power to place Brandon as CEO of the Sumner Group, and he could just as easily have him packing the next day.

Brandon froze, his hands clenching involuntarily at his sides.

Beside him, Valarie frowned, gritting her teeth.

"Damon, I'm the one who hit you. There's no need to drag anyone else into

this. Just bring that woman out immediately! If she really is Nyla, I'll let you slap me a hundred times!" she declared.

Damon's intense gaze landed on her, exuding an oppressive force. He asked flatly, "Are you ordering me?" Valarie met his stare, enunciating each wo

Damon's expression darkened. "Why would I be afraid? Besides, she's already asleep. Just because

you want a pointless answer doesn't mean I should wake her up!"

At his words, Valarie's expression turned mocking.

"If she really were Nyla, you wouldn't be making excuses. Damon, what you're doing is an insult to Nyla, and 1 won't let it slide!" she shot back.

As her words hung in the air, everything seemned to freeze.

Brandon, who had been silent,

turned to Damon and made a firm

de. "Uncle Damon, as long as

you

Valarie go, I'll give you all the

shares I have."

Damon didn't respond, his expression menacing.

Just as the tension reached a breaking point, Nyla walked down the stairs, drawn by the commotion.

"What's all this noise?" she asked.

Everyone turned to her.

The moment Valarie saw Nyla, she froze in shock.

Nyla's eyes widened with surprise as she saw Valarie. She gasped, "Valarie?"

Valarie stared at her in disbelief. "Nyla, is it really you?"

She gazed at Nyla, hardly able to process what was happening.

"Yes, it's me," Nyla said, stepping forward.

She reached out to take Valarie's hand, but Valarie pulled away.

Looking between Nyla and Damon, Valarie suddenly sneered. "I once thought we were the best of friends, with no secrets between us. It seems I overestimated our friendship."1

She turned to leave.

Nyla rushed forward, grabbing her arm. “Valarie, please let me explain.'

11

Valarie shook off Nyla's hand, tears welling in her eyes. "Explain? I've been heartbroken over your disappearance for five years, and you've been hiding the fact that you're alive all this time. Did you ever think of me as a friend?"

Nyla's face filled with guilt. "Valarie, it's not what you think. There are so many reasons behind this. Please, let me explain everything."