Chapter 456

Sophia Laurent arched an eyebrow as she watched Alexander Valdemar's retreating figure.

There was an unmistakable air of disarray in his hurried departure.

She didn't dwell on it, pulling the covers over herself as she settled into bed.

The faint, crisp scent of cedar lingered on the pillow, lulling her swiftly into sleep.

Next door.

Alexander strode directly into the bathroom.

The showerhead hissed to life, icy water cascading down.

Droplets traced the defined planes of his torso before vanishing.

He tilted his head back, allowing the frigid stream to douse his burning skin.

Fragmented memories from the gala night flashed through his mind.

The warmth of her touch. The sweetness of her fragrance. His throat tightened.

The water turned glacial.

That night.

Some slept soundly.

Others lay awake.

And one man seethed with rage.

Police station.

Ryan Cunningham and Emily Lowell emerged from giving their statements well past midnight.

"Ryan, this is all my fault..." Emily's eyes gleamed with unshed tears.

She hadn't anticipated Alexander disregarding the Cunningham family's standing for Sophia's sake.

Their families had maintained surface civility despite years of rivalry.

What made Sophia so special?

Ryan snapped back to the present, ruffling her hair.

"Don't worry. After resolving the medical robotics project, I'll personally visit Patriarch Valdemar for answers."

A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.

"Sophia pushed you first, yet you're the one suffering consequences."

Emily's chest warmed.

Rising on her toes, she whispered into his ear.

Ryan's pupils contracted sharply. "You're certain?"

His voice trembled with barely contained excitement.

Emily's lips curved. "Have I ever lied to you?"

He swept her into his arms, spinning them both.

"You're my lucky charm, Emily."

Her lashes fluttered downward.

"But I'm not a real Lowell... Does that truly not matter to you?"