The true head of the James family, the force behind VIA Group, kept such a low profile that hardly anyone ever saw her in public. Edison handled everything for her.
Word around was that she was actually Edison's aunt.
"Edward," Edison greeted, his tone a lot less soft than it had been with Claire.
"We owe you and Claire for today. If not for you two, Valeria might not be okay right now."
Edward, who also had a medical background, could tell right away that Valeria's injuries had been handled well.
When he heard it was thanks to Claire, Edward made sure to thank her. "We just happened to be there," Claire replied, a little embarrassed.
Edison smiled. "Anyone else would have helped too."
Edward knew he was just being polite, but the formalities mattered. "Claire looks tired. Edison, why not take her home?"
He'd already decided to have his parents invite Edison and Claire over for dinner sometime. It would be the perfect chance to ask about that hemostatic spray, too.
The Black Family's pharmaceutical company was doing well, and their chain of pharmacies was making money. But honestly, nobody ever minded making more. If there was a way to collaborate and benefit together, why not try?
"She wants to wait for the little girl to come out of the ER," Edison said, looking resigned at the mention of his young niece.
Edward had the same look. "Valeria's not leaving either."
"But if my aunt knew you were here, Edison, she might show up too."
The smile disappeared from Edison's face right away.
He knew all about the Black family. It wasn't just about business. There was history,
too. Tania, his ex-girlfriend, was part of that family.
Their story went back to college.
They'd been so happy together, but after graduation, life pulled them apart. Tania left to study abroad, and they barely spoke. Edison wasn't much for romance, throwing himself into work instead. Tania, lonely and feeling neglected, eventually found comfort with someone else. She was the one who called from overseas and ended things.
Edison had just let her go, giving her what she wanted.
Who would have thought that after all these years, neither of them had married? Tania always thought she was the one who'd hurt Edison, and maybe that's why he stayed singles She never found anyone else, either.
Their friends all assumed they were still in love and tried more than once to get them back together. Edison wasn't interested, and Tania said the same. As for what the Black family believed, Edison had no idea.
"What's this? Is there some juicy gossip I'm not supposed to hear?" Valeria came over, catching Edward mentioning Tania's name.
She'd joked before about her
unmarried aunt, but it had never
crossed her mind to introduce her to anyone. Now, from the way Edward was talking, it sounded like Tania and Claire's uncle already had a thing. Maybe more than a thing.
It was wild. She'd never heard any of this before. Her grandmother always said some man had ruined Tania's chance at marriage. Could that man be Edison?
Valeria was practically buzzing with excitement. She hadn't realized she and Claire might actually end up as family. She and Tania really were related-same taste in men and all.
Edison definitely had that mysterious, magnetic vibe. She could see why so many women would fall for him.
"Don't get nosy," Edward said, giving Valeria a light tap.
Edison might seem friendly now, but everyone knew he was a real fox in the business world.