“Wait a minute.”


    Sophie stepped forward, picking up the roses s c a t I need on the ground. She noticed that these roses


    were carefully pruned to remove the thorns and were very rare.


    “Mrs. Burke, this old man has ruined the flowers Mr. Lennon prepared for everyone, and he disturbed


    the gathering. I’ll have someone escort him out right now,


    “If it was an ident, then perhaps the gentleman could prepare a new batch of flowers,” Sophie said,


    “Since Mr. Lennon specially brought these roses, it would be a shame to use them only for disy.


    Why not let eachdy present take one to appreciate his gesture?”


    The crowd nodded in agreement, and the manager tactfully gestured to the elderly gardener to step


    aside. James approached Sophie, his voice low, “I didn’t expect you to stir up the atmosphere like this.”


    Sophie shrugged, “Just trying to please Mr. Lennon.”


    Outside the event, Nichole stepped out of a taxi, her elegant ck evening gown catching the light. As


    soon as she exited the vehicle, she felt the curious stares of those around her.


    Nichole didn’t dwell on it, her mind set on entering the club.


    The doorman examined Nichole up and down, then nced at the departing taxi. invitation?”


    Miss, do you have an


    Caught off guard, Nichole hesitated. She wasn’t aware of any invitation requirement. Previously, when


    she apanied James, she hade and gone freely. This was the first time she was stoppedThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    outside.


    “I’m sorry, Miss, but you cannot enter without an invitation.”


    “I’m here to see Mr. Burke. I’m Mr. Burke’spanion,” Nichole fibbed, trying to protect her dignity as


    the, doorman scrutinized her. “Mr. Burke has already entered with Mrs. Burke. And you are?”


    Feeling the eyes on her, Nichole’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    Just then, Colt, who had been observing from a distance, came forward. “Sorry, she’s with our


    company.


    The doorman nodded and allowed her to pass.


    Relieved, Nichole exhaled, but Colt looked serious. “Ms. Nichole, what brings you here?”


    “I… I just wanted to gain some experience,” Nichole stammered. “Mr. Burke always said I was too


    timid, and since I’ll be going abroad in a few months, I wanted to familiarize myself with such settings.


    Colt, could you take me inside?”


    Colt hesitated.


    “I want to learn quickly and return to assist Mr. Burke. Last time, Mrs. Burke spent a fortune on that


    land deal and surely took a loss. I suspect she doesn’t understand finance, and with many financial


    experts here tonight, I’m worried she might not cope without Mr. Burke by her side.”


    Nichole spoke earnestly, and Colt finally agreed.


    Sophie didn’t have much knowledge in finance, so it’d been Nichole who was close to James. Colt


    13:15


    13:15


    respected Nichole for this. She truly gifted in this area.


    ted, Nichole entered the event and immediately spotted James King with some guys.


    She picked up her dress to hurry over but collided with an elderly man. The old gardener’s vase slipped


    from his hands, spilling water all over Nichole’s gown.


    Nichole instinctively eximed, looking down at her now stained dress, her expression turning furious.


    “What’s the matter with you? Can’t you watch where you’re going?”