Chapter 69

Alexander lay motionless on the hospital bed, his ears ringing.

"Shut up."

His eyes snapped open, voice icy.

Henry immediately fell silent.

Since regaining consciousness, Alexander had drifted in and out of sleep for days. At least he was awake now, easing Henry's burden considerably.

After concluding a business meeting at noon, Henry had come to the sanatorium to unwind. His girlfriend kept bombarding him with celebrity gossip, which he'd ignored.

Until Sophia's name appeared.

He couldn't resist sharing the updates with Alexander—Emily instigating online attacks against Sophia, the truth coming to light, the restaurant scene with three men surrounding Sophia.

Both he and Patriarch Valdemar had known about Sophia's boyfriend. Neither expected she'd ultimately marry into the Valdemar family.

Henry stole a glance at Alexander's stern profile and wisely closed his mouth.

The room plunged into silence.

"Any news on Tiffany?" Alexander asked abruptly.

Henry straightened. "We're screening all girls by that name. Should complete within a month. No guarantee she's among them."

Alexander's gaze darkened.

"And... Miss Laurent's situation?" Henry ventured. "The marriage paperwork was handled by the Patriarch. Should we—"

"Unnecessary."

Alexander's tone was dismissive.

His periods of lucidity remained limited, preventing him from managing company affairs. This hospitalization conveniently exposed those with ulterior motives.

The longer outsiders believed him comatose, the sooner they'd reveal themselves.

With the marriage already publicized, divorce would only raise suspicions now.

"Don't mention her around me again."

Alexander closed his eyes.

Henry nodded hastily.

A bodyguard's voice sounded outside. "Madam, you've arrived."

Sophia stood at the doorway, responding softly.