Chapter 344

Adrian Valdemar shrugged lazily after hearing Sophia Laurent's words.

"Buy whatever you want. It's not my money anyway."

He muttered under his breath, "The Valdemars can certainly afford a few pieces of jewelry."

Sophia arched an eyebrow.

Did he really see her as part of the Valdemar family now?

Adrian was already scheming about how to make Sophia his official sister-in-law.

In the following days, Sophia devoted herself entirely to handling the backlog of projects at Valdemar Holdings.

News of her spending three hundred million on jewelry at the auction spread like wildfire.

Not only did it restore investors' confidence in Valdemar Holdings, but it also elevated Sophia's status in the business world.

Whether she was the Valdemar daughter-in-law or Patriarch Valdemar's pawn, she had become someone to be reckoned with.

At the negotiation table, Sophia effortlessly controlled the pace.

Often, the other party didn't even realize what had happened before the contract was signed.

When faced with unreasonable demands from potential partners, Sophia never backed down.

"Sorry, we don't work with those who lack sincerity."

Even if they tried to compromise at the last minute, she wouldn't reconsider.

"Does Patriarch Valdemar know you operate like this?"

"We've already made concessions!"

Sophia smiled, but her eyes were icy.

"Going back on your word isn't the Valdemar way."

In just two weeks, Sophia made a name for herself in the business world.

Some admired her. Others resented her.

Aside from clearing the project backlog, her most critical task was understanding the Eden Project.

Valdemar Holdings owned an extremely valuable plot of land on the outskirts of the city.

A decade ago, it had been wasteland. Now, it was prime real estate.

Over the years, countless plans had been proposed, but the final decision rested with the shareholders.

Given the massive investment required, majority shareholder support was essential.

This shareholders' meeting would be Sophia's toughest challenge yet.

Despite her recent successes, her lack of experience made it hard to command respect.

Vincent Valdemar was also a shareholder.

By scheduling the meeting while Alexander was hospitalized, he hoped to sway the shareholders to his side.

On the day of the meeting, Sophia arrived in a striking red dress paired with a blazer, radiating authority.

At exactly nine o'clock, the meeting commenced.

Sophia sat at the head of the table, her voice clear and composed.

"Now that everyone is here, let's begin."

"You're all aware of the Eden Project's potential. The surrounding area has developed rapidly over the past two years, and the opportunities are immense. Does anyone have suggestions?"

Before she could finish, someone eagerly jumped in to speak.