Chapter 381

"This can't be right."

Sophia's fingers trembled slightly. She hadn't even dared to consider making Alexander the scapegoat. Yet here he was, offering himself?

Alexander's godlike features remained impassive. "Why not?"

A dark glint flashed in his eyes. Perhaps this child was his blood all along.

"Can you tell me the exact conception date?"

Sophia didn't understand his question but answered truthfully. "About two months and a few days."

Alexander's breath hitched.

Two months ago. The night they'd spent together on the cruise.

"Have you had thorough examinations?"

Sophia nodded. "Yes."

If not for that prenatal checkup where she'd run into Gabrielle, today's scandal wouldn't have happened.

"I'll take you to Valdemar Medical Center for reevaluation." Alexander paused. "Their facilities are superior."

After consideration, Sophia agreed it was prudent. "Once I finish here. Thank you."

Valdemar Medical wasn't just top-tier—its discretion was unparalleled.

Alexander's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. "I'll wait."

He knelt before her, his usually stern expression softening in a rare display.

Sophia's heartbeat stuttered.

She turned her face away with quiet thanks, her ears turning pink.

Since the news broke, she'd imagined countless scenarios.

Never had she expected Alexander to stand by her without hesitation.

An unfamiliar sense of security bloomed within her.

Meanwhile, the internet exploded.

#AlexanderValdemarEthanWinstonAtStarlightAwards trended instantly.

Comments flooded in:

"Holy shit! Which one's the dad?"

"My money's on Ethan! Alexander's whole devoted act is just PR."

"Getting knocked up to trap the Valdemars? Sophia's got balls..."

On the "River Banquet" set, Emily had just finished filming her coronation scene when a friend pulled her aside.

"Emily! Your family's in major trouble!"

Still basking in her romance with Ryan, she smiled. "What happened?"

"Your sister's pregnant! The whole net's debating whether it's Alexander or Ethan's!"

Emily's pupils constricted.

Then her lips curled into a cold smile.

What perfect timing.

All she needed was to leak that footage of Sophia being assaulted by those thugs...

No matter whose bastard it was, the scandal would ruin her completely.