Chapter 5 Kick The Lewd Man's Crotch

Valerie had done her homework so she recognized the man immediately-Stefan Holt.

As Jonathan's second uncle, Stefan was a name synonymous with ambition and ruthlessness. Stories of his cutthroat tactics within the Holt family were legendary.

Aside from his cold reputation, he and Jonathan had been fierce rivals, their animosity boiling over when Nick Holt, the former family patriarch, fell gravely ill years ago.

The struggle for power had been intense, leaving scars on the family's unity. Still, after Jonathan's accident, Stefan's actions had confounded many. He'd spared no expense, deploying private jets to assemble an elite medical team with experts from across the globe. It was an odd juxtaposition, a man driven by rivalry yet seemingly invested in his nephew's recovery.

Now, as Valerie observed Stefan's weary expression, a flicker of anxiety and hope in his eyes, she couldn't help but feel conflicted. His concern seemed genuine, but why?

The private doctor finished his examination, shaking his head with a faint, bitter smile. "Mr. Holt has not regained consciousness."

"What?" Valerie froze for a moment, her mind racing. "But he opened his eyes. I saw it."

The doctor clarified, "A vegetative person can sometimes open or close their eyes as part of an unconscious reflex. It's not an indication of waking up."

Valerie nodded slowly. Being a doctor herself, she understood the medical explanation.

But the intensity in Jonathan's gaze earlier hadn't been that of a blank stare. It had felt too purposeful, too... alive.

"Alright!" Stefan interrupted, his voice heavy with disappointment. "It's late. Everyone should return to their rooms and rest."

As the room emptied, Valerie remained behind, her thoughts clouded with doubt.

Returning to the bedside, she leaned closer, her eyes narrowing as she studied Jonathan.

She checked for any sign, any flicker of movement, any subtle detail the doctor might have missed. But there was none.

Was it possible that she actually misread the situation?

......

The next morning, Valerie stepped out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed and ready to face another day. She was just about to head downstairs for breakfast when the door swung open abruptly.

Standing there was a young man, his sharp features bearing a distinct resemblance to Jonathan.

"So, you're Jonathan's new wife?" he drawled, his tone dripping with condescension. "Marrying a vegetable? Guess some women really will do anything for the Holt name."

The man, Nikolas Holt, smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe, the sneer never leaving his lips. For years, Nikolas had lived in the shadow of his older cousin Jonathan, always second-best in everything-looks, talent, influence, even when it came to women. Jonathan was the golden child, while he was the forgotten one.

Now, with Jonathan out of the picture, Nikolas felt emboldened. This was his moment to bask in what he perceived as his cousin's fall.

His gaze swept over Valerie with disdain, sizing her up like an object to be ridiculed. But then his eyes locked onto hers.

Valerie's beauty was striking, her flawless skin and delicately sculpted features like a masterpiece come to life.

Yet, it wasn't just her appearance-it was her eyes. Sharp, clear, and undeniably captivating, her gaze pierced through him.

Nikolas cursed inwardly, his pride wounded by Valerie's presence-a stunning woman who actually chose to stay by Jonathan's side at a time like this.

The leer in his gaze grew bolder, making Valerie's stomach churn. She frowned, stepping back instinctively, her expression hardening into one of icy disgust.

"Even with Jonathan in a vegetative state, he still outclasses you in every way that matters," she snapped.

Valerie's words sliced through Nikolas like a whip, leaving his pride stinging. Her gaze flicked over him dismissively as she turned to leave, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Nikolas' face twisted with anger, a toxic mix of humiliation and fury boiling within him.

How dare she speak to him like that?

He surged forward, grabbing her by the waist with a force that betrayed his rage, pulling her close enough to feel his breath on her skin.

"You think I'm beneath him?" Nikolas asked, his voice dripping with venom.

His hand gripped her chin, tilting her face upward as his eyes roved over her with cruel scrutiny. "Jonathan's nothing but a corpse that hasn't been buried yet. You're wasting your beauty on a dead man. Why not let me show you what it's like to be with someone alive? Then you can decide who's truly better."

His smirk was cut short as a sharp, excruciating pain ripped through him. A strangled groan escaped his lips as he stumbled back, clutching his crotch.

"Jonathan could be comatose for a decade, and he'd still be more valuable than you will ever be," Valerie said, her tone like frost. "Even now, the Holt family would rather spend their fortunes reviving him than waste a second considering you."

Valerie stood firm, her knee still poised from the strike, her expression composed but laced with icy contempt. "So, I suggest you show me some respect."

Nikolas glared at her through his pain, his teeth grinding audibly as his face twisted in rage. "You'll regret this, you insolent bitch!"

Nikolas stumbled out of the room, fury and humiliation burning in his eyes. As he reached the door, he turned back, his lips curling into a bitter sneer. "You'll pay for this!"

Valerie exhaled, her disgust manifesting in the faint grimace she wore as she wiped at the spot Nikolas had touched.

Her expression grew steely. Jonathan wasn't just admired-he was envied.

If Nikolas was any indication, this family wasn't just ruthless; it was a viper's nest.

With a composed exterior masking her unease, Valerie took another deep breath and stepped out of the room.

Yet, as the door clicked shut behind her, the man on the bed stirred. His eyes opened slowly...