Chapter 214

After the meeting, Henry Chamberlain escorted Sophia Laurent to Alexander Valdemar's office.

The office occupied the penthouse floor. Its monochrome palette exuded austerity, every object placed with military precision.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the sprawling cityscape below.

"Madam, I'll attend to other matters. Please ring if you need anything."

"Very well."

Sophia arranged the documents neatly on the desk and began reviewing them with focused intensity.

Henry closed the door softly behind him, leaving the space in hushed stillness.

Sunlight streamed through the glass walls, warming the cool-toned interior.

Time slipped by unnoticed until Sophia rubbed her tired eyes, preparing to stretch her stiff limbs.

The office door burst open without warning.

"Well, well. So this is the lucky charm my brother married?"

Sophia lifted her gaze, calmly assessing the intruder.

A young man with electric blue hair and platinum streaks lounged in the doorway. His floral shirt and shorts screamed tropical vacation.

"And you are?"

"Tsk." He cocked an eyebrow dramatically. "You don't recognize me?"

Sophia maintained a polite but distant smile. "Should I?"

"Alright then." He sauntered in and perched on the desk edge. "Remember this - Adrian Valdemar."

"I see." Her response was glacial.

Adrian Valdemar - the polar opposite of his brother Alexander.

Where Alexander was a business titan, Adrian dominated tabloid headlines. His revolving door of romantic entanglements, both male and female, made him society's most notorious playboy.

Sophia knew the rumors but had never met him in person.

Her indifference only fueled Adrian's amusement. He leaned closer. "You're much prettier than those plastic influencers..."

Sophia's brow furrowed.

"Since my brother's still playing Sleeping Beauty, what's in this for you?"

"None of your concern."

"Oh, but it is." His smirk turned salacious. "I've got a soft spot for beauties. Why not ditch him for me?"

Before she could respond, he waved a dismissive hand. "Not marriage, obviously. But we could start with dating..."

Sophia shoved her chair back and stood abruptly.

"Adrian, I'm your sister-in-law."

"Exactly." He winked. "There's something thrilling about corrupting my stick-in-the-mud brother's wife."