Chapter 265
Under the crystal chandelier of Celestial Pavilion, Adrian Valdemar wore a cold smirk.
His slender fingers tapped rhythmically against the tabletop.
His gaze drifted toward Julian Valdemar's table nearby.
"What an unpleasant coincidence," he muttered.
Sophia Laurent followed his line of sight.
Julian was pouring tea attentively for a girl beside him.
The young woman wore a white dress, her black hair cascading like a waterfall.
Her delicate features held a touch of vulnerability.
"Three million in gifts?" Sophia sipped her tea. "Must be true love."
Adrian scoffed. "True love?"
Mockery flickered in his eyes.
"That's Natalie Lockwood. A music conservatory student."
"Julian's been chasing her for three months. Hasn't even held her hand yet."
Sophia nodded thoughtfully.
Just then, a striking figure approached Julian's table.
"What a coincidence, Mr. Valdemar."
The newcomer wore a red dress with bold crimson lips, radiating confidence.
Adrian's eyes lit up.
"The show begins."
Sophia recognized the rising starlet Scarlett Winslow.
Scarlett looked down at Natalie with disdain.
"And who is this?"
Julian's expression shifted.
"My friend."
Natalie instinctively leaned closer to Julian.
Scarlett's red lips curved.
"Friend?"
She gave Julian a meaningful glance.
"That's not what you said last night in my bed."
Natalie's face drained of color.
Adrian couldn't suppress a laugh.
"Brilliant."
Sophia shot him a look.
"Your doing?"
Adrian raised his hands innocently.
"I merely knew Scarlett had dinner reservations here tonight."
A glint of mischief flashed in his eyes.
"The rest was fate."
Chaos erupted at Julian's table.
Natalie stood up with tear-filled eyes.
"You lied to me, Julian!"
She grabbed her purse to leave.
Adrian watched the scene with glee.
"There goes the three-million-dollar gift."
Sophia shook her head.
"Aren't you afraid Julian will retaliate?"
Adrian took a casual sip of tea.
"Why worry?"
His gaze met Sophia's, suddenly serious.
"I have you."
Sophia arched an eyebrow.
"That much faith in me?"
Adrian turned away.
"You're my sister-in-law, after all."
His quiet words sent an unexpected warmth through Sophia.
In the distance, Julian scrambled after the fleeing Natalie.
Scarlett remained standing, blowing Adrian a kiss.
He raised his teacup in silent salute.
Sophia observed it all.
This dinner had turned out far more entertaining than expected.