Chapter 354

Sophia's fingers trembled slightly as she processed Alexander's offer.

The nine-figure annual salary burned in her palm.

Even hotter was the preferential partnership agreement—a golden ticket to elevate Pearl Entertainment into the elite circle.

Alexander tapped the mahogany desk with his manicured fingers. "Have you made your decision, Ms. Laurent?"

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, making her squint.

The memory of last night's positive pregnancy test flashed before her eyes.

"I apologize." She slid the contract back. "I have personal commitments."

His fountain pen left an ink blot on the document.

"Three months." His voice turned razor-sharp. "That's all I need."

Her head snapped up.

Dark currents swirled in his gaze. "Valdemar Holdings requires this marriage to stabilize our stocks."

Her fists clenched the silk folds of her skirt.

"The Patriarch just had a stent procedure." Alexander's tone darkened. "Another boardroom coup would kill him."

Sophia bit her lower lip.

Security footage from that hotel corridor resurfaced in her mind.

"Name your price." He flipped open a dossier. "The South District land parcel."

Her breath hitched.

The project her dying father had obsessed over.

"Why me?"

His cufflinks glinted coldly. "The Patriarch approves of you."

Helicopter blades thundered outside.

This morning's nausea rose in her throat again.

"I need time."

"Tomorrow at ten." Alexander stood, his cedarwood cologne enveloping her. "City Hall."

His assistant entered abruptly. "Mr. Valdemar, the sanatorium is calling."

Sophia watched his jawline tighten.

"The Patriarch demands to meet his granddaughter-in-law." Alexander adjusted her scarf. "Immediately."

Her hand drifted to her abdomen as she rose.

In the descending elevator, he dropped another bombshell. "Adrian returned."

The mirrored walls reflected her sudden pallor.

"Family dinner tonight." He secured her coat collar. "Play your role well."

White magnolia petals dusted their shoulders at the sanatorium entrance.

The sound of shattering porcelain echoed from the private suite.

"That actress belongs in a ditch, not our family tomb!" The Patriarch's roar vibrated the doorframe.

Alexander's palm pressed between her shoulder blades.

Heat seared through the fabric.

"Steady." His breath grazed her ear. "I'm here."

Sophia stared at his Adam's apple, so close she could trace its contour.

Just like that voice in the darkness had promised.