Marrying
Chapter 275

Chapter 275

Matthew’s expression remained calm as he responded, I’ve eaten Valerie sighed in relief, thinking that since he had already eaten, his request for a menu earlier was probably just a joke with Aiden. Then she heard him continue, “The last time I had breakfast, you bought it.”

Valerie was speechless and thought, Wow, some people have never had McDonald’s or KFC. That was the dream of so many

kids back in school.”

Even when Valerie struggled financially, her brother Julian took her to McDonald’s when he earned his first paycheck from a part–time job in college. Later on, Valerie even worked part–time at McDonald’s during high school. She never imagined Matthew could resist eating burgers throughout his school years he had remarkable self–control. However, remembering that he hadn’t eaten most of the breakfasts she had brought him before, it all started to make sense to Valerie.

“Mr. Grant, you should try it today,” she suggested. Initially planning to order at the counter, Valerie decided to use the mobile app instead, giving Matthew more options by letting him look at the pictures and choose.

Aiden was incredibly excited, ordering a burger, a side, a dessert, and a drink. He would have wanted to try everything on the menu if his stomach could handle it. Seeing his enthusiasm, Valerie couldn’t help but ruffle his hair before turning to Matthew. “Mr. Grant, have you decided?”

Seeing how excited Valerie and Aiden were, Matthew didn’t want to dampen their spirits. He replied, “I’ll have the same as you.” In truth, just looking at the pictures of the fried food made him frown.

“Alright!” Valerie responded cheerfully, using his card to pay since he had insisted on treating them today.

While waiting for the food, Aiden was excited, chattering away next to Matthew. “The last time a classmate had a birthday party here, our class sat at that long table. Everyone had delicious food like this, and there were Happy Meal toys, too!”

When Valerie returned with a large tray of burgers and chicken nuggets, Aiden’s eyes lit up even more. He grabbed a burger, and took a big bite, the sauce smearing the corners of his mouth as he savored every bite.

Valerie wiped Aiden’s mouth with a napkin. Valerie had a sausage burrito, almost sauce–free, and she ate it more refinedly. Valerie also ordered two boxes of freshly fried fries, which were crispy and aromatic. It had been a while since Valerie had indulged herself, and after finishing a sausage burrito, she also ate two sausage biscuits. Valerie glanced up at Matthew, who was leisurely enjoying his hash browns, barely making a dent despite eating them slowly.

She thought, “Since when is his appetite getting smaller?

Upon seeing her gaze, Matthew admitted frankly, “None of these compare to your cooking. Moreover, the food Aiden ordered was fried or pan–fried, which looked like it was bursting with unhealthy calories. Matthew exercised to control his weight and indulged in her cooking, not in these things.

Thinking about this, Matthew regretted treating Aiden. He thought, This kid doesn’t understand good food at all. Valerie’s cooking is far superior to this stuff‘ Despite his thoughts, after reluctantly finishing half of a hash brown, Matthew got up and went to the counter. A moment later, he returned with two items in hand. He gave Aiden a Hello Kitty toy train.

Aiden smiled widely and said, “Awesome, now I have a toy tool Thanks, Mr. Grant!”

He

Valerie a matching keychain. Valerie was somewhat surprised that he had thought of her, too. She hadn’t realized Matthew had such a patient side

gave

Aiden enjoyed his meal and then asked to play games, surprised that Matthew, who usually seemed distant, didn’t refuse. Aiden was used to Matthew’s severe demeanor and didn’t mind it. To him, Matthew might not smile much, but he was incredibly gentle.

Exhausted from all the excitement, Aiden fell asleep, leaving Valerie and Matthew relieved. They exchanged glances, and Valerie asked, “Go back now?”

Chapter 275

“Sure, Matthew replied. Valerie suppressed a laugh, thinking the even Matthew could get worn out. Alden was sprawled across Matthew’s arm, clearly exhausted, which took its toll on him.

“Mr. Grant, how about I drive today?” Valerie asked.

Matthew glanced at her and unexpectedly declined, “You’re preoccupied, not suitable for driving.”

Valerie was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected Matthew to say that, but she couldn’t deny that she did have things on her mind. Valerie was surprised that Matthew had noticed. Despite the cheerful moments earlier and Aiden’s smiling face, she couldn’t help but worry about him.

She thought, ‘Ashley and my brother were supposed to divorce today, but it’s been postponed again. I can’t imagine Ashley letting him off so easily, especially after all she’s done. Bringing someone into our home, never really wanting a life with my brother. She may complain about his earnings, but he still makes over 2 thousand dollars a month, and no one controls her. She gets her way in everything, yet my brother has done his best Ashley knows this, so she has found someone new and hasn’t chosen divorce, opting instead for secrecy. If it didn’t happen today, something must have gone wrong again…

your

Matthew glanced at the peacefully sleeping Aiden to ensure he couldn’t hear, then said, “Don’t worry, brother isn’t a fool. He thought, “Besides, with the way she’s acted, any normal man wouldn’t be able to tolerate it!

Valerie shook her head with a wry smile. “My brother has always been someone with a gentle temperament. He’s quite easily swayed…” she said. Being gentle–hearted was a virtue, but it could also be a vulnerability when others took advantage of it

Valerie thought, Just because of my brother’s gentle temperament, she can survive. His soft heart toward Ruth left him feeling helpless for so long. She worried that if her brother was also soft–hearted towards Ashley, it could spell trouble in the future.

“Ashley came here from out of town and knows my brother inside out, while he knows nothing about her. If Ashley were to turn against my brother now, all hell would break loose, especially with Aiden involved…” she said.

Matthew sensed Valerie’s concern and

alled his interactions with Ashley, understanding her unpredictable temperament. He despised such scheming individuals but knew he could effortlessly handle her. However, he also understood Valerie’s reluctance to involve him in her family’s turmoil. Despite this, he reassured her quietly, “If you or your brother have any issues, you can come to me.” Deep and steady in the night, his voice carried a reassuring sense of security.

Upon hearing his words, Valerie smiled, remembering how Matthew had helped locate Melinda during the livestream, which had turned the situation around and cleared her name. However, Valerie knew Matthew could not resolve everything. especially divorce and other family affairs. She didn’t want him to worry too much, considering he had already done her many favors. Besides, he was just a driver, and Valerie remembered how much effort it must have taken him to replace Melinda last time.

“Thank you, Mr. Grant,” Valerie expressed her gratitude verbally, but internally, she resolved not to trouble him further. She felt that owing too much would complicate things.