Chapter 353

"We've verified the identities of all female guests at the hotel that night." Henry Chamberlain placed the investigation report on the desk. "Although the hotel surveillance was deleted, cross-referencing surrounding cameras and the banquet guest list confirmed Tiffany Morrison's true identity."

Tiffany Morrison...

Alexander Valdemar stared at the report, his fingers absently tapping the desk.

The office fell into silence.

Recognizing the CEO's unreadable expression, Henry quietly excused himself.

Pearl Group CEO's Office.

Sophia Laurent lounged in an armchair by the floor-to-ceiling window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, gilding her hair with gold.

Her workload had decreased significantly since Alexander woke up.

Oliver Granger handled Pearl Group's daily operations, leaving Sophia to focus on major decisions. The Versini Couture design competition was her only recent public appearance.

The thought of upcoming leisure time made her lips curve unconsciously.

The office door opened.

Alexander stood at the threshold, his gaze settling on the sunlit woman. She squinted slightly like a contented cat, bathed in a soft glow.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." He approached quietly.

Sophia turned with an unchanged smile. "No problem."

She waited for him to continue.

Several seconds of silence passed.

"Ms. Laurent." Alexander sat across from her, his voice low. "I need your help with something."

Sophia arched a brow. "Oh?"

"Valdemar Group is currently unstable." His expression remained neutral. "Our recent public appearance as a couple means divorcing now would affect stock prices."

Her brows furrowed slightly.

He'd agreed readily during their meeting.

"Mr. Valdemar means...?" She kept her tone even.

"Maintaining the marriage." Alexander met her gaze directly. "One hundred million per year. Pearl Group becomes Valdemar's preferred partner. I won't interfere in your life—strictly business."

He stated it clinically, as if negotiating a routine deal.

Only he knew his palms had grown damp.

Sophia swallowed her immediate refusal.

The offer was too tempting.

She studied the man opposite her—immaculate suit, impassive demeanor, not a single crack in his composure.