Chapter 196
Sophia Laurent stood on the stage in a sleek black business suit, her delicate features strikingly illuminated under the spotlight.
Her calm gaze swept across the room as she spoke in a clear, commanding voice.
"Members of the press, I'm Sophia Laurent, acting CEO of Valdemar Holdings."
Whispers rippled through the crowd of journalists, their curiosity palpable at this unfamiliar face.
A bespectacled male reporter abruptly stood, his tone aggressive.
"Why isn't Patriarch Valdemar or Mr. Valdemar himself presiding over such an important press conference?"
The corner of Sophia's lips lifted slightly, but her eyes turned frosty.
"My husband Alexander is currently recuperating. I'm handling corporate affairs on his behalf."
The room erupted in murmurs.
A female journalist seized the opportunity.
"Rumors claim Mr. Valdemar remains in a vegetative state after the car accident. Is this true?"
Henry Chamberlain clenched his fists nervously nearby.
Sophia adjusted her cufflinks with composed elegance.
"Alexander is indeed in a coma following the accident."
Dead silence blanketed the auditorium.
The reporter blinked, unprepared for such direct confirmation.
Live stream comments exploded across screens.
"She's insane! Admitting it outright?"
"Valdemar stocks will crash!"
"What's her game?"
Sophia surveyed the room before continuing.
"But I have full confidence in Valdemar's medical team. He'll awaken soon."
The bespectacled reporter pressed on doggedly.
"We've heard Mr. Valdemar lost reproductive capabilities along with his consciousness?"
Henry's face darkened as he moved to intervene.
Sophia raised a restraining hand.
Her stiletto heels clicked against marble as she descended the podium steps.
"You seem unusually invested in my husband's physical condition?"
Her velvet tone carried steel beneath.
Beads of sweat formed on the reporter's forehead as he retreated half a step.
Sophia pivoted to face the camera bank.
"This press conference exists to deliver unfiltered truth."
A deliberate pause. Her gaze never wavered.
"Alexander may be comatose, but Valdemar Holdings won't falter."
Camera flashes erupted like lightning.
"I'll serve as acting CEO until his full recovery."
Henry stared at her, stunned by this masterful deflection.
The live chat sentiment shifted instantly.
"That composure! A queen!"
"Valdemar chose well with this one."
"The empire's safer than we thought..."
The bespectacled reporter's face contorted in defeat.
His fingers flew across a hidden phone screen:
"Abort plan. She's rewritten the script."