Chapter 364

Adrian Valdemar cast a casual glance at Vincent Valdemar, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

"There's an old saying—better tear down ten temples than ruin one marriage."

"If Grandmother insists on the Lockwood alliance, there's always a solution."

"Natalie doesn't have to marry Alexander. Father has another son, doesn't he?"

The implication was clear—Natalie could marry Sebastian instead.

Matriarch Valdemar's face turned ashen.

She shot Adrian a venomous look. "Children should be seen, not heard."

With Alexander controlling Valdemar Holdings, the Lockwoods needed his influence to maintain their status.

What future would Natalie have with Sebastian?

Vincent glared at his younger son.

Adrian knew better than to disrespect the matriarch, but he had no such reservations with his father.

Meeting Vincent's furious gaze, he didn't bother hiding his derision.

Vincent's face purpled with rage.

Matriarch Valdemar's irritation grew as she took in Sophia Laurent's delicate demeanor. Both Alexander and Patriarch Valdemar were utterly charmed by this woman.

For now, she'd focus on protecting her family's interests.

"Alexander," she softened her tone, "since you're satisfied with this marriage, we'll say no more about Natalie..."

"But could you show some leniency toward the Lockwoods?"

Alexander's gaze darkened, his voice measured.

"You're asking the wrong person. The judicial authorities are handling their case—not me."

The matriarch hadn't expected such resistance.

Without his evidence, would they even be in this situation?

"Alexander, I'm your grandmother!"

He met her gaze calmly. "No one disputes that."

When persuasion failed, she turned to Patriarch Valdemar.

"Victor Valdemar, are you really going to humiliate me like this?"

The patriarch frowned. "Who's humiliating anyone?"

"I've stood by you since I was eighteen. After decades of devotion, is this how you treat my family?"

Her twisted logic provoked him.

"Be reasonable. They brought this on themselves by targeting Alexander first."

He approved of his grandson's uncompromising stance.

Half measures only invited retaliation.

"Nobody would've touched them if they'd behaved."

Cornered, the matriarch resorted to emotional blackmail.

"Then I'm asking you—as your wife—to spare them."

The patriarch's frown deepened.

"What are you implying?"

Her expression turned stony. "Call off Alexander's investigation, or our marriage is over."

The patriarch stared in disbelief.

"You'd divorce me over this?"

"Try me," she snapped.

A mirthless laugh escaped him.

"Have it your way."