Chapter 330

The Valdemar family's upheaval sent shockwaves through high society. Sophia Laurent's appearance at Valdemar Group's press conference had already made her a familiar figure.

Now, her physical presence instantly made her the center of attention.

Her raven-black hair cascaded down, accentuating her porcelain skin. Those limpid eyes held an autumn-like depth, and every gesture exuded aristocratic grace.

Gasps of admiration rippled through the crowd.

"Mrs. Valdemar, I've heard so much about you. I'm Quentin Wu from Summit Group."

"Madame Valdemar, Leonard Lin from Lin Corporation."

"You were breathtaking in the video, but reality surpasses even that."

Sophia's lips curved slightly as she gracefully acknowledged each guest. Her poised elegance made onlookers pause to admire her.

In a dim corner, Gabrielle Winston clutched her champagne flute until her knuckles turned white.

"Just a pawn of the Valdemars. How dare she flaunt herself here?"

Isabella Evans sipped her drink, amused. "Still holding a grudge after all this time?"

"That bitch slapped me in the hospital!" Gabrielle's eyes burned with fury. "I'll make sure she's ruined."

Isabella shook her head. "Ethan would scold you again if he knew..."

At the mention of her brother, Gabrielle's expression darkened further.

"He's been bewitched by that vixen. Completely obsessed..."

What infuriated her most was that this woman carried Winston blood while marrying into the Valdemar family.

The mere thought made Gabrielle tremble with rage.

Yet she couldn't expose the secret.

The Winston family was a nest of vipers, with illegitimate heirs circling like sharks. Without an alliance with the Evans family, Ethan's position as heir would be precarious.

But her brother remained stubbornly devoted to that tramp.

"Just wait," Gabrielle sneered. "Her days are numbered..."

Isabella arched a brow. "Oh?"

"With Alexander's accident, the Valdemars need her as a shield." Gabrielle lowered her voice. "Once the storm passes, she'll be nothing."

Isabella swirled her glass, a hint of mockery in her eyes.

"Perhaps Patriarch Valdemar genuinely values her?"

"Her?" Gabrielle scoffed. "Not even good enough for the Winstons. Why would the Valdemars treasure her?"

She lifted her chin and strutted toward the crowd's center.

"Well, if it isn't the Valdemars' lucky charm bride! How shameless to parade yourself here."

Her shrill voice cut through the banquet hall's hum. All eyes turned toward them.

Recognizing the Winston heiress, guests maintained a tactful silence.

Some exchanged knowing glances.

The Valdemars' therapeutic marriage was an open secret, but no one dared mention it outright.

Sophia slowly raised her gaze. "Are you implying, Miss Winston, that marrying Alexander is disgraceful?"