Chapter 290

"Are you also from the Valdemar family?" Director Chen's voice rose sharply, her fingers trembling uncontrollably. "The Valdemar Group that dominates the business world?"

Her teacup slipped from her grasp, leaving a dark stain on the carpet.

A mocking smirk twisted Adrian Valdemar's cold features. "That bastard Damian Valdemar dares to represent the Valdemars?"

"Impossible..." Director Chen staggered back two steps. "Vincent Valdemar's ex-wife only gave birth to Alexander..."

"Because people like you aren't worthy of knowing I exist." A shadow flickered in Adrian's eyes.

He loathed that surname.

Even more, he despised that hypocritical father.

Memories surged like a tidal wave—being cornered in the school restroom during middle school, just as Vincent happened to attend a parent-teacher conference. The man had merely cast him an indifferent glance before walking away.

"Why do they only bully you?" His father's voice still echoed in his ears.

Adrian clenched his fists. "How much time did Damian give you?"

Director Chen's face turned ashen. "Half... half an hour..."

Dusk deepened outside.

On the sixteenth floor, even the wind sounded piercing.

"Calm down!" Seeing Adrian move toward the window, Director Chen's voice cracked. "Damian is still your brother—"

"Brother?" Adrian suddenly laughed, his eyes bloodshot. "He'd grind my bones to dust if he could."

Meanwhile.

The hotel lobby glittered under crystal chandeliers.

Sophia Laurent strode through the revolving doors in stilettos, flanked by twelve black-suited bodyguards.

"Call your manager." She slammed her ID on the front desk.

The receptionist's hands shook so badly she could barely hold the phone upon seeing the embossed "Valdemar Group CEO" title.

In the penthouse suite, the aroma of tea swirled.

"Don't worry, Second Young Master," the manager fawned as he poured tea. "That guy won't escape."

Damian toyed with his phone, the screen displaying live footage from the sixteenth floor.

"If only my dear brother knew how helpful you're being..." He deliberately trailed off.

The manager instantly caught the hint. "It's an honor to assist the First Young Master."

On the monitor, Adrian's fist smashed into the wall.