Chapter 198

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the press conference hall.

Every camera lens focused on Sophia Laurent standing at center stage.

"Mrs. Valdemar, is it true you and Mr. Valdemar were complete strangers before his accident?" A bespectacled male reporter shouted abruptly. "Were you just a healing marriage pawn chosen by Patriarch Valdemar?"

The room fell silent.

Sophia's slender fingers tapped lightly against the microphone. A faint smile played on her lips.

"Sir, I suggest you get your prescription checked." Her voice carried icy clarity. "Alexander and I had a longstanding engagement arranged by both families."

Soft laughter rippled through the audience.

The reporter's face flushed crimson. "Reliable sources confirm you'd never met before the wedding."

Sophia's gaze turned glacial.

"Your definition of 'reliable' needs recalibration." She leaned forward slightly. "Shall I show you our engagement photos?"

The man visibly faltered.

"But... the healing marriage..."

"It's the twenty-first century." Sophia cut him off. "Do you still believe in such superstitions?"

Applause erupted in the hall.

Valdemar Group's PR director immediately stepped forward. "Please limit questions to corporate matters."

Other journalists shot disapproving looks.

"I'm pursuing journalistic integrity!" The reporter blustered. "Mrs. Valdemar's evasion suggests guilt!"

Sophia suddenly smiled.

She descended the stage with measured steps, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

"You're so invested in my personal affairs..." She stopped directly before the man. "Perhaps you'd like to explain that check in your jacket pocket first?"

The reporter paled, instinctively clutching his suit pocket.

Gasps filled the room.

Camera flashes immediately targeted his retreating figure.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" He stammered.

Sophia turned gracefully, her hair swirling in a perfect arc.

"Ladies and gentlemen." She reclaimed the microphone. "Valdemar Group reserves full legal rights against defamation."

Security personnel already advanced toward the panicked reporter.

"Mrs. Valdemar! You can't do this!" He shouted desperately.

Without turning back, Sophia walked toward the exit, tossing one final remark over her shoulder:

"Next time you take bribes, choose a less obvious pocket."