Chapter 4

The entire Lowell family took turns confronting her.

Threats, bribes, verbal abuse, and honeyed words—nothing could sway Sophia's resolve.

Victoria trembled with rage. "What sin did I commit to raise such a heartless creature?"

Even Christopher interrupted his filming to call. "Will marrying into the Valdemars kill you? Stop pretending to be noble!"

Richard played the benevolent patriarch. "The shares will be yours eventually. Transferring them now would destabilize the company..."

Sophia remained firm.

Either the shares or Emily could marry.

Cornered, the Lowells finally relented.

The Valdemars were pressuring them to secure this advantageous match.

When Sophia received the share transfer documents, she felt hollow inside.

The familial love she'd yearned for had always been an illusion.

Richard offered a saccharine smile. "The shares would've been yours anyway. Come home if the Valdemars mistreat you..."

Empty words.

Sophia's lips curled coldly. "Unnecessary."

Her gaze shifted to the Valdemar car waiting outside.

"Consider these shares my bride price."

Scanning their hypocritical faces, her voice turned icy.

"Don't contact me again."

Nathan exploded first. "As if we'd want to!"

Sophia nodded calmly. "Then we're severed."

She turned and walked away without looking back.

The Lowells exchanged stunned glances.

Nathan stomped his foot. "Who does she think she's threatening?"

Victoria looked devastated. "Was bringing her home a mistake?"

Daniel watched the departing car with inexplicable unease.

Richard scowled. "Utterly disgraceful."

William remained composed. "She'll come around eventually."

Victoria nodded. "Without the Lowells, she's nothing."

The Valdemars skipped wedding formalities.

Sophia was brought directly before Patriarch Valdemar.

The elderly man wore a stern expression in his traditional suit, though exhaustion lined his features.

"You're one of us now. Henry will show you around."

Henry Chamberlain was Alexander's assistant.

"This way, Mrs. Valdemar."

On the sanatorium's second floor, Sophia saw Alexander.

The man lay motionless in bed, his sculpted features pale as marble.

Full-body casts and medical equipment cocooned him.

Sophia's breath caught.

She'd glimpsed Alexander at a gala once—radiant, surrounded by admirers.

Now...

Henry discreetly withdrew.

Alone in the sterile room, Sophia approached the bed.

"I'm Sophia Laurent. Your wife in name only."

Her voice softened unconsciously.

"I know this isn't what you wanted. We'll divorce when you wake."

Machines beeped rhythmically.

Studying his still form, unexpected pity stirred within her.

Richard's call interrupted the moment.

She stepped out to answer.

"At the Valdemars?"

"Yes."

"Return to the office immediately. Work is piling up—"

Sophia nearly laughed.

"Labor laws grant marriage leave. I'm taking my annual vacation too."

"Preposterous!" Richard spluttered. "What about the company?"

"Not my concern." Her tone turned flippant. "Shall I resign?"

Instant backtracking.

"Don't be rash. The chief secretary position is yours permanently."

"Rest today. Report tomorrow without fail."