Chapter 267

Tiffany Sinclair's lips curved slightly as she gave Adrian Valdemar a graceful nod. "I appreciate your efforts."

She wore a pale pink satin cheongsam with a cream chiffon shawl draped over her shoulders, every movement exuding aristocratic elegance.

Adrian trailed behind her, his gaze downcast and distracted.

"Mrs. Valdemar, I'm Tiffany Sinclair."

The Valdemar Group's recent upheavals had sent ripples through the entire business circle.

Sophia Laurent's interim appointment as CEO in Alexander's stead had caused quite a stir.

She wouldn't meet Adrian alone, but she wouldn't pass up the chance to make Sophia's acquaintance.

Sophia studied the poised young woman before extending her hand. "Miss Sinclair."

She hadn't expected to meet the subject of yesterday's background check so soon.

Their exchange remained polite yet measured.

Neither overly familiar nor coldly distant.

Sophia found herself favorably impressed.

Adrian's incessant chatter had ceased the moment Tiffany appeared.

Meanwhile...

Adrian watched their animated conversation with a deepening frown.

What could they possibly have to talk about?

Jasmine Keane noticed his mood and tugged gently at his sleeve. "Adrian, is that your sister-in-law? Should we greet her?"

She was the one Adrian had chosen, not some arranged marriage candidate.

Adrian nodded. "Let me introduce you."

Though Sophia had refused his loan request, she was still the lady of the house.

Just as Sophia and Tiffany's discussion grew lively, Adrian's voice cut in.

"Sister-in-law..."

Adrian lifted lazy eyes. "Shouldn't you be on a date instead of interrupting?"

Both women turned at the intrusion.

"Is there something you need?"

"Nothing important." Adrian shook his head. "Sister-in-law, this is my girlfriend Jasmine Keane."

Before he finished, Jasmine chirped sweetly, "Hello, sister-in-law."

Sophia's smile cooled.

"That's premature."

The unspoken implication: a girlfriend was far from being a Valdemar wife.

Jasmine bit her lip, fingers twisting nervously. "My apologies, I was just following Adrian's lead..."

Her white sundress and demure posture painted a pitiful picture.

Adrian bristled before Sophia could respond.

"What's that supposed to mean, Sophia?"

Only out of respect for Alexander did he address her as sister-in-law.

Everyone knew she was just a temporary placeholder.

He'd shown enough courtesy, yet she dared embarrass Jasmine in public.

He could tolerate personal slights, but never against his beloved.

Sophia's lips quirked.

"Simply stating facts."