Chapter 437

Patriarch Valdemar's usually stern face was now radiant with smiles, the wrinkles at his eyes smoothing out. "Good, very good. Sophia, if this brat ever dares to mistreat you, come straight to me. I'll teach him a proper lesson."

His open favoritism toward Sophia Laurent was on full display before all the guests.

This was his genuine attitude.

Sophia met the old man's affectionate gaze with a slight curve of her lips. "Don't worry, Grandfather. He treats me very well."

"Haha, that's good to hear."

Patriarch Valdemar instructed his staff to carefully store the congratulatory gifts, arranging a special vehicle to deliver them to Westmount Villa.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Sophia, he excused himself to rest due to fatigue.

Many older guests took the cue to depart, leaving the banquet hall to business associates discussing deals and younger attendees brought by their elders for networking.

Once the patriarch left, Alexander Valdemar was pulled away by several business partners.

Soon, Sophia found herself surrounded by unfamiliar faces. She exchanged polite greetings before gracefully extricating herself.

The autumn night carried a slight chill. Tree shadows swayed in the garden, accompanied by the occasional chirp of cicadas.

A cool breeze brushed through her hair as Sophia settled onto a bench.

Unseen bodyguards maintained vigilant watch nearby.

Just as she was enjoying this moment of tranquility, a shrill voice shattered the peace.

"Look how triumphant you are tonight, sister!"

Sophia looked up, surprised to see Emily Lowell whom she hadn't encountered in months.

Her eyebrow arched slightly. "How did you get in?"

Given Sophia's estrangement from the Lowell family, no invitation had been extended to them.

The question instantly struck a nerve.

Emily had always sailed through life smoothly. Even after the truth of her parentage emerged, Sophia remained beneath her—merely a pawn of the Lowell family.

But since marrying into the Valdemars, Sophia had climbed to heights Emily could only envy.

This position should have been hers.

If not for her "generosity," how could Sophia enjoy such glory?

Flames of jealousy burned in Emily's eyes. "What are you so proud of? If I hadn't given you this arranged marriage opportunity, where would you be today?"

Sophia regarded Emily's contorted expression with an amused chuckle.

"Emily Lowell, have you forgotten something fundamental?"

"What?"

"That you were born to butchers? That your biological parents were despicable thieves?"

Sophia's tone remained calm as she leaned back casually on the bench, a faint smile playing on her lips. "As for you 'giving' me the marriage opportunity—that's the real joke."

Not only did the marriage never rightfully belong to Emily, but she had explicitly rejected it when Alexander was comatose, forcing Sophia to take her place.

Watching Emily's face twist further, Sophia raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Having regrets now that Alexander has woken up?"

Emily trembled violently. Her gaze fell on Sophia's slightly rounded abdomen, venom flashing in her eyes.

Just some cheap woman riding on her pregnancy!

Without this child, what worth did she have?

With a sudden lunge, Emily hurled herself at Sophia.

Anticipating the move, Sophia sidestepped neatly.

"Thud—"

Emily crashed heavily into the bench.

A piercing scream tore through the garden. "Ah—!"