Chapter 351

The conference room was dead silent.

Director Zhang was the first to rise, slamming his documents onto the table. "I support Madam Laurent's decision!" His gaze swept across the room. "Who else shares my view?"

This veteran shareholder had always been Alexander's staunchest ally, previously clashing most fiercely with Vincent's faction.

With someone taking the lead, the situation became crystal clear.

The wavering shareholders had already made up their minds the moment Alexander walked in.

The most uncomfortable were those early investors tied to Vincent's interests. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads, yet they dared not even breathe loudly.

Their negligible share percentages couldn't possibly sway the outcome.

The game was over.

No one dared mention returning the company seal to Sophia again.

Vincent shoved his chair back violently, sending papers scattering across the floor. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him with a thunderous expression.

Alexander's supporters exhaled in relief, stepping forward to exchange pleasantries.

"Glad to see you've recovered, Mr. Valdemar. We'll take our leave now."

The neutral faction hastily followed suit with their goodbyes.

Alexander remained expressionless, not even bothering to glance their way.

Henry smoothly gestured. "You're dismissed."

Only when the room emptied did Sophia notice her slightly damp palms.

It wasn't nervousness—just discomfort at being alone with Alexander.

She'd heard too many legends about this man's dominance in the business world. At various events where she'd glimpsed him from afar, he'd always been surrounded like the moon among stars.

Now, the crisp scent of pinewood lingered between them.

Sophia pressed her lips together, about to speak—

"Mr. Valdemar—"

"Miss Laurent—"

Their voices overlapped.

Alexander's long fingers flexed against his knees. "You first." His tone remained cool but carried three degrees more warmth than before.

This subtle shift eased Sophia's tension.

"Our engagement was purely accidental." She met his gaze directly. "Now that you're awake, Valdemar Holdings should rightfully return to you."

She paused, her voice steady. "Rest assured, I won't use this to cling to you."

A flicker of surprise crossed Alexander's eyes.

The young woman before him had clear, guileless eyes—startlingly transparent.

He suddenly recalled that press conference where she'd claimed to have admired him for years.

So this was...

The corner of his mouth lifted. What a clever girl.

"I understand." He gave a slight nod.