Chapter 249

A flicker of surprise passed through Conrad Vale's eyes.

He chuckled darkly. "I'm not the one ending this. You started it."

"Looking back, we were never right for each other."

Thank God he'd realized it early. Divorcing after marriage and kids would've been a nightmare.

Over the past year, Valerie Knox's true colors had gradually surfaced.

But until today, she'd never crossed his red line.

This time, she'd stomped straight into his minefield.

The absurd part? She actually thought threatening him with a breakup would work.

Valerie wasn't naive—she'd lasted a year with Conrad for a reason.

She knew him too well. This time, he meant it.

"No!" Panic seized her. "I spoke without thinking—I was just upset!"

"Conrad, I'm sorry. Let's not break up, okay?"

She truly loved him. She couldn't lose him.

Conrad pried her fingers off his arm. "Too late."

"Words can't be taken back."

He turned to leave.

Valerie lunged to hug him from behind.

Conrad sidestepped coldly.

"Keep harassing me," he warned, "and I'll have no problem dismantling the Knox family."

She froze.

Valerie knew Conrad never made empty threats.

"Then... let's take some time apart?" she sobbed.

Conrad didn't look back. "Unnecessary."

He signaled Roman and the others to get in the car.

Watching the taillights disappear, Valerie was consumed by regret.

This was all her uncle and aunt's stupid idea.

Did they really think someone like Conrad Vale could be threatened?

She comforted herself: Once he cooled off, she'd smooth things over.

Then she remembered—her cousin's predicament remained unsolved.

How would she face her family?

After lingering outside, she finally dragged herself back inside.

As expected, the Knox matriarch tore into her.

"Useless girl! Can't even keep a man in line!"

"And that Aria Bennett bitch has no respect either!"

But the scolding wasn't the end.

"Make Conrad agree to help, or don't bother coming home!"

In the car:

Roman shot his brother a sidelong glance. "Real stellar taste you've got."

"Good riddance. Saved our family from future drama."

Conrad rubbed his temples. "The family kept pressuring me."

"She seemed gentle and dutiful—good wife material."

"Later I realized the Knoxes were problematic, but I overlooked it."

"Never imagined her morals were this twisted."

At least today revealed her true nature.

Roman raised a brow. "You don't seem heartbroken."

Conrad smirked. "Why would I be?"

"Means you never loved her," Roman pointed out.

Conrad admitted freely: "True."

"The family wanted me married, so I looked for someone suitable."

At most, he'd felt responsible for Valerie.

Roman mused, "Real love's hard to come by."

"I've never met anyone who made my heart race."

Conrad flicked his brother's forehead. "Stop pretending to be profound."

Turning to Aria, he apologized sincerely: "About today—I'm truly sorry."

Aria waved it off. "Not your fault."

At least Conrad had principles.

Had he pleaded for Valerie, she'd have cut ties immediately.

"I owe you one," Conrad said gravely.

Roman suddenly interjected: "Aria, does this count as toxic romance?"

Aria: "......"

"No marital compatibility," she said bluntly. "Even if they stayed together, it wouldn't last."

Valerie was too easily swayed by her family.

And Conrad's patience had limits.

For elite families like the Vales, problematic in-laws were unacceptable.

As for Eric Knox—

She didn't mention the hex's trigger: more women.

The more he slept around, the more agonizing his death.

Scum like him deserved no sympathy.

The entire Knox family was morally bankrupt.

Allies with the Vales? They'd become enemies soon enough.