Chapter 260

Sophia Laurent placed her phone back on the nightstand and turned toward the bathroom.

Warm water cascaded over her skin as steam condensed into droplets on the mirror.

When she emerged wrapped in a towel, her phone screen lit up.

The private investigator's report was concise.

Julian Valdemar, the third son of the Valdemar family, child of Victor Valdemar.

Victor and his wife resided overseas, rarely returning home.

Julian had been raised by Patriarch Valdemar, growing up alongside Adrian Valdemar.

The investigation revealed Julian and Jasmine Keane had met in college, their relationship blossoming naturally.

But a critical detail was highlighted in red at the end.

Julian was already engaged.

His fiancée, Tiffany Sinclair, hailed from the prestigious Sinclair family. Their arranged marriage had long been common knowledge in elite circles.

The engagement had been formalized before college.

Sophia's fingers glided across the screen.

One subtle detail caught her attention.

Jasmine had accepted a gift worth three million from Julian.

Outside, tree shadows swayed as moonlight cast dappled patterns on the floor.

Sophia locked her phone and set it gently on the nightstand.

Pulling up the velvet duvet, she recalled Julian's refined, jade-like smile.

What intentions lay behind that smile?

Morning sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, pooling at the edge of the bed.

Sophia stretched, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet.

The minty toothpaste left a refreshing coolness in her mouth.

The clink of cutlery drifted up from downstairs.

Adrian lounged on the leather sofa, a glass held between his slender fingers.

His lips curved into a smile, the usual gloom in his eyes gone.

"Morning," he greeted, tilting his chin toward the staircase.

Sophia gave a slight nod. "Good morning."

Julian peered out from the dining room, anticipation written across his face.

"Sister-in-law, have you thought it over?"

His tone carried unwavering confidence.