Chapter 256

Julian Valdemar's fingers tightened around his phone.

Adrian Valdemar's careless voice came through the receiver. "Coming or not?"

"No." Julian refused bluntly.

He swallowed hard. "Can you lend me some money?"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Broke again?"

"It's Jasmine's birthday." Julian's voice dropped. "I want to buy her that necklace."

Adrian snorted. "The three-million-dollar one? Your account only has five hundred thousand left."

"I'll pay you back." Julian's tone turned stiff.

"Not happening." Adrian lounged on the sofa. "I'd rather throw cash in the river and hear the splash."

Julian's face darkened. "Adrian!"

"Relax." Adrian lowered his voice. "Why not... ask our sister-in-law?"

Julian froze. "Sophia Laurent?"

"She's managing Alexander's accounts now." Adrian coaxed. "She approved my contract termination fee last week."

Silence filled the line.

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "She just married into the Valdemar family. She'll have to show us some courtesy."

Julian clenched his fists. "Is she... approachable?"

"Warm, considerate, understanding." Adrian lied without blinking. "She treats this little brother so well."

Julian sounded doubtful. "Really?"

"Why would I lie?" Adrian cleared his throat. "I'm moving into Westmount Villa tonight."

In truth, Sophia was dragging him there for remedial lessons.

Julian finally relented. "I'll go see her now."

Hanging up, Adrian smirked.

He rubbed his sore arm, remembering Sophia's dreaded teaching rod.

"Contributing to the national economy..." he muttered. "What does she know about art investments?"