Chapter 40

As the host of the gathering, Noah greeted Valerie and Kieran with a warm smile. "Mr. Holt, if you hadn't shown up soon, I'd have thought you had stood me up." Kieran bumped fists with him like old buddies. "I wouldn't dare blow off a sit-down with Mr. White, even if I had ten lives to spare. I was late because I had to pick someone up at the last minute." Noah's gaze slid toward Valerie, and for a moment, he was dumbstruck by her beauty. "Who's this? She's absolutely stunning—such a perfect face and flawless figure." Although that was a compliment, the words grated on Lucius' ears. Kieran landed a light punch on Noah's chest and said, "Ease up. She's shy and doesn't take teasing well. Oh, and she's a friend of mine who's just new to Windmere. I brought her tonight to meet everyone." Noah had met Kieran through mutual acquaintances. Though they weren't too close, they'd always maintained mutual respect. Valerie made a strong impression on Noah. Her distinctive beauty stood out as