Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Walker Grant, Chloe Reed’s Husband

Judith Pierce’s brow furrowed. ’What on earth is that brat up to?’

Watching from the side, Selene Adler flinched. "Auntie," she said, "I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m a little scared..."

Judith Pierce looked up at her. "Didn’t you say you liked Walker? Giving up so soon?"

Selene Adler bit her lip. "I’m just really scared, Auntie. I think I’ll go abroad for a few days. I’ll give you an answer when I get back."

With that, she turned and left.

Judith Pierce’s brow furrowed. ’What a useless girl.’

...

The night was dense, the city’s lights just beginning to twinkle. A light, elegant violin melody floated through the restaurant. Each table was adorned with a single lamp; everywhere else was lost in shadow.

It was a very romantic restaurant.

Chloe Reed had been here with Walker Grant before.

That time, the power had gone out. While everyone else was leaving, they had kissed in the darkness.

"Miss Reed, would you like to order anything else?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The voice of Preston Vance came from across the table.

Pulled from her thoughts, Chloe Reed smiled. "This is enough."

Preston Vance nodded and dismissed the waiter.

He gazed at her, his eyes full of earnest warmth. "I know I’ve said it many times, but I have to say it again. Thank you, truly, for tonight."

Chloe Reed asked, "What were you doing there all by yourself?"

Preston Vance sighed wearily. "I just wanted a moment of peace, a chance to breathe. I never expected to have an attack right then."

Chloe Reed nodded in understanding. "Did this not happen while you were abroad?"

Preston Vance shook his head. "No. There are far too many social formalities to deal with here."

Chloe Reed asked curiously, "You were doing so well abroad. Why did you decide to come back?"

Preston Vance smiled. "My family is pressuring me to get married. They don’t want a foreign daughter-in-law, so they wanted me to find someone back here. And, while I’m at it, take over the family business."

’Such a surprisingly simple reason.’

For a moment, Chloe Reed was at a loss for words.

Seeing her silence, Preston Vance smiled. "You find it a bit bizarre too, don’t you?"

"A little,"

Chloe Reed admitted with an honest nod.

Preston Vance took out his phone. "Miss Reed, I feel like we’ve hit it off. Could we exchange contact information? I have a feeling you might be the first friend I make back in the country."

Since the Reed Group had an upcoming collaboration with the Vance Group, Chloe Reed naturally had no reason to refuse.

She took out her phone, and they exchanged numbers.

They had just finished when the harsh scrape of a chair being dragged across the floor sounded right next to her.

She froze. Looking up, she saw Walker Grant—who had appeared out of nowhere—pull out the chair beside her and sit down.

Her brow furrowed instantly. "What are you doing here?"

Walker Grant reached up and loosened his tie, as if that could relieve the tightness in his chest.

His thin lips twisted into a humorless smile. "Chloe, you’re full of surprises. When did you get acquainted with Mr. Vance?"

Preston Vance asked, confused, "And you are...?"

Walker Grant looked at him. He took Chloe Reed’s hand, his movements perfectly natural, and said, "Walker Grant. Chloe Reed’s husband."

A flicker of surprise crossed Preston Vance’s eyes—he hadn’t realized she was married—but he quickly composed himself. He smiled and nodded. "Mr. Grant, a pleasure. Miss Reed saved me earlier, and I invited her to dinner to express my gratitude. I hope you don’t get the wrong idea."