Valerie's POV

I can do this.

After pulling my courage, I took a deep breath and exited the limousine that fetched me from the apartment I was staying in. I have to keep my profile low and make them believe I'm a hard-working sister of a sick girl who desperately wants to earn money for her treatment. Also, I'm a tenant who hasn't paid her rent for three months, and Mason pays it all. Gladly, the landlord of the apartment I'm staying in is my acquaintance, and he's easy to deal with.

I stood in front of this massive mansion filled with extravagant people wearing expensive gowns, screaming about how much money they could spend in casinos. Meanwhile, my attention was drawn to Mason's arm when he offered it to me. I accepted it, and we headed inside, where the banquet was happening. I was not aware he was planning to introduce me to his family on the night of his stepmother's birthday. Isn't it exciting? I can get to know the Gray family and what kind of monsters they are.

I'm wearing a tube dark blue gown that perfectly wraps my curves with crystals. My hair was tied, and the dress was paired with a blue diamond ring, earrings, necklace, and bracelet. I also have this blue purse that added to my gown's theme. I don't know why he gave me a dark blue-themed gown, but it's ridiculous. After we reached the mansion, I was surprised at how filled the place was with people. I immediately looked for a specific one and expected to meet Mason's father tonight.

I eyed Mason's father and stepmother from afar, but we halted. He removed my arm from his and faced me, “You're going to meet my family, and I'm expecting you to be on your best behavior, Valerie.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I want you to act like you're one of us. Like you came from a rich family, so that my stepmother will stop interfering with my affairs.”

I nodded, “Got it.”

He offered me his arm again, and we marched towards his family. We already caught their attention, and Mason's father smiled at me as if he welcomed me to their family.

“Who is this beautiful woman, Mason?” His father asked.

“She's Valerie, Dad.”

“Valerie. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl like you.”

A woman snickers, causing me to turn at her, and I bet she's Mason's stepmother. She raised her eyebrow before looking at me from head to toe, “Where club did you get this woman, Mason?”

“I beg your pardon?” I asked.

She chuckled, “So the golddigger can talk, huh? I didn't know you were built to talk like that, woman.”

I smiled broadly, holding myself back because this woman was so annoying. I'm not built to be patient, especially since my father knew I was a troublemaker since high school, but I'm doing my best to be a good daughter. Not until he died, and his death led me to this beast's place.

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Gray. I think you mistook me. We didn't meet at the club, so I think you're referring to someone else.” I extend my arm and smile sweetly, “Hi, I'm Valerie Moore. Fashion designer in Paris.”

“Wow. You are a fashion designer in Paris?” Mr. Gray questioned in amazement.

I turned at him and nodded, “Yes, sir.”

“She's not bad after all, darling. Mason never introduced a sophisticated woman to us, so I'm glad he introduced a prominent woman like her. Don't you think so?” Mr. Gray glanced at his wife, but she just smiled forcefully at me. I can feel her disagreement with me as Mason's wife, and I must ignore her.

She's not the one I need to focus on. I have to keep my attention on Mason and his father. I have to find evidence that will press them as suspects for killing my father.

“How can you prove that you're a fashion designer?” Mrs. Gray questioned.

How can I prove it? I don't know. It just slipped on my lips. I am a fashion designer in Paris because I want to chase a different path and refuse to be a mafia boss. I can get through this. I have a best friend who pretends to own my company. Right.

“The company I'm working for will hold a party, and it will be my company's honor to have you as VIP guests. I can call my boss to confirm it if you want,” I replied.

“No need, Valerie. Anyway, have fun. We're celebrating my stepping down as the head of this family and for Mason's achievement. He will handle our businesses, so this party is for him also.”

I bowed, “Thank you for having me, sir.”

“Don't call me sir. Call me Dad, especially since I can tell you and my son will be in a relationship longer than I expect.”

I chuckled, “Sure, Dad.”

“Actually, father. I have something to tell you.” Mason clears his throat before locking our hands and flashes our rings to them, “We are married. She is my wife.”

Mr. Gray widened and laughed afterward, “Really?! That's good news! Welcome to our family, Valerie.”

“Thank you, Father—” I paused when Mrs. Gray slapped me, causing the guests to gasp as we got their attention. “Celeste! What have you done?!”

“You marry a sl*t?!” She shouted.

I recovered from that unexpected slap and clung to Mason's arm, “Why did you slap me, Mom?”

“Don't call me that! I'm not your mother! How could you marry this woman without telling me, Mason?! How? Are you humiliating me to my Amigas?!” She yelled, catching everyone's attention.

“Relax, Celeste. There's no need to shout,” Mason tried to calm her down.

“Really? Then how could you explain it to her?” she crossed her arms.

“Who?” We asked.

“Me.” We turned behind, and as soon as I exposed myself to the person who spoke from behind, she slapped me. I already got two slaps in one night. Great.

“How could you flirt with my man?”

I furrowed, “Who are you?”

“I am Irene Watson, Mason Gray's fiance. His future wife,” she murmured.

