Chapter 357

The car door clicked softly, snapping Alexander out of his thoughts. He reached over and pulled it open.

Sophia bent to slide into the seat, her voice cool. "Mr. Valdemar."

Her tone was polite yet distant, as if addressing a stranger.

Alexander gave a curt nod. "Ms. Laurent."

A day of meetings had clarified their current relationship.

The accident was indeed his fault.

If she wanted no further entanglement, he would compensate her in other ways.

As for tonight's family dinner—that was entirely the Patriarch's idea.

The old man clearly adored her.

Sophia wasn't surprised by Alexander's aloofness.

They were from different worlds.

Silence settled in the car, broken only by the hum of the engine.

An hour later, the vehicle glided into the Valdemar Manor.

The Valdemars originated from the south, having sacrificed their fortune to support the war effort before rebuilding their empire through shrewd investments.

Now their influence spanned politics and business.

The manor sprawled across lush grounds, blending classical elegance with modern luxury.

Priceless flora adorned the rock gardens and water features, every detail whispering of old money.

Sophia followed Alexander into the grand hall.

The Patriarch was instructing the butler but brightened instantly at her arrival.

"Sophia, my dear! Come sit—"

A genuine smile touched her lips. "Grandfather."

They fell into easy conversation.

Alexander stood forgotten, shaking his head wryly.

A hand clapped his shoulder.

"Tsk tsk." Adrian sidled up, grinning. "How does it feel to be dethroned, brother?"

Alexander's expression frosted over. He shrugged off the contact. "Piss off."

Adrian chuckled. "I know exactly what you're going through—"

He heaved a dramatic sigh. "Ignored by Grandfather, abandoned by your wife—"

Alexander stared flatly.

"Six months' allowance. Gone."

Adrian's eyes bulged. "What? You're cutting a whole year's stipend?"

Alexander ignored him.

"Brother! Blood brother! I was joking!" Adrian hopped in agitation. "Half a year is too harsh!"

Alexander remained unmoved.

Adrian's eyes lit with sudden inspiration. "What if I spy for you?"

He dropped his voice. "I'll watch over Sophia. Any suitors get too close, I'll handle them."

Alexander scoffed. "Pathetic."

"Come on, a woman like her must have admirers." Adrian eyed Alexander critically. "You're decent-looking, but—"

"We're getting divorced," Alexander cut in coldly.