Chapter 3 She's My Wife

• The lobby of the Valenwood Group's first floor was bustling with activity. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as all eyes fixed on Aric, as though he'd walked in wearing a target.
• No one had dared confront Palden like this at the Valenwood Group in ages.
• The head of the security team gestured to his men, and they formed a barrier in front of Aric. He brandished an electric baton, his tone dripping with authority. "Do you even know where you are, brat? Who permitted you to address our chairman by name?"
• Aric chuckled. "Is 'Palden' etched on a tombstone? Can't I call him that? He destroyed Elderglen Orphanage; I'll bring down Valenwood Group!" His words were fearless; his back turned to the guards.
• The head of the security team burst into laughter. "Bring down the Valenwood Group? Are you fresh out of the loony bin? If you're itching for action, I can oblige!"
• Then, the electric baton dangerously crackled as it swung towards Aric. Yet before it struck, a commanding voice intervened from behind. "What's all this chaos?"
• Startled, the head of the security team turned to see a middle-aged man, Palden himself. He snapped to attention. "Mr. Valenwood, there's trouble here."
• Palden approached swiftly, his gaze filled with thinly veiled disdain as he sized up Aric. Over the years, he had dealt with many newcomers who thought they could challenge him effortlessly.
• "You've come to my Valenwood Group to stir trouble. Your bravery is praiseworthy, but alas, you're just a brainless fool," Palden remarked coolly.
• Addressing his security team, he instructed with authority, "I'm expecting Miss Yeloria, CEO of Umbravale Holdings, soon. Take him backstage and deal with it quietly. I won't tolerate any disturbance here."
• The guards began to move towards Aric, but their actions were interrupted by the gradual arrival of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class outside the building.
• The door opened, and a woman exited with elegance and poise. She was clad in a sharp black suit that accentuated her stature, complemented by high heels that clicked lightly on the pavement. Her hair, impeccably styled, framed her face with precision.
• Following closely behind her, a nimble assistant swiftly closed the car door before they proceeded toward the entrance of the Valenwood Group.
• Palden quickly gestured to the security guards behind him to restrain Aric. Aric smirked but made no move to resist. His gaze was fixed on the approaching woman, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.
• As Aric was escorted away, he unexpectedly stopped upon reaching Palden. Without missing a beat, he asked, "Mr. Valenwood, is this how you treat the husband of Umbravale Holdings' CEO?"
• Palden was momentarily taken aback, his brow furrowing as he stared at Aric. "You're claiming to be the husband of Umbravale Holdings' CEO?" His tone held a mix of disbelief and amusement.
• Aric nodded confidently, undeterred by Palden's reaction.
• Palden couldn't suppress a chuckle at his assertion, finding it rather hilarious. Beside him, the security guards exchanged bemused glances, clearly thinking, Is he serious or just joking? The CEO of Umbravale Holdings, such a prestigious woman, having a husband like this?
• "Take him away now. If Miss Yeloria overhears about this, she'll think I'm purposely trying to upset her! Your nonsense is like a chihuahua thinking it's a lion!" Palden waved dismissively, eager to be rid of Aric.
• Deep down, he chuckled to himself. I may have an appointment with Miss Yeloria, but I'm not that gullible. You and Miss Yeloria are worlds apart! I'd rather poke my eyes out if she has a husband like you.
• "Galadriel, my legs might just give out if you walk any slower," Aric called out with a playful grin as Galadriel walked through the entrance.
• Galadriel looked over at Aric, sensing a familiarity about him. She then turned to Palden, her expression a blend of curiosity and bewilderment. "Mr. Valenwood, what's happening?"
• Palden smiled and waved dismissively. "It's nothing, really. Miss Yeloria, he's just a troublemaker who wandered into the Valenwood Group. Security has taken care of it."
• Galadriel nodded, but a nagging feeling persisted that she knew the voice from earlier.
• "Galadriel, it's me, Aric," he called out as the guards escorted him away.
• Listening to his words, Galadriel halted the guards abruptly, "Wait!"
• Aric turned with a smirk, meeting Galadriel's disbelieving gaze. She couldn't fathom how her long-lost brother, Aric, had ended up at the Valenwood Group.
• "Aric?!" Galadriel rushed towards him, and Aric embraced her warmly.
• Meanwhile, Palden watched with furrowed brows, feeling like he'd been slapped in the face multiple times. The nearby security guards murmured among themselves.
• "They're hugging so closely. Could he really be Miss Yeloria's husband?"
• "What a fool. How could someone as stunning as Miss Yeloria be with a guy like him?"
• "Is he just after her money?"
• Oblivious to the guards' whispers, Galadriel focused solely on Aric. Her touch filled with longing as she asked softly, "Where have you been all these years? Why didn't you call or write? Did you return to the orphanage? Are you leaving again?"
• After a decade apart, Galadriel and Aric had much to catch up on. Aric gently withdrew from her grasp and responded, "I came back with a purpose this time. We'll talk later. I need to speak with Mr. Valenwood."
• His words surprised Galadriel, prompting her to wonder, Aric has only just returned. What could he possibly need to discuss with Palden?
• At this moment, Palden's face darkened. He asked tentatively, "Miss Yeloria, who's this?"
• Before Galadriel could reply, Aric pulled her close and declared, "Mr. Valenwood, as I said, she's my wife."
• Galadriel shot Aric a sharp look and pinched him, which he silently endured.
• Meanwhile, Palden assumed Galadriel's silence was consent. His expression grew even more solemn as he never imagined Brightvale's renowned beauty, Galadriel Yeloria, would be married, let alone to someone like Aric—a seeming eccentric.
• "I see... You're Miss Yeloria's husband..." Palden began, his tone layered with surprise and suspicion.
• "Well, now that we've met, I'm curious—who gave you the nerve to tear down Elderglen Orphanage and kidnap Lysander Riverhart?" Aric's words hung heavily in the tense air, challenging and accusatory.
• Palden's heart skipped a beat at the direct accusation.
• Having just pulled away from Aric's embrace, Galadriel frowned profoundly and turned her gaze squarely on Palden. She skeptically questioned, "Mr. Valenwood, didn't we agree that Elderglen Orphanage was off-limits until the Mythralis Trade District project was finalized? And what about the kidnapping of Lysander?"
• Inwardly, Galadriel pondered, Goodness! I plan to reclaim control of Elderglen Orphanage from Palden and secure its future. Now he's gone as far as kidnapping Lysander to threaten Mr. Riverhart!