Chapter 355
The shareholders who had been so arrogant moments ago fell silent the instant Alexander Valdemar entered the room. Sophia Laurent observed their reaction with narrowed eyes. This wasn't mere fear.
"My apologies, but... I have my reasons."
Sophia's slender fingers tapped lightly against the desk as she firmly rejected Alexander's proposal. She paused. "However, I can promise to keep the divorce confidential. Would that suffice?"
Alexander's lips pressed into a thin line.
The air grew heavy with tension.
"Very well. As you wish." His deep voice finally conceded defeat.
Sophia's refusal had been too decisive to argue with.
"Legal will draft the agreement promptly. Should you have additional requests, don't hesitate to voice them." Alexander retrieved his phone. "Shall we exchange contact information?"
This time, Sophia didn't decline.
She unlocked her screen, and they added each other on WeChat.
"Mr. Valdemar, regarding the arranged marriage..." Her words trailed off.
Alexander lowered his lashes. "I understand."
Further insistence would only make him seem desperate.
That night's incident wasn't worth mentioning either.
If she refused even a marriage in name only, she certainly didn't want his responsibility.
He'd simply increase the compensation in the agreement.
"Though our collaboration fell through, my earlier promise stands."
Alexander suddenly lifted his gaze, eyes burning with intensity. "Pearl Entertainment will always be Valdemar Holdings' preferred partner."
Sophia's eyes widened.
What... did that mean?
She'd rejected him, yet he was offering such an enormous concession?
The man before her was so strikingly handsome it seemed unreal. For a fleeting moment, she lost herself in his presence.
"Thank you, Mr. Valdemar." She finally found her voice.
No one would refuse such an olive branch.
Not even her.
"Should you ever need anything, don't hesitate to contact me."
Sophia added, her fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of her teacup.
"Aside from the arranged marriage, I'll assist however I can."
Seeing the earnest expression on the young woman's face, Alexander's gloom dissipated. The corners of his lips lifted. "Then I'll thank you in advance, Miss Laurent."
When he smiled, he seemed bathed in golden light.
Sophia stared, momentarily transfixed.
It took her several seconds to avert her gaze. "You're welcome."
Noticing her flustered reaction, Alexander arched an eyebrow.
Silence stretched between them.
"I should go." Sophia abruptly stood, the tips of her ears turning pink.
How embarrassing—to be so distracted by a mere smile!
Alexander rose as well. "Allow me to escort you."
"That won't be necessary." Sophia waved him off. "You've just returned to the office. You must be busy."
She didn't want to owe him any more favors.
"I'm not." Alexander insisted, already reaching for his suit jacket.