Chapter 346

Vincent Valdemar listened to the mocking whispers around him, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Sophia is still young and inexperienced. I hope you'll all be understanding..."

Sophia Laurent tapped her fingers lightly on the table, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

These people were clearly Vincent's pawns.

On the surface, they were targeting her, but their real goal was the helm of Valdemar Holdings.

Alexander remained comatose. The Patriarch was frail with age. Adrian was too green.

By every calculation, Vincent stood to benefit the most.

Right on cue, someone spoke up the moment Vincent finished.

"If she's incompetent, she should step aside. The Valdemars aren't lacking in successors."

Sophia lifted her gaze to the speaker. "Who would you suggest, Director Zhu?"

Director Zhu smiled obsequiously. "Vincent Valdemar, of course. Who could be more legitimate?"

The boardroom erupted.

"What are you implying? Sophia was appointed by the Patriarch himself. Are you questioning his judgment?"

Everyone knew the Patriarch's health had declined to the point where Sophia now chaired critical meetings in his stead.

"The Patriarch is elderly. An occasional lapse in judgment is understandable, no?"

Gasps filled the room.

These same directors had groveled before Alexander. Now they dared openly defy the Patriarch to side with Vincent.

The truth dawned on them all.

Today's so-called project review was nothing but a power grab.

"Hand over the company seal, Sophia. HR will process your resignation with all due courtesy."

Sophia turned her calm, unreadable gaze toward Vincent as the directors pressed in.

"Is this your wish as well?"

Vincent beamed. "When the majority speaks, one must answer the call of duty."

Sophia let out a soft laugh. "Have you no shame left in your pursuit of this seat?"

Vincent's face darkened.

"Don't test my patience, Sophia. Surrender the seal and spare us all this unpleasantness."

She closed the file before her. "And if I refuse?"

"Then you'll remain here until you change your mind."

Vincent's eyes turned icy. "No one's coming to rescue you—least of all the Patriarch."

His words ignited fury among the Patriarch's loyalists.

"Vincent Valdemar! Have you no gratitude for the man who raised you?"