Chapter 259

Sophia Laurent studied the refined man before her.

Julian Valdemar shifted uncomfortably under her obsidian gaze.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to speak. "Sophia, may I borrow three million? I'll repay you as soon as possible."

A loan request?

Sophia's eyebrow arched slightly.

Valdemar heirs weren't known for financial struggles.

Except perhaps Adrian, the family's notorious spendthrift.

Julian didn't strike her as the reckless type.

"Money isn't an issue," she said calmly. "But may I ask the purpose?"

Julian's ears turned pink.

"My girlfriend's birthday is coming up. I want to buy her a gift."

His voice dropped lower. "It's a substantial amount, but she deserves the best..."

Adrian snorted loudly.

"Three million for a birthday present?" He clutched his chest dramatically. "Julian, could you be any more pathetic?"

Sophia shot him a look.

Adrian rolled his eyes in response.

Julian's jaw tightened but remained silent.

He'd grown accustomed to Adrian's taunts since dating Jasmine.

His hopeful gaze returned to Sophia.

"Give me until morning," she said after consideration. "Why don't you stay the night? I'll have an answer by breakfast."

Julian brightened.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

He added quickly, "Alexander mentioned I could access his private account with proper authorization."

The implication being Sophia wouldn't need to provide the funds.

Julian exhaled in quiet relief.

Sophia nodded with a faint smile. "Understood."

"I'll retire for the evening."

"Of course. The butler will assist you."

Adrian gave a derisive sniff before following upstairs.

Though he despised Julian and Jasmine, he wouldn't interfere with Sophia's decision.

His instincts told him she wouldn't disappoint.

This drama would be worth watching.

Sophia watched them leave, lost in thought.

She retrieved her phone and texted her private investigator: Run a full background check on Julian Valdemar.