Chapter 55 Tracking

Valerie felt uneasy about her overly friendly neighbors. Their sudden warmth seemed almost... orchestrated.

Before she could dwell on it, the elevator dinged and stopped on the first floor.

Valerie quickly stepped out, eager to escape the overly enthusiastic neighbors. But as soon as she exited the building, she froze. A familiar black sedan was parked by the curb.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Had Howard found her already?

She clutched her phone tightly, surprised that Howard had discovered her new address so quickly.

Had he been having her followed these past few days?

Given Howard's influence, a firm rejection might not even work. But at the moment, she had no idea how to face him.

Without thinking, Valerie turned to head back into the building.

She had only taken a few steps when a man's voice called out, "Ms. Brown!"

Valerie stopped and turned around, just in time to see a man in a suit jogging towards her. He bowed respectfully.

She blinked, confused. "And you are...?"

"Ms. Brown, I'm Mr. Carter's driver, Parker," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Mr. Carter has assigned me to assist you with your transportation needs. Are you heading out?"

Valerie was at a loss for words.

Howard's actions left her feeling even more conflicted.

He deceived her, yet still sought to make his presence felt in front of her.

Valerie stood there, clutching her bag strap, muttering under her breath, "He tells me to take some time to cool off, and he really doesn't come see me himself."

Parker continued to look at her respectfully.

Valerie sighed. "I'm just an ordinary person now. I don't need Mr. Carter to go to such lengths. Please tell him to stop sending people to follow me."

"But those are Mr. Carter's orders..."

"Orders?" Valerie scoffed. "If he started this relationship with lies, why bother with these pretenses now?"

She walked past Parker, but then reconsidered. Feeling a bit sorry for him, she turned back and said gently, "Just tell Howard I don't need this."

"But..." Parker looked troubled. "Mr. Carter was very clear. If I return without completing my task, I'll be in serious trouble..."

"We're legally married. Consider my words as his," Valerie said with a forced smile. "If he gets mad, just tell him I insisted. Blame it on me."

With that, Valerie checked the time on her phone, realizing she couldn't delay any longer. "That's it. I have to go."

She headed to the mall, browsing furniture with a sales associate and explaining her needs.

After making a few purchases, she scheduled a delivery time.

With some time to spare, she wandered around the mall before heading back to her apartment complex to wait for the delivery. She didn't notice a figure watching her from a distance.

Raina, wrapped in a scarf, wearing sunglasses and a mask, followed Valerie discreetly.

Having found Valerie's address, Raina was determined to find a chance to talk to her and resolve the couple's issues. But she hadn't found the right moment yet.

Seeing her granddaughter-in-law moving furniture herself, Raina's heart ached.

If Valerie hadn't left the Carter family, she wouldn't have to do such menial tasks!

As the crowd thinned, Raina saw Valerie heading into the building and decided to follow.

Today, she was determined to make things right, at least to calm Valerie down.

But just a few steps in, Raina's phone rang.

It was Howard.

Annoyed, Raina answered, "What do you want?"

"Grandma, please don't disturb her. Let her have some peace."

"Peace? Do you see the life she's living now?" Raina snapped.

Howard's weary voice came through the phone. "You are not in good health. Why are you following Valerie around?"

Raina glanced around, scoffing. "You have spies in the complex?"

There was silence on the other end, but Raina was too angry to let it go.

Already upset about the potential divorce and losing such a good daughter-in-law, Raina was even more frustrated seeing her grandson's reluctance to make amends.

Thinking of Valerie's struggles, Raina's heart ached.

Hands on her hips, she scolded, "If you hadn't hidden things from Valerie, she wouldn't be mad! Now she's out there struggling, even riding a bike to get around!"

"My daughter-in-law shouldn't have to suffer like this!"

Raina was about to continue when Howard's voice, more forceful, interrupted, "Grandma!"

"This is between us. Please stay out of it."

"Stay out of it?" Raina was livid. "If I don't step in, you might lose her for good. Where will you find another wife like her?"

"I understand, Grandma," Howard said, exasperated. "I just don't want to push Valerie too hard."

He continued softly, "Valerie needs time to adjust to my true identity. If she decides she doesn't want to stay, I can't force her."

"And I won't let her suffer," Howard defended himself. "I sent a driver and other help..."

"Sending a driver after a fight? She'll never forgive you," Raina retorted.

"If you keep interfering, it might backfire, and I'll end up single," Howard warned.

Raina fell silent.

Sensing he had struck a chord, Howard's tone softened. "I know you like Valerie."

"If she insists on a divorce, I'll win her back. Okay?"

"Fine..." Raina muttered.

Reluctantly, she gave Howard a few more instructions before hanging up and leaving.

As she walked away, Valerie emerged from the building, looking around in confusion.

She took a few steps, trying to spot Raina.

"Weird..."

She thought she had heard Raina's voice.