Chapter 291

Dark clouds gathered over Valdemar Holdings.

Alexander Valdemar lay comatose in the hospital while Vincent Valdemar and his illegitimate son circled like vultures. The corporate empire teetered on the brink of upheaval.

"Working for Young Master Damian is the greatest honor of my life."

The manager bowed so low his forehead nearly scraped the carpet. He didn't know who was locked in the private room—only that some D-list celebrity had foolishly offended the Valdemar heir.

Damian had orchestrated tonight's trap. Hearing the actress planned to sleep her way to fame, he'd commandeered their establishment. The manager considered this connection divine providence.

The front desk phone rang.

He silenced it with a scowl.

It rang again, insistent.

"Forgive the interruption, Young Master." The manager simpered. "A trivial matter requires my attention."

Damian waved a dismissive hand.

The manager backed out bowing, then whirled with a snarl. "Are you trying to get fired?"

"Sir," the receptionist stammered. "The CEO and Mr. Chamberlain just arrived..."

"What CEO?" The manager scoffed. "Alexander Valdemar's still hospitalized."

"It's... Madam Laurent."

The manager snorted. That figurehead interim CEO? The Valdemar empire would soon belong to Damian.

Still, appearances mattered.

"Understood." He hung up and pasted on another sycophantic smile. "Young Master, a minor issue downstairs..."

Damian didn't even glance up. "Get out."

The lobby gleamed under crystal chandeliers.

"Madam Laurent," the receptionist quavered. "The manager will be right down."

Sophia Laurent's fingers tapped the marble counter. "Search your registry for Beatrice Holloway."

The computer screen flickered. "No record under that name."

"Try these aliases."

Still nothing.

Sophia checked her watch. Adrian had only been inside twenty minutes—not enough time for even Damian's traps to spring. Yet her brow furrowed slightly.

The chandelier's light turned glacial in her eyes.