Chapter 435

The crowd suddenly understood, casting subtle glances at Matriarch Valdemar.

"Sophia Laurent is such an exceptional young woman. Talented and elegant—she's the perfect match for Alexander."

"If I had a granddaughter-in-law like her, I'd cherish her every day. How could anyone bear to mistreat her?"

"Has the Matriarch lost her senses?"

The hushed whispers reached Matriarch Valdemar's ears.

Her face paled, then flushed with anger. Yet she remained stubbornly rooted in place.

"We'll discuss this another time," she said stiffly, straightening her posture. Her resentful gaze turned to Patriarch Valdemar. "I came specifically to celebrate your birthday. Is this how you welcome me?"

Patriarch Valdemar sighed wearily.

"You're always welcome as a guest."

He motioned for the security to step back, his voice firm. "But let me make one thing clear—Sophia will always be part of our family."

At his signal, attendants approached with gilded trays.

Each tray held stacks of documents alongside dazzling jewelry.

An imperial jade bracelet glowed softly under the lights. A tiara embedded with pigeon-blood rubies shimmered brilliantly. And there, resting on velvet, was the legendary blue diamond necklace that had shattered auction records.

"Sophia," Patriarch Valdemar said warmly, "these are my gifts to you."

The documents revealed deeds to luxury estates worldwide, certificates for limited-edition sports cars, and authentication papers for the priceless jewels.

The total value exceeded three billion.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Sebastian Valdemar remained expressionless, his gaze cool.

But Vincent Valdemar and Damian Valdemar stared at the documents with bloodshot eyes.

Three billion!

Damian clenched his fists until his nails drew blood.

He was the true Valdemar heir. How could these treasures go to an outsider?

This was all Alexander's fault!

His venomous glare flickered toward Alexander before he quickly lowered his head.

In a shadowed corner, Natalie Lockwood trembled violently.

Those jewels should have been hers!

Matriarch Valdemar had groomed her since childhood—sent her abroad for elite education, promised her the Valdemar legacy.

Now everything lay in ruins.

She bit her lip until the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

Even Matriarch Valdemar looked stunned.

She had no prior knowledge of this display. "This is your birthday banquet!" she snapped. "Such matters can wait!"