Chapter 302

Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the dining room. Sophia Laurent sipped her coffee slowly.

The shadow of Adrian Valdemar's failed audition still lingered. She had barely convinced Lucas Sheridan to grant a second chance, only for Adrian to refuse outright.

She massaged her temples. The role of the Young Marquis in "Empress" was tailor-made for Adrian. A perfect performance could not only redeem his tarnished reputation but also open new doors for his acting career.

Missing this opportunity meant losing a role of this caliber indefinitely.

"Morning, sis!"

A bright youthful voice interrupted her thoughts. Sophia looked up to see Adrian standing by the table. He wore a simple white shirt and light-wash jeans that accentuated his long legs. An uncharacteristically radiant smile graced his face, as if gilded by sunlight.

"Morning." She nodded slightly.

Adrian's smile widened, but he said nothing more, quietly taking the seat across from her. His appetite was unusually hearty today—he devoured two sandwiches.

Sophia studied him. The brooding, rebellious boy seemed transformed, brimming with vitality.

"Good news?" She set down her coffee cup.

Adrian froze momentarily. No one had ever inquired about his mood before. He chewed thoughtfully, eyes crinkling. "Damian Valdemar's in trouble."

Though the videos wouldn't be released yet, imagining his half-brother's distress was satisfaction enough.

Sophia caught the implication. "Did he bully you?"

Adrian paused mid-bite.

"You don't have to answer." She passed him a glass of milk.

"It's nothing secret." He set down his fork, expression calm. "He did harass me often."

"No one intervened?"

"Grandfather's health was fragile. I didn't want to burden him." Adrian peeked at Sophia's reaction. "As for Alexander... he had his own demons."

Alexander had been forced since childhood to master endless skills, just to earn their father's attention. Compared to his own suffering, his elder brother's psychological torment was equally brutal.

Sophia understood. She met Adrian's gaze squarely. "In the Valdemar household now, no one touches you."

Adrian's eyes sparkled like stars. "Sis! From today, you're my real sister!"

"That's unnecessary..." A flush crept up Sophia's neck at his sudden fervor. She quickly looked away.