Chapter 361

The crystal chandelier in Valdemar Manor cast dazzling reflections across the room.

Sophia Laurent stirred her soup absently, watching her faint frown ripple across the surface. The tension at the dining table was thicker than she'd anticipated.

Matriarch Valdemar's well-manicured fingers clenched her napkin, knuckles turning white. "Alexander, those are your uncles and cousins."

Patriarch Valdemar slammed his chopsticks down with a sharp clatter. "Uncles? Did they remember their family ties when they conspired to undermine Alexander?"

Alexander Valdemar traced the rim of his wineglass with elegant fingers, his gaze icy.

The Matriarch stiffened, clearly unprepared for such public humiliation from her husband.

"The dividends they receive could sustain three generations," the Patriarch boomed. "Yet their greed knows no bounds—even tampering with bids."

Sophia's spoon accidentally tapped against her bowl with a delicate chime.

The Matriarch suddenly turned on her. "So this is the healing marriage girl?"

Alexander's eyes turned lethal. He handed Sophia a napkin with the same precision as signing a multimillion-dollar contract.

"My wife, Sophia Laurent." His measured tone made the Matriarch blanch.

The older woman forced a smile. "If we're family, Alexander should show mercy."

"Certainly." Alexander's lips curled sardonically. "Once they return every cent they stole."

The Matriarch shot up, her chair screeching across the floor. "You'd drive them to ruin!"

Adrian Valdemar stifled a laugh until the Patriarch silenced him with a glare.

Sophia sipped her soup quietly, finding this power struggle far more riveting than expected.

Alexander methodically cut his steak. "Repayment or prison. Their choice."

The chandelier's glow sharpened the angles of his profile, casting stark shadows.

The Matriarch's chest heaved, her carefully styled curls coming undone. Snatching her purse, she stormed out without a backward glance.

The Patriarch sighed. "Another ruined meal."

Sophia exhaled discreetly as the Matriarch disappeared. When she turned, Alexander's dark gaze met hers.

His long fingers tapped her bowl lightly. "Keep eating."

Only the quiet clink of silverware remained. Sophia suddenly understood—the waters of this elite family ran far deeper than she'd imagined.