Valerie's smile faltered upon hearing the news about Matthew's parents. "So, Mr. Grant is an orphan! Why hasn't he told me about it?" she murmured inwardly. It dawned on her why she had always seen Matthew as reserved and distant, often wondering if he was capable of a genuine smile. Now, knowing about his parents' tragic fate, she understood that his stoicism was likely a shield against past pain.

A wave of sympathy washed over Valerie. She had never realized the depth of Matthew's struggles.

To keep Julian from noticing her surprise, Valerie quickly regained her composure and said, "It's okay, Julian. I've got everything in the kitchen under control. Why don't you go watch TV?"

Julian lingered at the doorway, reluctant to leave. "No, I'll stay here with you. I don't even know how to face Matthew now. I owe him a proper apology later."

With that, Julian noticed two dirty plates in the sink and started washing them. He felt deeply embarrassed about his earlier behavior. Cleaning the dishes gave him a moment to collect his thoughts.

Outside, Ashley checked on Aiden on the balcony. He was deeply absorbed in his building blocks and paid no attention to her. She returned to the living room to find Matthew still sitting quietly on the sofa. His presence was formidable.

Earlier reservations Ashley had about him, based on his demeanor and dress, were now replaced with understanding upon learning of his parents'. Matthew was simply facing life on his own terms. It made sense now why Valerie and he had a quiet marriage without the usual fanfare; financial constraints were likely a factor. Perhaps even the apartment they lived in was financed under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Ashley shifted her focus from the ongoing activities and, with a casual air, tried to engage Matthew in conversation as she sat across from him. "So, Matthew, you've known Valerie a long time. Did you two meet in college?"

Matthew simply replied, "No."

"Where did you go to university, then?" Ashley inquired.

Matthew paused, then shook his head slightly. He had attended college abroad, not at any local university.

Ashley's scrutinizing manner didn't sit well with Matthew—her gaze was too scheming. With just the two of them in the living room, it felt awkward, and Matthew felt the need to maintain some distance. When Ashley chose to sit directly across from him, he took it as his cue to stand up and walk over to the water dispenser, creating a polite distance between them.

A mix of realization and scorn flickered in Ashley's eyes. Her educational journey had ended after high school, leading her to move south for work, where she eventually met Julian. Since marrying into the Warren family, her lack of higher education had often been a point of contention with Julian's mother during arguments.

Now, here was Valerie, a college graduate, married to a man who, according to Ashley's mistaken belief, hadn't attended university. That thought brought a smirk to her face. She could tolerate a woman with less education, but a man—that wouldn't do. In her eyes, it spelled a bleak future.

Her attention was then drawn to a set of car keys on the entrance table. Peering closer, Ashley noticed they were for a Chevrolet. She almost laughed out loud. Matthew looked so respectable, and she had even felt a pang of envy earlier. Discovering he drove such a modest vehicle, coupled with Valerie's mention of him working as a driver, seemed to confirm her assumptions.

Ashley thought to herself, Valerie must have been out of her mind to marry him and even start a family. She predicted tough times ahead for Valerie.