Chapter 378

Ethan Winston froze at Alexander Valdemar's formal address.

They were cousins who had grown up together.

Though busy with their respective careers in recent years, their bond remained.

That summer at their grandfather's estate, they'd caught cicadas and stolen peaches from the orchard.

Now Alexander was calling him "Mr. Winston."

The cold formality felt like a bucket of ice water dumped over Ethan's head.

What shocked him more were Alexander's next words.

"No matter what happened, Sophia Laurent is now my wife."

Ethan's fingers clenched unconsciously.

"Cousin, are you serious?"

He'd assumed this marriage was merely transactional.

Alexander and Sophia barely knew each other. The arrangement could end anytime.

But Alexander's attitude completely defied his expectations.

Alexander paused mid-step.

"Dead serious."

Three weighted words.

Without looking back, he strode toward the elevator.

Ethan stood stunned for two seconds before hurrying after him.

Backstage at the competition venue, Gavin Winslow reviewed the finals schedule.

His assistant rushed in.

"Mr. Winslow, two VIP guests have arrived."

"Have them wait," Gavin said without looking up.

"It's Mr. Valdemar and Mr. Winston."

Gavin's documents clattered to the floor.

He jerked his head up.

"Who?"

The assistant swallowed hard. "The heads of Valdemar Holdings and Winston Group."

Gavin inhaled sharply.

Sophia's pregnancy news had broken less than an hour ago.

And now both men showed up simultaneously?

Fumbling with the papers, he hurried out.

Outside his office, he found the two men surrounded by reporters.

Under the camera flashes, Alexander and Ethan both wore thunderous expressions.

"My wife and I have known each other for years."

"There's simply been a misunderstanding between Sophia and me."

Gavin quickly signaled security to clear a path.

"This way, gentlemen."

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

These two were business titans.

And both had complicated ties to Sophia.

In the lounge, Sophia stared blankly at her phone screen.

She'd just promised Alexander yesterday to keep their divorce quiet.

Now this scandal exploded overnight.

Sighing, she dialed Alexander's number.