Chapter 29
"Sophia, have you met Alexander before?"
Sophia Laurent paused with her chopsticks mid-air.
She nodded slightly. "Only from a distance at a few galas."
Patriarch Valdemar studied her expression closely. "What do you think of him?"
Sophia set down her utensils.
Her gaze met the old man's probing eyes.
"Mr. Valdemar is renowned as one of the most accomplished young elites in the capital." She chose her words carefully. "They say his admirers could form a line stretching across the entire city."
Her answer was impeccably diplomatic.
Yet the patriarch frowned.
"Do you feel wronged marrying him now?"
Sophia's fingers trembled slightly.
She sensed the hidden meaning behind his sudden concern.
Just days ago, he'd barely acknowledged her presence.
"Not at all." Her voice remained steady.
Even comatose, Alexander Valdemar remained the fantasy of countless socialites.
The real injustice came from her own family's schemes.
From her ex-boyfriend's betrayal.
None of which had anything to do with Alexander.
The patriarch observed her for a long moment before smiling. "Let's eat."
He'd initially viewed this marriage as a mere transaction.
But since Sophia's arrival, Alexander had shown signs of waking.
This forced him to reconsider the young woman before him.
"Visit Alexander after dinner."
Sophia agreed immediately.
She'd planned to go regardless.
Margaret's treatment still depended on the Valdemar medical team.
The atmosphere gradually warmed during the meal.
To his surprise, the patriarch found Sophia's perspectives aligned remarkably with his own.
His impression of her improved considerably.
After dinner, Sophia first checked on Margaret.
The attending physician was adjusting her treatment plan.
Hearing Dr. Whitmore's methods showed promise deepened her gratitude toward Alexander.
Approaching the hospital room, her pulse quickened.
The security guard scrutinized her for several seconds before opening the door.
His stare made her skin crawl.
Stepping inside, she shook off the discomfort.
The man on the bed lay motionless as ever.
She tiptoed to his side.
"Sleeping beauty, I'm here to see you..."
Her words died as she met a pair of obsidian-dark eyes.
Alexander Valdemar, newly awakened, stared back at her in silence.