Chapter 448

Julian Valdemar couldn't help but chuckle.

He had gained nothing from Sophia Laurent. Instead, he'd temporarily lost his inheritance rights to the Valdemar family.

Yet strangely, he found this outcome oddly satisfying.

Countless times before, Patriarch Valdemar had stubbornly insisted on the arranged marriage with the Sinclair family, refusing to budge.

The two families had deep collaborations across multiple industries, their interests intricately intertwined.

The marriage alliance served as a crucial bond maintaining this relationship. Its dissolution would bring unimaginable consequences.

The thought had given Julian endless headaches.

Now the old man had finally relented—undoubtedly out of respect for Sophia.

"Miss Keane, hello." Sophia nodded politely at Jasmine.

Jasmine's fingers tightened slightly at her sides, a shadow flickering through her eyes.

But in an instant, she conjured a sweet smile. "Hello, sister-in-law."

She used the term Julian had chosen.

Sophia didn't correct her.

She and Julian had agreed to a one-year trial.

If they lasted a year without breaking up, she would help him dissolve his engagement with Tiffany Sinclair.

But... would they really make it that far?

Sophia's lips curved slightly.

She hadn't missed the hatred in Jasmine's eyes or the whitened knuckles from clenched fists.

Alexander Valdemar chose that moment to enter.

"Brother!" Julian greeted him warmly. "Are you feeling better?"

Alexander gave a terse nod.

Julian, accustomed to his brother's aloofness, continued cheerfully, "Let me introduce you. This is Jasmine Keane."

He paused, voice firm. "The woman I want to spend my life with."

Alexander acknowledged with another nod.

He'd heard all about his brother's broken engagement and new romance from Henry Chamberlain during his hospital stay.

"It's getting late. You should head back."

Julian nodded. "Take care, sister-in-law."

As he led Jasmine away, he failed to notice the fury simmering in her eyes.

Jasmine was seething.

Julian hadn't mentioned a word about being kicked out of the Valdemar estate!

If Alexander learned Sophia had banished them while he was comatose, even if he didn't reprimand her, resentment would surely take root.

Between blood relatives and an outsider, Alexander's allegiance was obvious.

This could be their ticket back into the Valdemar fold—perhaps even reclaiming Julian's inheritance.

Without it, their current two-million monthly allowance would let them live lavishly.

Far better than scraping by like this!

Jasmine longed to crack open Julian's skull to see what nonsense filled it...

Sophia watched their retreating figures, her smile laced with quiet amusement.