Chapter 391

Gavin Winslow turned his phone screen toward Sophia Laurent, his fingertips trembling slightly.

The dim hallway lights in the video illuminated Sophia's disheveled clothes and unsteady steps.

Her pupils constricted, nails digging deep into her palms.

"This can't be..."

Reporters clamored outside, held back by security, cameras still raised stubbornly.

Alexander Valdemar stood a short distance away when his phone screen lit up.

Beneath Henry Chamberlain's missed call notification, two unread messages waited.

He tapped the first video link.

Six men surrounded Sophia in the footage, the grotesque scene making his fingers tighten around the device.

The second was the original hotel surveillance footage.

It documented the entire process of Sophia being drugged.

Ethan Winston noticed Alexander's darkening expression and lowered his voice. "This is my fault."

The footage showed him personally escorting Sophia back to her room after the gala.

Alexander's gaze sharpened like a blade. "You should take responsibility."

Gavin pulled Sophia aside by the window, his voice strained. "Sophia, the whole internet is spreading—"

Sophia stared at the hallway footage, her blood turning to ice.

In the clip, she stumbled into a man's arms, clearly disoriented.

When the man turned—it was Alexander's face.

"This is doctored!" She jerked her head up.

Alexander strode over and shoved his phone in front of her.

Two videos played side by side.

One was the viral "scandal footage."

The other was the authentic hotel surveillance.

Sophia's face drained of color. "Someone is trying to ruin me."

Ethan slammed his fist against the wall. "I'll find out who leaked the footage!"

The reporters' shouts filtered through the door.

"Ms. Laurent, care to comment on the video's authenticity?"

"What is your relationship with Mr. Valdemar?"

Gavin shielded Sophia, his voice shaking. "What do we do now?"

Alexander suddenly grasped Sophia's hand.

His fingers were cold, but his tone was firm. "Come with me."

Ethan blocked their path. "Where are you taking her?"

Alexander's gaze was razor-sharp. "To fix this."

Sophia watched the two men face off and let out a soft, humorless laugh.

She pulled her hand free and straightened her collar.

"I'll handle it myself."

Under their stunned gazes, she turned and yanked open the lounge door.

Blinding camera flashes instantly swallowed her.