Chapter 422

Victor Galatea carefully placed Valdemar Group's response letter in the innermost compartment of his briefcase, his fingers lingering on the document before withdrawing. Standing by his office window, he watched the endless stream of traffic below, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Director, it's time to leave," his secretary reminded him softly.

"Hmm." He acknowledged with a nod, picking up his briefcase and heading out.

The moment he pushed open his front door, a sweet floral fragrance greeted him.

"Dad!" Scarlett Galatea bounded toward him like an excited sparrow, snatching the briefcase from his hand. "How was your day?"

Victor arched an eyebrow, allowing his daughter to eagerly take his coat. She wore a pink dress today, her hair adorned with a pearl clip—clearly dressed up for a reason.

"Honey water." Scarlett presented a glass with both hands, her eyes sparkling.

Victor accepted the cup, steam curling upward. He took slow, deliberate sips, deliberately avoiding her expectant gaze.

"Dad..." Scarlett finally couldn't hold back, inching closer. "About... the project..."

Victor set the glass down, lips quirking. "Couldn't wait any longer?"

Scarlett's face flushed crimson, her fingers twisting together.

"Go on," Victor leaned back on the sofa. "You donated your limited-edition collectibles—the ones you treasured for years—for a man?"

Scarlett's head jerked up, her lips trembling slightly. "You... you knew?"

"Your father isn't senile yet." Victor snorted lightly. "I've seen it since the first time you returned from Mount Pilatus."

Scarlett bit her lower lip before murmuring after a long pause, "Yes. I like Sebastian Valdemar."

The living room fell so quiet the ticking of the wall clock became audible.

"What about him and Evelyn Roland..." Victor chose his words carefully.

"They're nothing!" Scarlett suddenly stood, her voice shaking. "I checked—it's just a business partnership!"

Victor's chest tightened at the sight of his daughter's reddened eyes. He knew this stubborn girl too well—once she set her mind on something, nothing could pull her back.

"Dad..." Scarlett knelt, gripping his hand. "Did the project... succeed?"

Meeting her hopeful gaze, Victor suddenly felt the weight of his briefcase like a leaden anchor. He recalled Sebastian's response letter—the words "subject to further discussion" making his throat constrict.

"Scarlett," he patted her hand gently. "Some things..."

Before he could finish, Scarlett's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her face instantly draining of color.

Victor followed her line of sight—

A photo of Sebastian Valdemar and Evelyn Roland standing side by side glared back from the display.