Chapter 497

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but Ryan Cunningham's expression remained stormy.

He slammed the documents onto the desk, papers scattering everywhere.

"Have the Lowells lost their minds?"

Ryan Jr. sat behind the expansive desk, fingertips tapping rhythmically against the polished surface.

"They didn't just report Emily to the police. They're cutting all ties with us."

Ryan paced angrily, leather shoes clicking sharply against the marble floor.

"I thought they adored that adopted daughter. How could they throw her to the wolves?"

Ryan Jr.'s gaze drifted toward the city skyline.

"Sophia's the problem."

Ryan halted mid-step, brow furrowing.

"Explain."

"Dr. Quincy has defected to Sophia's side." Ryan Jr.'s voice turned icy. "The Lowells got played."

Understanding dawned on Ryan's face, twisting his features further.

"They'll come after us with everything they've got."

Ryan Jr. turned, eyes sharp as daggers.

"Deny everything."

He picked up a fountain pen, spinning it deftly between his fingers.

"Our research belongs to Cunningham Laboratories. The Lowells have no claim."

Ryan nodded slowly.

"I'll arrange for the tech team's relocation immediately."

Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number with quick precision.

"We'll need to secure Emily's release too."

Ryan Jr. gave a slight nod, expression inscrutable.

"She must remain our ally."

Meanwhile, Cunningham Group's press release trended across social media.

The concise statement denied all allegations with surgical precision.

Online chatter gradually subsided.

But inside Lowell Entertainment's boardroom, a furious fist slammed against the conference table.

"Outrageous!"

Richard Lowell's face flushed crimson as he hurled the tablet onto the table.

As tensions simmered between the two families, Sophia's phone buzzed unexpectedly.

"I'm downstairs."

Alexander Valdemar's rich baritone resonated through the receiver.

Sophia's lips curved upward involuntarily.

"Be right there."

In Pearl Group's lobby, Alexander sat perfectly composed on a leather sofa.

His elegant fingers turned the pages of a financial magazine, the tailored black suit accentuating his broad shoulders.

The crisp white shirt remained buttoned to the top, exuding restrained elegance.

"Oh my god, is that Mr. Valdemar?"

"Even more handsome than in magazines!"

Receptionists whispered behind their hands, cheeks pinkening.

Alexander ignored the attention, his focus fixed on the elevator doors.

Waiting for his wife.