Mason's POV

“Any progress to what I mandate you,” I stated after getting the doctor from Sean's hand.

Dominic yawned before stretching his arms and turned at me, “Nope. No news from the men I command to look for that woman. Why are you even looking for that woman?”

“She is the only heiress of Anderson's family, and everything will be bestowed on her because her father is already dead.”

“I think you need to be more concerned about the fact that the mafia community is blaming you for what happened to Mr. Anderson, which will affect your position as the next mafia lord. Your father holds a powerful position in the mafia community, and you can lose it, and you're wasting your time for someone unworthy,” Sean muttered, and he was right.

I leaned on my chair and replied, “I felt the heir would come after me.”

“We don't even know who Victor'sdaughter is, or if she is even a girl or boy.”

“Tell me about the shipment tomorrow, Sean.”

Sean took the white folder and handed it to me, “Mr. Martinez will be our client tomorrow. He will meet us tomorrow; we can head to the next location to check our gun shipments.”

“Woah! Are we going to have new babies to play with? It's been here since I replaced my gun, so I think I deserve a gift. Don't you think, Mason?” Dominic questioned.

“It depends on your performance tomorrow, Dominic. Besides, I have a meeting with Mr. Rodriguez, and I expect you to show up on my behalf as my consigliere.”

“What? But I hate going to meetings, and you know that!” Dominic complained.

“Then, no guns for you.”

“Fine! I'll do it,” he groaned.

I have to find the heir of Anderson's because I know he will come after me. Victor Anderson never publicized his child's identity, so no one knew who would take what he left. Everyone was wondering if Tyrone Anderson would take over the businesses he left, but from what I can see, it's just a temporary heir who was hiding the real heir.

“What if Tyrone Anderson will be the next Mafia boss of the Anderson family?” Dominic questioned.

I asked him, “How did you even think of that?”

“Well, apart from the fact that he is the only son we know of Victor Anderson, he is the worthy heir. Don't you think so?”

Sean chuckled sarcastically, “That arrogant? The last time we met, he was inviting me for a duel, and if it wasn't for Mason, I already ruined that arrogant’s face.”

“I don't think it's Tyrone,” I answered.

“How come?” Dominic asked.

I pour myself a brandy before standing up and approaching my windows, gazing at the beautiful lights wrapping the city above me. Half of the town was in my father's power, and if it weren't for my stepmother, I wouldn't face such ridiculous conditions before getting the mafia position.

It must be passed down on me, but my stepmother's jealousy makes it hard for me to get it.

“Anyway, Mason. I already checked the apartment Valerie occupies and bought the house you told me to. I will give her the key tomorrow so she can move into the house. Your stepmother won't find any loopholes to her identity,” Sean reminded me of the house I told him to purchase under Valerie's name.

My plans must be perfect. Celeste must not find Valerie is a hired wife and surrogate.

“Do everything you can, Sean. Upgrade her wardrobe, buy her the latest iPhone, and fill her drawer with expensive jewelry. Ensure you cover every trace of poorness on her, especially since my stepmother will do her best to find flaws in Valerie.”

I drank my brandy and added, “She's good at acting. She wants her son to be heir, not me. Celeste's evilness is hard to counter because my father believes every word that comes out from her filthy mouth.”

“Don't worry, Mason. I'll handle everything and ensure no traces are left,” Sean promised.

“I don't rely on promises, Sean. I want actions more than words,” I faced him.

He nodded in answer, so I swirled my head back to the window and drank the remaining alcohol in my glass. I have to find the heir of Anderson's and make sure he won't blame me for the death of her father.

“Hello? Yes. Are you sure? Okay, I'll tell him.” I turned to Sean when he spoke, waiting for him to tell me who was on the phone and what they talked about. “It's Alfonso.”

“What did he say?”

“Wait, he's the one I told to find information about Victor's child. He works faster than I expected,” Dominic muttered.

“Yes, he is. I told him to update me earlier than expected, and he did.”

“It better be good news.”

Sean cleared his throat, “He found the heir of Anderson.”

That information caught my attention, especially since Alfonso quickly updated me. I head to my chair and sit down before copping my hands above the table. “Tell me everything.”

“He's dead.”

I furrowed, “What?”

“That's a piece of good news,” Dominic chuckled.

“It turns out Victor's son is a drunk and troublemaker. His car crashed on the bridge handrail, and his car jumped on the river; his door was stuck, which led to his death.”

Dominic stood up, grabbed the remote, and opened the TV. The news about the incident flashed on the screen, diverting my eyes to the TV.

“A man crashed on the fence this morning, and his body was found this afternoon. The investigator says he was driving drunk and dozed off, leading to his death. The man was known to be the son of Victor Anderson, the notorious mafia boss in the city.”

I sipped my brandy and murmured, “Sean.”

He pushed his glasses and answered, “Just say the word, boss.”

“Prepare the car. We have a funeral to attend,” I stated.

