Secret Heiress: The Mafia Billionaire's Surrogate

Valerie's POV

I can do this.

After pulling my courage, I took a deep breath and exited the limousine that fetched me from the apartment I was staying in. I have to keep my profile low and make them believe I'm a hard-working sister of a sick girl who desperately wants to earn money for her treatment. Also, I'm a tenant who hasn't paid her rent for three months, and Mason pays it all. Gladly, the landlord of the apartment I'm staying in is my acquaintance, and he's easy to deal with.

I stood in front of this massive mansion filled with extravagant people wearing expensive gowns, screaming about how much money they could spend in casinos. Meanwhile, my attention was drawn to Mason's arm when he offered it to me. I accepted it, and we headed inside, where the banquet was happening. I was not aware he was planning to introduce me to his family on the night of his stepmother's birthday. Isn't it exciting? I can get to know the Gray family and what kind of monsters they are.

I'm wearing a tube dark blue gown that perfectly wraps my curves with crystals. My hair was tied, and the dress was paired with a blue diamond ring, earrings, necklace, and bracelet. I also have this blue purse that added to my gown's theme. I don't know why he gave me a dark blue-themed gown, but it's ridiculous. After we reached the mansion, I was surprised at how filled the place was with people. I immediately looked for a specific one and expected to meet Mason's father tonight.

I eyed Mason's father and stepmother from afar, but we halted. He removed my arm from his and faced me, “You're going to meet my family, and I'm expecting you to be on your best behavior, Valerie.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I want you to act like you're one of us. Like you came from a rich family, so that my stepmother will stop interfering with my affairs.”

I nodded, “Got it.”

He offered me his arm again, and we marched towards his family. We already caught their attention, and Mason's father smiled at me as if he welcomed me to their family.

“Who is this beautiful woman, Mason?” His father asked.

“She's Valerie, Dad.”

“Valerie. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl like you.”

A woman snickers, causing me to turn at her, and I bet she's Mason's stepmother. She raised her eyebrow before looking at me from head to toe, “Where club did you get this woman, Mason?”

“I beg your pardon?” I asked.

She chuckled, “So the golddigger can talk, huh? I didn't know you were built to talk like that, woman.”

I smiled broadly, holding myself back because this woman was so annoying. I'm not built to be patient, especially since my father knew I was a troublemaker since high school, but I'm doing my best to be a good daughter. Not until he died, and his death led me to this beast's place.

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Gray. I think you mistook me. We didn't meet at the club, so I think you're referring to someone else.” I extend my arm and smile sweetly, “Hi, I'm Valerie Moore. Fashion designer in Paris.”

“Wow. You are a fashion designer in Paris?” Mr. Gray questioned in amazement.

I turned at him and nodded, “Yes, sir.”

“She's not bad after all, darling. Mason never introduced a sophisticated woman to us, so I'm glad he introduced a prominent woman like her. Don't you think so?” Mr. Gray glanced at his wife, but she just smiled forcefully at me. I can feel her disagreement with me as Mason's wife, and I must ignore her.

She's not the one I need to focus on. I have to keep my attention on Mason and his father. I have to find evidence that will press them as suspects for killing my father.

“How can you prove that you're a fashion designer?” Mrs. Gray questioned.

How can I prove it? I don't know. It just slipped on my lips. I am a fashion designer in Paris because I want to chase a different path and refuse to be a mafia boss. I can get through this. I have a best friend who pretends to own my company. Right.

“The company I'm working for will hold a party, and it will be my company's honor to have you as VIP guests. I can call my boss to confirm it if you want,” I replied.

“No need, Valerie. Anyway, have fun. We're celebrating my stepping down as the head of this family and for Mason's achievement. He will handle our businesses, so this party is for him also.”

I bowed, “Thank you for having me, sir.”

“Don't call me sir. Call me Dad, especially since I can tell you and my son will be in a relationship longer than I expect.”

I chuckled, “Sure, Dad.”

“Actually, father. I have something to tell you.” Mason clears his throat before locking our hands and flashes our rings to them, “We are married. She is my wife.”

Mr. Gray widened and laughed afterward, “Really?! That's good news! Welcome to our family, Valerie.”

“Thank you, Father—” I paused when Mrs. Gray slapped me, causing the guests to gasp as we got their attention. “Celeste! What have you done?!”

“You marry a sl*t?!” She shouted.

I recovered from that unexpected slap and clung to Mason's arm, “Why did you slap me, Mom?”

“Don't call me that! I'm not your mother! How could you marry this woman without telling me, Mason?! How? Are you humiliating me to my Amigas?!” She yelled, catching everyone's attention.

“Relax, Celeste. There's no need to shout,” Mason tried to calm her down.

“Really? Then how could you explain it to her?” she crossed her arms.

“Who?” We asked.

“Me.” We turned behind, and as soon as I exposed myself to the person who spoke from behind, she slapped me. I already got two slaps in one night. Great.

“How could you flirt with my man?”

I furrowed, “Who are you?”

“I am Irene Watson, Mason Gray's fiance. His future wife,” she murmured.