Chapter 17 She walked over and took Andy from Arnold's arms , gently ruffling his soft hair . " Andy , are you happy here ? " she asked softly . Andy nodded vigorously , his cheeks flushed . He wrapped his arms around Valerie's neck and planted a kiss on her cheek . Valerie felt a warmth in her heart , and before she knew it , she asked , " Then ... do you still miss Daddy? " The smile on Andy's face faded a little . He glanced at Arnold , whose eyes were full of tenderness , then looked seriously at Valerie and whispered , " Mommy , I like Arnold . Can we make Arnold my daddy ? " Children speak without a filter . She hugged Andy tightly , didn't answer , but her eyes grew hot with emotion . A year later , Arnold's law firm rang the bell at the City of London , officially going public and becoming the most eye - catching dark horse among American law firms in recent years . The champagne tower reflected the enchanting lights , and among the elegantly dressed guests were business elites and tech giants from around the world . As one of the founding partners , Valerie stood beside Arnold , receiving congratulations from all directions . As the party reached its climax , Arnold , the man of the hour , was pushed onto the stage . 09 43 Chapter 17 Holding the microphone , he thanked all the guests and team members . Finally , his gaze traveled through the crowd and landed gently on Valerie . The whole room fell silent , everyone sensing that something was about to happen . Arnold stepped down from the stage and walked toward Valerie , step by step . Under the gaze of countless cameras and eyes , he knelt on one knee and opened a velvet box . Inside lay a dazzling diamond ring . " Vallie , the days I've spent with you have been the happiest of my life . I hope to carry this happiness into the next fifty years , and even longer . " He looked up at her , his eyes brimming with overwhelming love . " Will you ... marry me ? " " Say yes ! Say yes ! " The crowd began to cheer , and applause thundered through the room . Andy was even more excited , tugging at Valerie's dress , his big eyes sparkling . " Mommy ! Say yes to Arnold ! " Valerie's eyes grew hot , and memories of the past year flooded her heart . She slowly reached out her hand , about to speak . " I don't agree ! " A voice pierced through the joyful and peaceful atmosphere . The crowd parted to form a path . Theodore was standing right there . 26,07 % 09 43 Chapter 17 He looked like a lone wolf that had been chasing its prey across the wilderness for a year , utterly exhausted but clinging to life by sheer willpower , his eyes fixed intently on Valerie . The music at the party stopped , and all eyes darted back and forth between the three of them . Valerie's body trembled uncontrollably , and the hatred she had buried deep in her heart burned in her chest . Arnold immediately shielded her and Andy behind him , his expression darkening . Theodore's gaze swept past Arnold . " Vallie ... don't say yes ! " What answered him was Valerie's resolute action . She took the ring from the box in Arnold's hand and slipped it onto her own ring finger . Then she raised her hand , turned to Arnold , and said firmly , " Arnold , I am willing to marry you . " zalt vouchers Theodore's tall figure swayed violently , as if someone had struck him hard in the chest with a heavy hammer . He stared at the ring , its brilliance so blinding it was as if he could weep blood . " Andy ... " He clung to his last hope , turning his gaze to the little boy hiding behind Arnold , only half his head showing . " Andy , come here , come to Daddy , it's Daddy ... " Andy peeked out , looking at him timidly . On that face so much like his own , there was no longing , no affection- only wariness . 50 62 % 09:43 Chapter 17 Andy clung tightly to Arnold's leg , burying his face in it , and shook his head vigorously . " Theodore , " Arnold said with unmistakable authority , " if you don't want to make a scene , please leave on your own . " He signaled to the security guards not far away . Two tall security guards immediately stepped forward , grabbing Theodore on either side . " Get away ! " Theodore struggled against their grip , his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Arnold . " Who do you think you are ? How dare you steal my wife and son ! " Arnold shielded Valerie and Andy even more tightly behind him . " Vallie and Andy are my family now . " " Family ? " Theodore repeated the word , laughing hysterically . The security guards stepped forward again , trying to escort him out . At that moment , something happened that no one could have expected . Theodore suddenly pulled a black handgun from the inside pocket of his suit . The cold barrel glinted with a deadly light under the party's illumination , aimed straight at Arnold's forehead . " I dare anyone to move ! " 7790 %