Chapter 274

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Valdemar Sanatorium. Patriarch Valdemar sipped his tea leisurely, his expression uncharacteristically relaxed.

Alexander Valdemar had just completed his routine medical examination. The nurses wheeled him back to his room. His attending physician flipped through the test results, a pleased smile spreading across his face.

"Your recovery is progressing better than expected. You can begin rehabilitation training in another month."

This meant Alexander would finally escape the confines of his bed. Soon, he could move about in a wheelchair.

The atmosphere in the room lightened instantly.

Once the doctor left, Patriarch Valdemar set down his teacup and studied his grandson with concern.

"How do you feel?"

"Fine." Alexander's tone was flat. "I can handle company affairs now."

"Don't rush." The old man shook his head. "Sophia is managing everything beautifully. Focus on healing."

Alexander's brow furrowed slightly.

The image of that slender figure flashed through his mind. He pressed his lips together and remained silent.

"This arrangement works perfectly—Sophia handles matters publicly while you strategize behind the scenes." Patriarch Valdemar lowered his voice. "This time, we'll root out every last one of your father's people."

At the mention of Vincent Valdemar, Alexander's eyes turned glacial.

The car crash had been no accident. His father was undoubtedly involved.

Though concrete evidence remained elusive, the prime suspects were Sebastian Valdemar and his mother.

After all, they stood to gain the most from Alexander's demise.

Following the incident, Patriarch Valdemar had expelled Sebastian and Genevieve Roche from the company in a fit of rage.

Years ago, when Alexander hadn't yet taken control, Valdemar Holdings had been under Vincent's thumb.

Genevieve, once Vincent's secretary, was ruthlessly effective.

And Vincent had fallen for her tricks.

Not only had he betrayed Alexander's mother, driving her into depression, but he'd also flaunted his relationship with Genevieve once Sebastian reached his teens, forcing his lawful wife to divorce.

To this day, Patriarch Valdemar couldn't comprehend what spell Genevieve had cast over his son.

For her, Vincent had betrayed his own family, leaving the old man ashamed to face his longtime friends.

Over the years, Vincent and Genevieve had planted numerous loyalists within the company.

The moment Alexander was hospitalized, these snakes began stirring.

Many documents sent to Patriarch Valdemar and Sophia contained hidden traps.

Some were so cleverly disguised that even the old man had to scrutinize them repeatedly to spot the issues.

Yet according to Henry Chamberlain's reports, Sophia consistently identified every discrepancy with pinpoint accuracy.

Lately, Patriarch Valdemar had grown increasingly impressed with his granddaughter-in-law.

Now was the perfect time to purge Vincent's influence.

"Understood." Alexander's voice was icy. "I won't show mercy this time."

The two men discussed corporate strategies in detail.

As their conversation wound down, Patriarch Valdemar asked casually, "What are your true feelings for Sophia?"

Alexander stiffened slightly.

A complex emotion flickered in his dark eyes.

"That girl has shown you extraordinary devotion." The old man's tone turned meaningful. "Not only did she marry you when your survival was uncertain, but she also stepped up to save the company. You mustn't fail her—"

After a long pause, Alexander exhaled slowly. "I know."

"By the way." Patriarch Valdemar suddenly remembered something. "That worthless brother of yours is back in the country. Has he visited?"

Alexander gave a slight nod. "The guards said he lingered outside my room briefly."

"That disgrace!" The old man slammed his fist on the table. "Wasting his life on god-knows-what instead of making something of himself—"

At the mention of Adrian Valdemar, the air in the room turned frosty.