Chapter 270

Julian Valdemar's brow furrowed slightly as his fingers tapped lightly against the desk. "Are you certain?"

A single year—he had absolute confidence in himself.

"Without a doubt." Sophia Laurent's voice was ice-cold.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Why should I trust you?"

After all, Sophia was merely a temporary figurehead thrust into power by the Valdemar family.

The Patriarch's favor toward her now didn't guarantee it would last forever.

"Do you have any other choice?" Sophia chuckled.

The arranged marriage had been decided by Patriarch Valdemar. The Sinclairs wouldn't dare back out easily.

If Julian truly wanted to marry Jasmine Keane, this was his only opportunity.

Of course, if he was just toying around, that was another matter entirely.

More importantly, Sophia now controlled the lifeblood of the Valdemar empire.

She could freeze Julian's assets at any moment, even forbid all Valdemars from associating with him.

After a long silence, Julian finally spoke. "Deal. I expect you to keep your word."

"Naturally." Sophia twirled a pen between her fingers. "But there's one more condition."

"Go on."

"Not a single word to Jasmine Keane this entire year. Break this rule, and our agreement is void."

Julian nodded without hesitation.

Telling Jasmine would render the entire plan meaningless.

"Then it's settled." Sophia ended the call with crisp efficiency.

Inside the shopping mall, Julian turned with two bubble teas in hand.

Jasmine stood a short distance away, her eyes brimming with adoration.

He returned her gaze with a tender smile, though inwardly, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Just one year. Jasmine loved him so deeply—how could her heart possibly change?

The marriage alliance had been decided by both families' patriarchs. No one could alter that.

His parents, perpetually abroad, couldn't care less about his marital affairs.

If the Sinclairs refused to annul the engagement, he'd eventually have to marry Tiffany Sinclair.

Sophia's assistance might not be such a bad thing after all.

——

Top floor of Valdemar Holdings.

The moment Sophia set down the phone, she summoned Henry Chamberlain.

"Effective immediately, freeze all of Julian Valdemar's accounts. Revoke every privilege he holds within Valdemar Holdings."

"Publicly announce that Julian is no longer affiliated with the Valdemar family."

Henry's eyes widened in shock. "You're serious?"

Had he misheard?

Was Sophia actually expelling the second young master of the Valdemars?

Taking in Sophia's steely expression, Henry realized the gravity of the situation.

The newly appointed CEO wasn't bluffing.

She meant every word.