Chapter 28

The Valdemar Sanatorium nestled halfway up the mountainside, surrounded by lush greenery in tranquil seclusion.

Patriarch Valdemar hung up the phone with Westmount Villa's housekeeper and immediately instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner.

By the time Sophia Laurent arrived, the dining table was already laden with exquisite dishes.

"Grandfather." She gave a slight bow. "You wanted to see me?"

"Come sit." The patriarch gestured to the seat opposite him. "Just a simple meal and conversation."

"Of course."

As Sophia took her seat, the housekeeper promptly provided cutlery and a warm towel.

The aroma of food filled the air, stirring her appetite.

Patriarch Valdemar sipped his ginseng chicken soup while discreetly observing the young woman across from him.

Sophia focused on savoring the delicacies before her, contentment evident in her eyes.

Watching her enjoy the meal inexplicably eased the old man's recent troubles.

"Are you settling in well at the Valdemar residence?"

Sophia swallowed a bite of shrimp, her lips curving slightly. "Very well."

She set down her chopsticks and retrieved a check from her bag.

"This is for Margaret's medical treatment. Though it hardly covers Dr. Whitmore's fees..."

The patriarch glanced at the eight-figure sum with mild surprise.

"Family shouldn't stand on ceremony."

Sophia's fingers brushed the edge of the check.

She knew the Valdemars had paid far more to secure the royal physician's services.

"Put it away." His tone brooked no argument.

After a brief hesitation, Sophia returned the check to her bag.

"Thank you, Grandfather."

A comfortable silence settled over the table.

The patriarch studied the composed young woman with growing admiration.

At Red Leaf Temple, he'd dismissed the healing marriage superstition as absurd.

But with Alexander's condition deteriorating and no specialist able to help, he'd grasped at this final straw.

Though he'd personally arranged the Valdemar-Lowell alliance years ago, he'd never intended to force it upon the younger generation.

Until the accident.

He'd given the Lowells a choice.

Break the engagement with compensation.

Or honor it with any conditions they named.

They'd chosen the latter.

Setting down his spoon, Patriarch Valdemar finally spoke.