Chapter 7 She's Not Liked Jackson's women had a shelf life of three months . During that time , if he needed anything , they had to be at his beck and call . They weren't allowed to visit him at his company or cause trouble . Once the three months were up , they were expected to leave and not look back . Rumor had it that Jackson was cold and indifferent by nature , yet women still flocked to him , eager to get into his bed . Not only was he rich and powerful , but he also treated women generously . After the three months were over , they were sent off with a generous severance package . Jackson didn't linger . He opened the door and left . Elaine picked up the check from the bedside table , staring at the figure written on it . A self - mocking smile tugged at her lips . 170 thousand dollars … Because Cordell didn't need her , she had given the most precious thing she had to a stranger . This man , in both looks and background , was no less impressive than Cordell , so she wasn't losing out , right ? Then why did it hurt so much ? The kind of pain that came from being discarded but still unwilling to let go . A cold tear slid down her cheek , and she bit her wrist , trying to stop herself from crying . ***** The Valentine family estate had been passed down through generations . It was a grand , old house that resembled a castle , with ivy crawling up the red brick walls , the green vines bright and striking in the sunlight . Tall , sturdy sycamore trees lined the yard , the flowerbeds were neat and beautiful , and the fountain sparkled like a goddess scattering flowers . In the summer, walking along the shady paths beneath the trees was cool and refreshing . Elaine had a lounge chair set up by the flowerbed on the lawn . She sat quietly , reading a book , with a cup of coffee resting on the small glass table beside her . It was a scene of perfect peace , like stealing a few moments of blissful calm . Olivia hurried over , her voice filled with excitement . " Ms. Valentine , your father and grandfather are back . " " I know , " Elaine replied , closing her book . She composed herself and walked back to the living room . In the living room , an elderly man in his sixties sat on the sofa , dressed in a traditional suit . He held a finely carved cane and wore a ring on his thumb , his graying hair perfectly groomed . Beside him sat a couple who looked weary from travel . The man wore a suit , and the woman wore a deep purple dress , draped with a beige shawl . They exuded an air of wealth and elegance . Elaine changed her shoes at the entrance and walked into the living room . " Grandfather , Dad , Mom . " Marcelo gave a brief nod . In contrast to his indifference , Constance Valentine eagerly stepped forward , gently touching Elaine's thin face , her eyes glistening with tears . " Elaine , you've lost weight . " Elaine opened her mouth , about to respond , but just then , a cold snort echoed through the quiet room . She turned her gaze toward the sound , meeting the stern eyes of her grandfather Abraham Valentine , who glared at her . " So , you finally decided to come back ? " She pressed her lips together and remained silent . Abraham had never liked her . After Constance lost a lot of blood during her birth and couldn't have more children , the male line of the Valentine family was cut off with Marcelo . 288 Vouchers The Valentine family had vast wealth , and someone had to inherit it . Abraham had suggested that Marcelo take a mistress , have a son , and bring him into the family , paying the woman off and sending her away from Aleshire . Marcelo and Constance had been high school classmates , and their relationship had been solid ever since . They started dating in college and had been happily married for many years . Marcelo had firmly rejected Abraham's proposal , and the two often argued about it , to the point that Abraham once became so angry he had to be hospitalized .