Valerie's POV

I have no idea why I am standing in front of our mansion right now. Mason invited me to go to a funeral, and he didn't tell me the address. I accepted his invitation without even asking any questions because he was irritable with those, so I shut my mouth and kept my questions to myself.

However, I wasn't expecting to go to our mansion. Gladly, no one knew I was the daughter of my father because I intended to hide my identity and let my brother expose himself to the public since he is fit to be the next Mafia boss. Our mansion was filled with people I don't know, and everyone was wearing black.

I heard about the news and even I was surprised to know that my father has a son from another woman. I know he is a womanizer, but I didn't know he impregnated a woman without even me knowing it. This is good though because I have to get to know my unknown brother from another mother.

We arrived at the scene and the coffin immediately caught my eyes. “He is the hidden child of the Anderson clan. Apart from Tyrone, we didn't know that Victor Anderson had another child.”

I'm surprised too. I didn't know my father had another child.

“Why did he die again?” I asked.

“His car crashed on the bridge and fell under water. His car was locked and wouldn't be able to get out, so he ran out of breath and died,” he explained.

I nodded as I immediately understood his explanation. Whoever that man's mother is, she will definitely mourn for losing her child.

“Welcome to Anderson Mansion,” My step brother's voice immediately reached my ears. I swirled around and saw him standing there. Our eyes met, causing me to look away and pretend that I didn't know him. “I am Tyrone Anderson, son of Victor Anderson.”

“I’m Mason Gray. I came here to see the face of the heir,” he stated.

“He's not the heir,” Tyrone quickly responded.

Mason furrowed, “He's not?”

“Yes. I am the son he's been with ever since. Carl Ross is a bastard son, and never considered as my father's son because of his bad reputation. So, he's not the heir.”

“Then who's the heir?” I asked, interfering in their conversation.

Tyrone looked at me, “Wasn't it obvious? I am the only son he had.”

“Right,” I cleared my throat and looked away. He's really good at acting using his cold attitude. If I wasn't his sister, my knees would tremble in fear.

I look around and nothing changes in this mansion after my father died. My step brother keeps everything as it used to be, and I'm impressed with how he handles everything on my part. To keep up with my plan, I have to be with Mason and know everything about him, even his weaknesses.

I give them space and wander around the mansion, missing my father's presence because he never became a bad father to me. I headed upstairs and went to my bedroom, checking everything out before approaching the window and opening it. I inhale the fresh air coming from the trees nearby.

“When are you going to come back?” Tyrone asked.

I didn't look at him and remain staring at the mango trees from afar. My father planted those trees because he knew it was my favorite fruit. “I will return after my mission is done. Besides, you are more capable of handling this things than me. I'm inexperience, Tyrone. Our father train you because you are capable.”

“Don't forget that he trained you too. You are the sole heir of the Anderson empire, so you must handle this.”

I faced him, “I rejected our father's wish on me before he died, and I didn't regret it because being a mafia boss is not in my heart. But you are fit to be the next owner of this empire, Tyrone.”

“So what's the point of your mission? Why are you wasting your time to be with that man who killed our father if you're not interested in taking the empire” he questioned.

“I sacrifice everything to be with him because I want to show that man who he deals with. He killed the wrong man, and I will make him suffer in my revenge…” mumbled.

He sighed in disbelief, “Do you think his unaware of your desire? What if Mason Gray knows that you are after him? He will kill you, Valerie. That man is more merciless than you think.”

“I already experienced the worst, Tyrone. I'm not scared to face any chaos that man brings, and I'm willing to face everything all by myself. I'm not asking you to help me, but I'm asking you to take care of what our father left. He will be proud of you if you did, and I will forever owe you this. I made a promise in our father's grave,” I muttered.

I made a promise they'll make whoever is accountable on his death pay. After discovering that Mason Gray was my father's mortal enemy, our family has been enemies since then. I didn't hesitate entering his den and becoming a prey, but little did he know he was the prey. Mason will suffer in my hands, he will regret choosing me as his surrogate and fake wife.

“Before I forgot, I already met the Gray family. It will be hard for me to get their trust because of Mason's stepmother,” I inform him.

“Celeste Gray. I heard about that woman. He is Mason's stepmother, and she has a son who she wanted to be the next heir of the Gray empire. But Mason's father gives him the honor because he is his oldest child, and more capable of handling the company. I wouldn't be surprised if you're having difficulty dealing with that woman,” he stated.

I grunted, “She's the worst, brother. I have to know everything about that family. I want to know what I need to avoid, especially about that woman named Celeste. She is a pain in the a*s.”

“Don't worry, Valerie. I can help you with that. I will send you the email immediately. However, I have one favor for you.”

“Sure. What is it?” I inquired.

“Be safe. I made the promise to our father that I will take care of you, and as your older brother. You are my responsibility.”

I chuckled, “Sometimes I feel like I don't know you, brother.”

“Just promise me you will be safe.”

I took a deep breath and raised my palm to make a promise, “I promise, brother. I will take care of myself and will not give you any headache. That's a promise from your younger sister.”