Chapter 340

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the private sanatorium atop Valdemar Holdings, casting golden patterns across Alexander Valdemar's hospital bed.

Patriarch Valdemar sipped his tea, admiration flickering in his eyes. "Your wife is quite astute. She understood the auction's purpose without needing explicit instructions."

Alexander's slender fingers scrolled through Henry Chamberlain's detailed report on Sophia Laurent's every move at the gala.

The corner of his mouth lifted. "Remarkable, indeed."

After a pause, he added, "Bold. Visionary."

Daring to spend three hundred million under public scrutiny required nerves of steel—a quality few possessed.

Precisely what the Valdemars needed now: a signal to the world that their empire remained unshaken.

The old man studied his grandson with knowing eyes. "Rare praise from you."

He set down his teacup. "When did the doctors say you could walk again?"

"Two weeks." Alexander met his gaze. "Just in time for the Eden Project relaunch meeting."

The patriarch nodded approvingly. "Perfect timing."

Sophia's high-profile appearance had already rattled Vincent Valdemar's faction.

Two weeks would be enough for them to slip up.

The Eden Project meeting would be the ideal moment to spring the trap.

The auction made seismic waves across social media.

Netizens flooded comment sections:

"Three hundred million on jewelry? Just another Tuesday for a Valdemar wife!"

"That ruby necklace stole my breath!"

"The imperial jade bracelet could buy a skyscraper! Absolute showstopper!"

Jasmine Keane's nails dug into her palms as she scrolled through the frenzy.

Her friends buzzed around her:

"You're so lucky dating a Valdemar heir, Jas!"

"Remember when he gifted you that designer bag? Pocket change compared to this!"

"I'd sell my soul for one of those pieces!"

Jasmine forced a smile. "Don't compare me to Sophia—"

"Why not? You'll be a Valdemar too!"

"Exactly! If she can do it, so can you!"

That evening, curled against Julian Valdemar's chest, Jasmine murmured casually:

"Did you see the news about Sophia's auction today, darling?"