Nichole’s voice was too loud, and suddenly, the room fell silent. By the time Nichole realized it,


    everyone’s gaze had already fixed on her, including James and Sophie.


    At that moment, Nichole seemed like a sharp-tongued and uncultured woman to everyone present.


    The elderly gardener was hunched over. He picking up roses from the ground, continuously


    apologizing.


    Noticing the stares around her, Nichole’s face turned sour. She quickly changed her expression,


    apologizing profusely, I’m so sorry. I was in a rush. Are you alright, sir?”


    Sophie watched the scene from a distance.


    Despite Nichole’s attempt to remedy the situation, it only made her seem more pretentious.


    At that moment, Nichole also noticed Sophie standing near James.


    “Why is she here?” James frowned.


    Sophie saw James’ expression. He seemed utterly unaware of Nichole’s nned attendance.


    Had Nichole decided toe on her own?


    Sophie remained silent.


    The plot was unfolding differently from her previous life. She remembered that in her past life, James


    had brought Nichole to the g, and Nichole had earned the approval of Mr. Lennon, smoothing her


    path to studying abroad. After graduating, she had climbed the careerdder quickly with the support of


    James


    and Mr. Lennon.


    She had thought that since James didn’t bring Nichole this time, Nichole wouldn’t appear, but Nichole


    had forced her way in regardless.


    “Mr. Burke!”


    Hearing themotion inside the venue, Colt rushed in.


    James’ tone was already displeased. “Who let her in?”


    “I thought… Ms. Nichole could help you, Mr. Burke, Colt said, lowering his head.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    James massaged his temples. He had always been lenient towards Nichole, but in such a setting, he


    had brought Sophie and Nichole shouldn’t have appeared!


    “Ms. Nichole is unfamiliar with everyone here. You should go check on her.” Sophie indifferently sipped


    her champagne.


    James watched Nichole looking like a frightened deer and couldn’t bring himself to leave her alone. “I’ll


    go over for a moment and thene back.”


    Sophie didn’t say anything. It was expected that James would go; he always had a soft spot for


    Nichole.


    James confronted Nichole, “Why did youe?”


    Nichole looked down, her expression hurt. “I’m sorry, I just wanted towork.”


    Nichole began to s o softly, and James couldn’t bring himself to be harsh. After all, she was his


    protégé, and he had seen all her efforts over the years. “I’ll have Colt take you back.”


    13:15


    As James turned to leave, Nichole quickly grabbed his sleeve. “Mr. Burke, can I stay?”


    James frowned. In the past, Nichole was obedient and aware of luce, never overstepping her bounds.


    Nichole noticed the displeasure in James’ eyes and immediately felt his dissatisfaction. “I’m sorry, Mr.


    Burke, I….


    Under Nichole’s distressed look, he couldn’t bring himself to be stern. “Stay then. This g could also


    benefit your ns to study abroad.”


    Hearing this, a sweet smile finally spread across Nichole’s face. “Then, may I stay with you?”


    James nced at the crowd around them, realizing he couldn’t leave Nichole alone to fend for herself.


    “Alright.”


    Nichole’s face lit up like a delighted child.