Trading My Ex for His Uncle

Valarie pulled out her phone and saw a message from a friend.

[Valarie, you need to check the trending topics online! Jayden just exposed Brandon to the media for being ungrateful to his lifesaver.]

She pressed her lips together, her thoughts momentarily frozen.

After a brief hesitation, she searched for the news.

A journalist had posted an accusation against Brandon, claiming he had neglected Michelle, the woman who had been injured while saving him. Since her hospitalization, he hadn't visited her once.

The comments were scathing, condemning Brandon as a heartless capitalist with no sense of gratitude.

Across the table, Stefan noticed Valarie's sudden pallor. "Veevee, is something wrong? You look really pale."

His voice pulled her from her thoughts. She quickly placed her phone face downnoveldrama

on the table, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, just some news I saw."

Stefan didn't press her further, though his gaze lingered on her phone.

Their food arrived soon after.

After lunch, they went shopping for gifts for Nyla and the baby.

Unlike before, Valarie seemed distracted, lost in her thoughts the entire time.

Stefan considered asking what was wrong but decided against it. If she didn't want to talk, no amount of questioning would change that.

Once they finished shopping, Valarie drove Stefan back to the university.

The car ride was quiet.

When they reached the university's entrance, Valarie finally turned to him. "Stefan, thanks for today. I really appreciate it."

"It's nothing," Stefan replied. "But I noticed you haven't been yourself since lunch. You barely ate, and you seem off. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm always here to listen."

Valarie paused before nodding with a small smile. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Take care."

"You too. Drive safe," Stefan said.

After Stefan got out of the car, Valarie drove away.

Charlie rushed into the Sumner Group CEO's office, knocking hastily before speaking. "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Gilmour just publicly accused you of being@ngrateful. He's saying you haven't visited Ms. Snowdenonce since her injury. The Internet is furious, and it's starting to affect the company's image."

Brandon's expression remained cold. "I know. I'll handle it. You can go now."

Once Charlie left, Brandon immediately dialed Jayden's number.

The call was answered almost instantly, and Jayden's voice came through, laced with mockery. "Well, well, aren't you busy? What made you suddenly free to call me?"

Brandon frowned. "Do you really think stirring up online drama will make me give in and visit the hospital?"

Jayden laughed sharply. "If you're not planning to visit, why bother calling me at all?"

"I just want to tell you-stop wasting your time. I'm not going to see Michelle," Brandon spat.

Jayden's voice grew furious. "Has your conscience been eaten by a dog? If it weren't for you, Michelle wouldn't have gotten hurt! She's been in the hospital all this time because of you!"

Brandon's gaze darkened. His voice

was calm, but firm. "You're in love

with her-that's your business.

Chase after her all you want. Burnet

don't expect me to do what you think is right. If it weren't for ber, Valarie and I wouldn't have broken up." śwnovel

"Don't blame Michelle for everything! You and Valarie broke up because of you! You wanted to stay friends with Michelle while keeping Valarie by your side. You lied to her, which is why your relationship fell apart!" Jayden retorted before slamming the phone down.

Brandon set his phone aside, letting out a bitter laugh.

Jayden was right.

He had been too greedy. Too confident.

He had thought he could balance his relationships with Michelle and Valarie, but

all he had done was push things to an irreversible point.