The two didn't speak again on the way. Valentine Teller wanted to talk to Mark Reed, but he didn't respond no matter what she asked, focusing completely on driving, as if she didn't exist. Knowing it was pointless, she stopped trying.
Just being able to sit beside him made her happy enough.
Suddenly, the phone rang. Valentine saw it was Janice Clark calling, and she remembered her promise to accompany her that evening.
She quickly picked up and explained that she was out for dinner with Mark Reed.
Janice Clark was pleased to hear this and encouraged her to give it her all.
After hanging up, Mark Reed finally spoke, "Who called you?"
Valentine casually replied, "Your stepmom!"
Mark Reed's eyebrows furrowed upon hearing that, "Janice Clark?"
Valentine nodded, "Yes, it's her."
"She's not my stepmom!" Mark Reed never acknowledged her status. After a pause, he coldly asked, "What does she want from you?"
