Chapter 309

When Anastasia arrived at 11–Garden, she ran into Valeria, who was pale and supporting her lower back as she walked toward a private dining room.

When Valeria saw Anastasia, she froze, a flash of panic in her eyes. Anastasia found it strange–she hadn’t done anything recently that would warrant such a reaction. Why did Valeria look like she’d seen a ghost? Maybe Valeria had done something she felt guilty about?

Anastasia walked over.

Valeria blocked Anastasia’s path, saying coldly, “Anastasia, what are you doing here?”

Valeria wondered if Anastasia had found out something. If that were the case, she’d do everything in her power to destroy Anastasia!

She’d finally gotten a chance at happiness, and she absolutely wouldn’t let Anastasia ruin it!

“I’m here to eat, obviously. Unlike you, apparently here to have a breakdown,” Anastasia replied coldly.

“You…”

Valeria held her heavily pregnant belly with both hands, her breathing becoming labored as if she might faint at any moment.

Anastasia looked at Valeria with cold disdain. “What? Are you planning to fake another collapse? I haven’t even touched you.” Anastasia raised her hands and glanced toward the security cameras.

Valeria gritted her teeth. Just then, the dining room door opened and Dan emerged.

When he saw Anastasia, his face lit up with surprise. “Miss Kingsley! What a pleasant coincidence meeting you again.”

Anastasia gave a noncommittal hum and glanced at the room number behind Dan, thinking she might have gotten the wrong room. But she hadn’t made a mistake.

Valeria’s heart skipped a beat again. Dan and Anastasia had already met? Did that mean Anastasia already knew something?

Just then, Cassian came out of the dining room.

Seeing Anastasia, he smiled. “You’re here? Why didn’t you come in?”

Anastasia jerked her chin toward Valeria.

Cassian looked over, and Valeria’s throat tightened, making it difficult to speak. Perhaps feeling guilty, Valeria was worried her identity would be exposed.

Dumped Today, Married Tomorrow: My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon

Dan then introduced Valeria to Anastasia. “Let me introduce you, this is my niece,”

Anastasia’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Valeria. She’d looked into Dan’s background and understood why he’d asked those probing questions earlier. If Valeria had such a powerful uncle, why hadn’t she been bragging about it before? Was Valeria the type to keep a low profile? Obviously not.

Feeling Anastasia’s scrutiny, Valeria became increasingly nervous, though she tried not to show it.

“I came here specifically to reconnect with family. It’s a shame about… well, but this is enough for me now. At least I have one more relative,” Dan said.

Standing beside him, Valeria forced a smile. “I’m so grateful to heaven for letting me know I have such an amazing uncle.” As she spoke, Valeria’s eyes reddened with tears threatening to spill.

Dan was a rough man who wasn’t usually detail–oriented–his wife often criticized him for being oblivious and not knowing how to comfort people. But seeing Valeria about to cry made his heart ache. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Uncle’s here now. I won’t let anyone bully you anymore.”

Valeria nodded obediently. “Thank you, Uncle.”

Anastasia felt something was off about this whole situation, but she had no evidence. Without proof, Dan wouldn’t believe her.

Cassian introduced Anastasia to Dan, taking her hand. “This is my wife, Anastasia.”

“What a remarkable coincidence! You saved my life yesterday, and today we meet again–and you’re the wife of my business partner,” Dan said.

“Saved you?” Valeria looked between Anastasia and Dan, feigning concern. “Uncle, what happened? Were you feeling unwell, or…?”

Dan casually said to Valeria, “Uncle’s fine. I just had a sudden spell, but I’m all better now.”

“That’s such a relief,” Valeria said.

Although Valeria appeared close to Dan, Anastasia felt an inexplicable sense that something was off.

“Let’s not stand around. Why don’t we go sit down?” Cassian suggested.

The group entered the dining room and took their seats.

Perhaps because Valeria wanted to make a good impression on Dan, she was on her best behavior today. She didn’t deliberately make things difficult for Anastasia or bring up anything about her.

Anastasia even wondered if Valeria had had a personality transplant, but this well-behaved version of Valeria seemed even more suspicious.

Due to her advanced pregnancy, Valeria frequently excused herself to the restroom.

During one of these absences, Anastasia couldn’t help but speak up. “Mr. Covey, when you and Valeria recognized each other as family, did you do DNA testing or anything? Are you certain she’s really your niece?”

The smile disappeared from Dan’s face as he looked at Anastasia coldly. “Miss Kingsley, why are you bringing this up? Do you think I’m easily fooled?”

Dan was very proud and hated people who looked down on him. Unlike other wealthy second–generation heirs, he’d grown up in decent circumstances, but after his parents’ divorce, his father had fallen apart, neglected the business, and the company had quickly gone bankrupt. Eventually, he and his father had ended up living in the roughest neighborhoods of East London.

He’d clawed his way up from nothing to achieve his current success. His self–esteem was so strong that he was always suspicious that others looked down on him.

Anastasia’s sudden question seemed to suggest he was stupid enough to be fooled about his own family.

Anastasia quickly explained, “I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant. I just think Valeria…” No, even if she spoke the truth now, Dan would have reason to suspect she was lying and deliberately trying to hurt Valeria. “I just think family recognition should be approached carefully since it’s a lifelong matter. It’s better to follow proper procedures to avoid future regrets.”

Dan was clearly displeased. “Thank you for the reminder, Miss Kingsley. I’m not an idiot. I followed all the proper procedures, or I wouldn’t have acknowledged Valeria.”

Since Dan had said that, Anastasia couldn’t say more.

She smiled. “I’m sorry for being so suspicious.”

Cassian put his arm around Anastasia’s shoulders, saying gently, “Dan, my wife is just very cautious by nature. She means no harm.”

As he spoke, he squeezed Anastasia’s hand, silently reassuring her not to worry–he would always protect her.

Anastasia turned to smile at Cassian, feeling his warmth and support.

Dan smiled diplomatically. “Mr. Rhodes, Mrs. Rhodes, don’t worry about it. Let’s just move past this.”

Hearing Dan say this, Anastasia felt relieved.

But she still felt something lodged in her chest–something she couldn’t spit out or swallow.