Chapter 293

Henry Chamberlain immediately recognized this man as the second-in-command at the hotel, just below Warren Kingsley.

"Sophia assigned him a task, yet he kept making excuses and dragging his feet. Such incompetence is unacceptable."

His gaze fleetingly swept over Sophia.

The assistant manager followed Henry's line of sight.

Standing not far from Henry was a woman with an icy demeanor.

Clad in a sharply tailored black dress, her every movement exuded efficiency and elegance. When she lifted her eyes, the authority they held was palpable—exactly as he'd seen in financial news segments.

But in person, she was even more striking, her presence more formidable.

The assistant manager's face instantly broke into an obsequious smile.

He sensed an opportunity.

"Madam Laurent, how may I be of service?"

While he assessed her, Sophia was studying him in return.

Compared to Warren, this man was much younger.

Though his smile was ingratiating, his eyes held clarity—none of Warren's calculating shrewdness.

Sophia gave a slight nod. "Adrian Valdemar has gone missing in this hotel. Mobilize all security personnel immediately and seal every exit."

The assistant manager's expression turned grave.

"Understood. I'll arrange it at once."

He swiftly summoned the head of security and his deputy to coordinate the search.

A large-scale operation would undoubtedly upset guests, but with proper handling and appropriate compensation, the fallout could be minimized.

Sophia observed coldly as the assistant manager issued crisp commands.

Orders were relayed, and everyone sprang into action.

Nearby, Warren watched through gritted teeth.

"Liam Delaney, do you realize what you're doing? This violates hotel protocol and will—"

He abruptly cut himself off.

Sophia arched a brow. "Will what?"

Warren scoffed. "You're just a temporary shield Patriarch Valdemar trotted out. Only an inexperienced fool like Liam would take you seriously. Who do you think you are, dictating terms in the Valdemar Group?"

He didn't believe Sophia would dare touch him.

With Vincent and Sebastian Valdemar backing him, what did he have to fear? Especially now that Alexander was comatose.

But Sophia's next words shattered his delusions.

Ignoring Warren entirely, she addressed Liam. "Effective immediately, you're replacing him. Once Adrian is found, begin the transition."

The assistant manager beamed. "Thank you for the promotion, Madam Laurent."

Warren's face darkened.

"Who the hell are you to demote me? Only the Valdemars can make that call! I'll never acknowledge an outsider's authority, and I sure as hell won't hand over anything!"

This upstart had been undermining him for ages. He'd die before surrendering his position.