Chapter 366

Patriarch Valdemar massaged his temples.

Decades of marital bonds weren't easily severed.

But Matriarch Valdemar's increasingly outrageous behavior in recent years had pushed him past his limit.

He sighed deeply before turning to Sophia Laurent with a grandfatherly smile.

"Sophia, have some more dishes. I've had the guest room prepared—you're staying tonight."

Sophia choked on her soup, cheeks flushing.

"That... wouldn't be appropriate."

Adrian Valdemar cut in with a meaningful grin. "Why not? Consider this your home, sis."

He winked. "It's settled then!"

Sophia's gaze instinctively sought Alexander Valdemar.

The man avoided her eyes, addressing his grandfather instead. "I have documents to review at the office tonight."

Disappointment flickered across the Patriarch's face, but he didn't insist.

Adrian snorted under his breath.

Coward!

Alexander's sharp glance sent him ducking back into his meal, though his mind reeled.

When had his brother become so spineless?

Too afraid to even suggest she stay.

Then again—they were getting divorced.

——

In the study, Patriarch Valdemar beamed.

"The company crisis is resolved, you and Sophia get along well... This old man can finally rest easy—"

Alexander cut straight to the point. "We're divorcing."

"What?" The Patriarch's head snapped up. "You don't care for her?"

"No." Alexander remained composed. "She's remarkable. But we're incompatible."

Silence stretched between them.

"A divorce now would destabilize the company," the old man finally said.

"I know." Alexander's gaze never wavered. "But that's no reason to trap her."

A pause. "I'll handle the fallout."

The Patriarch waved a weary hand. "Do as you will."

He'd genuinely grown fond of his granddaughter-in-law.

"Don't shortchange her in the settlement."

Alexander nodded solemnly.

Their conversation turned to business matters.

——

Downstairs, Sophia nibbled on fruit in the parlor.

Adrian slumped beside her with a dramatic sigh.

"What did my brother do to upset you?"

Sophia's hand stilled around a grape.

"Why would I be angry with him?"