Chapter 439

This failed attempt didn't matter.

If she could use this opportunity to drive a wedge between Alexander and Sophia, forcing her out of the Valdemar family, it would be a godsend.

Alexander remained composed under the crowd's skeptical gazes. "Ryan Cunningham," he said calmly, "jumping to conclusions without thorough investigation is reckless."

Adrian stood behind him, his voice icy. "Exactly. Making judgments based on one-sided accusations isn't wise."

He stared at Emily's deliberately fragile expression, disgust churning in his stomach. This woman was clearly scheming—how dare she frame his sister-in-law?

With both sides sticking to their stories, the truth was hard to discern.

The Valdemar Manor sprawled across vast grounds, shaded by lush trees. This remote corner lay beyond the surveillance cameras' reach.

Emily had counted on that when she brazenly set up her trap.

The standoff continued.

Emily tugged at Ryan's sleeve, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Ryan, let it go... Sophia couldn't have meant it. I don't blame her."

Her act of false magnanimity only reinforced the "fact" that Sophia had pushed her.

Ryan gripped her hand protectively. "Emily, you're the future matriarch of the Cunningham family. I won't let you suffer any injustice."

He turned to Alexander, his tone frigid. "Mr. Valdemar, my fiancée was injured in your home. A simple apology from your wife will settle this without affecting our business relations."

On the surface, it sounded reasonable—just a verbal apology.

The guests murmured in agreement:

"Miss Lowell did get hurt. An apology isn't too much to ask."

"Her injuries should be treated first."

"Sibling squabbles happen..."

Their whispers implied that Sophia would be petty not to apologize.

Alexander's expression darkened.

Adrian exploded. "You call this a birthday celebration? This was a setup against my sister-in-law!"

He smirked coldly. "Oh, I remember now—Miss Lowell here has quite the grudge against Sophia..."