Chapter 279

Valerie didn't need Everett to introduce the man. The moment she saw Marcellus, she knew exactly who he was. He was from the Guldner family. That vast and powerful family was one of her primary targets in Windmere. A year ago, every member of the Guldner family had been added to her personal blacklist. And if they ever found out who she really was, they'd do whatever it took to destroy her completely. The feeling was mutual. She'd wipe out every last one of them if she had the chance. But the timing wasn't right yet, and she didn't have enough leverage. To bring down the entire Guldner family, she'd have to wait a little longer. Not even Everett or Lucinda—her closest friends—knew the real story behind her feud with them. The events of that year had been too bloody and brutal to tell. Valerie lifted her glass and returned Marcellus' polite toast. His smile deepened as their eyes met. Everett leaned toward her and whispered, "Val, do you two know each other?" Her answering smil