Chasing the Unexpected

Chapter 701

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“You said it was boring when the date was set at the restaurant yesterday. No matter how it’s done, you’ll find something to criticize. Do you just not want to go on a blind date?” Phoebe asked.

Valarie pursed her lips. “I don’t want to. If it weren’t for you guys pushing me, I wouldn’t even consider it.”

For her, not getting married wasn’t a big deal. She’d rather stay single than wake up every day to a face she didn’t like, pretending to be happy for the rest of her life.

“You’re driving me crazy! You’re in your 30s now, and if you don’t get married soon, no one will want you by the time you’re 40! Your dad and I are getting older, and after we’re gone, how will you manage on your

own?!” Phoebe exclaimed.

Facing her mother’s serious expression, Valarie shrugged. “I’ll manage just fine. There are plenty of people who choose not to marry or have kids, and none of them seem to be struggling.”

Phoebe gritted her teeth. “I don’t care! When you get to our age, you’ll understand I’m only looking out for

you!”

Valarie knew that discussing this with her mother was pointless. They had already argued too much about her age and the blind dates. Now that she had compromised, there was no need to keep fighting.

“Fine, I’ll go on the blind date. But if the guy isn’t interested in me, or if I’m not interested in him, I won’t agree to marry,” she stated firmly.

“Just go, and we can figure out the rest later,” Phoebe groaned.

After lunch, Valarie drove to the racetrack.

The man she was supposed to meet was named Zayn. According to Phoebe, he had been too busy with his career to get married until now.

Most importantly, Zayn was the only son of the Updikes, so he would inherit everything. If Valarie married him, she wouldn’t have to deal with any sister–in–law rivalry.

It was also said that Zayn’s mother was easy to get along with, which would make life much more

comfortable.

Valarie had listened to all this with little enthusiasm, hardly absorbing any of it.

An hour later, Valarie parked her car in the lot in front of the racetrack.

As soon as she arrived at the entrance, a server walked up to her. “Ms. Weir, welcome! I’ll take you in. It’s been a while since you’ve been here.”

Valarie had once been obsessed with horse racing, frequently visiting the racetrack to place bets and earn some extra money.

However, work had kept her busy, and she hadn’t been here in a long time.

She smiled and replied, “I’m not here to watch the races today. I’m here to meet someone.”

“Who are you meeting?” the server asked.

“The CEO of the Updike Group, Zayn Updike,” Valarie answered.

“Mr. Updike is in Room 3, watching the races. I’ll take you there,” the server replied.

With the server leading the way, Valarie walked down a long corridor and stopped at the door of Room 3.

“Ms. Weir, this is the one,” the server informed her.

Valarie nodded. “Thank you.”

The server knocked on the door, and a voice from inside said, “Come in.”

The server opened the door and addressed the man watching the horse race through the floor–to–ceiling

windows. “Mr. Updike, Ms. Weir is here to see you.”

Upon hearing this, Zayn turned toward the door. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

When he saw Valarie standing behind the server, his eyes flickered with interest.

The two exchanged glances, sizing each other up.

Soon, Zayn smiled. “Ms. Weir, please come in.”

Valarie walked past the server into the room. “Hello, Mr. Updike.”

“Please, take a seat. Would you like something to drink?” Zayn offered.

Valarie sat on the couch closest to the door and replied casually, “No, thanks. I brought my own water.”

Zayn paused for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. “Are you worried I might have ulterior motives?”

Valarie smiled. “Not really. It just feels a bit odd to meet for a blind date here, so I thought I’d avoid any potential complications.”