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.”

Valerie's POV

I woke up because of the non-stop doorbell ringing all over the house. I scratch my eyes because I “Who would ring the bell this early morning?” I walked towards the door with my sleepy eyes. I turned the doorknob and opened the door, “Do you have any idea there's a person resting—” I paused and widened.

Mrs. Gray raised her eyebrow, “Are you saying something?”

“N-no, ma'am…” I stammer. I felt like my tongue backfired after seeing her standing at my porch. The house that was bought by Mason. Mrs. Gray stepped in, wandering her eyes around the house. I shut the door, and followed her to the living room where I found her sitting here comfortably. “What do I owe you for this pleasure, Mrs. Gray?”

She wiped the coffee table with her finger and looked at it before showing me, “Don't you dust your house?”

“I… uh…”

“Nevermind. Golddiggers like you never know how to do house chores, so it doesn't surprise me. Perhaps, you're looking for maids to clean your house?” She asked.

I gulped, “I do…” Damn! I don't know what to say! I'm not ready for her visit, especially since Mason didn't warn me about this.

“Good. You need it, especially golddiggers don't know how to clean their houses.” I smiled forcedly even though I'm getting annoyed to her words. She's been calling me golddigger like I didn't hear it. “What brings you here, Mrs. Gray?”

She stood up and answered, “I once in your place, Valerie. I aim to be with the richest man in the world, and I had it. I became his wife and we had a son. However, my ridiculous husband wanted his oldest son to take over his empire and what's worse, Mason married a golddigger.”

“Uh, can I speak?” I questioned.

“Go ahead.”

“First of all, I'm not a golddigger. Second of all, I didn't marry him because of his money. Mason was a good man and you didn't see it. Third of all, I have a long patient and your taunting won't work. So, what can I do for you?”

“How much?”

I furrowed, “I beg your pardon?”

“I know my stepson paid you to be his wife, and I wouldn't be surprised if you accept the money he pays you. Perhaps, you have an important someone taking care of and you badly need the money. That's why you flirt with him and accept his proposal,” she explained.

“Oh, I see. Why are you thinking I'm a paid wife of Mason? Isn't it promising for you to believe that we're married? Mason is a nice guy in any way, and it wasn't my fault if you didn't see it. I wasn't paid to be his wife because we fell in love with each other and I love him more than you think,” I responded. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that she will believe it, even though I'm not good at lying.

She scoffed, “Do you think I'm stupid to believe you?” Mrs. Gray chuckled sarcastically, “I know wh*re when I see one. Besides, this house seemed to come from my stepson. He spent his money to buy you a house, and that's one of the signs you're a golddigger.”

“For your information this house didn't come from your stepson and I will never ask him to buy me a house,” I lied. This house was bought by Mason, and we talk about this. He told me not to tell his stepmother about the ownership of this house, and made Mrs. Gray believe it was mine although it wasn't.

She rolled her eyes, “Whatever.” Mrs Gray opens her first and takes something out of it. She even grabbed a pen before turning at me and asked, “As I questioned you earlier, Valerie. How much?”

“I'm not negotiating with you, Mrs Gray.”

She smirked, “Everyone loves money, Valerie. I know you love it too. So tell me how much money you wanted and I will pay for it three times the money my stepson has paid you.”

I chuckled, “What? Didn't you hear what I said, Mrs. Gray? Perhaps I have to repeat myself?”

“Don't be a fool. We're talking about money and you are taking it down just to prove you are not after my stepson's money. That was the foolish word I ever heard in my entire life. I can pay you 20 million dollars just to stay away from mason,” she offered.

20 million dollars is kinda tempting. If I was a desperate woman who badly needed money, I would bite it. However, I'm not an in need woman. I will never bite her trap because my existence to his life has more important reasons, and all I wanted is to drag Mason down and make him suffer in my palm.

“Is 20 million not enough? Then I will add another 20 million just to stay away from him. You are ruining the heir's future,” she added the sum of money to convince me, but my answer was still no deal. “Okay. Last offer. I will give you 50 million, Valerie. You are not fit to be Mason's wife, and I know that because I am his stepmother. I want nothing but best for him, but he chose a desperate woman who will waste all his money for her hobbies. Deal or no deal?” She offered when I didn't say anything and remained silent.

I chuckled softly before crossing my arms while shaking my head and replied, “Are you being serious, Mrs. Gray? My love for Mason is priceless. You cannot offer me any money you have because I'm not the kind of woman. Even if you offer me 1 billion dollars just to stay away with him, I will never accept it.”

She clenches her jaw in annoyance before putting her check back to her purse because she can do anything about my decision. Mrs. Gray moved closer and muttered, “The first time I laid my eyes on you, I knew something was wrong. I will find it and make you leave our lives immediately.” She leaned forward and added, “You wanted to play with him, Valerie. Then I'll give it to you. But I can't guarantee that your life will be at peace because I will make your life miserable than it used to be…”