Chapter 269

But what good would anger do?

What could she possibly change?

Tiffany Sinclair lowered her gaze, fingertips lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Arranged marriages among wealthy families were inevitable—she'd known that since childhood.

Julian Valdemar was refined and cultured. Before Jasmine Keane entered the picture, she hadn't objected to the match.

Now...

She pressed her lips together.

Adrian Valdemar's expression darkened instantly.

"Pathetic," he sneered.

Tiffany chuckled at his reaction.

Sophia Laurent studied them thoughtfully.

"Miss Sinclair," she said suddenly, "do you still wish to marry Julian?"

Tiffany's fingers tightened slightly.

Tiny ripples disturbed the water in her glass.

"I'll follow my family's wishes," she murmured.

Sophia nodded.

She had her answer.

Adrian viciously bit into a rib, his eyes stormy.

Back at the office, Sophia dialed Julian's number.

"You don't want this marriage?"

Julian was standing in a long queue to buy Jasmine's favorite bubble tea.

"Of course not," he answered without hesitation.

"What if I could dissolve the engagement for you?"

Julian's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Naturally." Sophia's laughter was light. "As your elder sister-in-law, it's my duty."

Julian remained skeptical.

"How exactly would you manage that?"

"Are you absolutely certain Jasmine truly loves you?"

"Without question!" Julian declared firmly.

Sophia stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the city lights below.

"What if... you were no longer the third son of the Valdemar family?"

Julian froze.

"Jasmine would love me regardless of my status."

Sophia couldn't suppress a laugh.

"Fine."

"I'll announce your disownment from the Valdemar family."

"If after one year Jasmine still stands by you, I'll persuade Grandfather to cancel the engagement."

"Do you dare take that bet?"