“It’s just one of ourpany’s employees who helped pick out the gift. I thought a girl might be more


    attentive to the details.”


    James watched Sophie with a touch of affection in his eyes. If Sophie hadn’t already known James’


    true feelings, she might have been fooled by that look.


    Jessica caught the intimate interaction between James and Sophie and couldn’t hide her displeasure.


    She had clearly heard rumors about James and a young college girl. Moreover, everyone knew James


    didn’t care for Sophie.


    “James is not only talented but also protective of our Sophie. I feel at ease handing her over to you. My


    elder brother in heaven would definitely feel the same. Besides, it’s just a family dinner, no need for


    formalities.” Perry happily bustled about, inviting James to join


    the table.


    Sophie, linking her arm through James’, whispered, “I didn’t expect you to be such a good actor.”


    “Likewise.” James’ voice returned to its usual cool detachment.


    Jessica sat ufortably, her nces frequently darting towards James and Sophie, as if trying to


    spot some w in their interaction. “Jessica, is there something on my face that you keep looking this


    way?” Sophie suddenly spoke up, making Jessica squirm.


    She replied, “I was just admiring how loving you and Mr. Burke appear,pletely unlike the rumors.”


    “Rumors can’t be trusted, Jessica. How could you believe such baseless chatter?”


    Sophie served James a piece of steak.


    James usually preferred lighter meals, but this time he ate the steak without any remark, and then


    ced a piece of deboned fish onto Sophie’s te.


    Jessica forced a smile, “Yes, rumors can’t be trusted. Today has really opened my eyes to how much


    Mr. Burke cares for our Sophie.”


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Perry, observing their interaction, expressed his confusion, “Sophie, when did you start liking steamed


    fish?”


    Hearing this, Jessica perked up, staring at Sophie as if she had caught her in a trap, “Oh my, I also


    remember our Sophie never liked steamed fish. Howe Mr. Burke doesn’t know this? Could it be…”


    *Jessica, you are overthinking it,” Sophie quickly defended. “It’s just that James usually prefers light


    meals, and I’ve adapted my tastes ordingly.”


    Jessica clearly didn’t buy Sophie’s exnation and was about to argue back when James suddenly


    spoke, “It sounds like you don’t have much faith in me and Sophie.”


    “Of course not, I’m just concerned about you newlyweds Facing James, Jessica lost her momentum


    and dared not inquire further.


    Sophie continued to eat in silence. Although this was the Russell family’s family dinner, the attendees


    were still judging.


    2 23 3 2 ± 3 30 5 22 59 22 1


    As the Russell family’s daughter, officially, these rtives and associates wouldn’t speak against her,


    but in reality, they were all waiting to see her fail. Ever since her father passed away, everyone of them


    desired to take over as head of the family.


    Any slip-up from her, and her father’s inheritance would be swiftly divided among them.


    In her past life, it was under these circumstances that she desperately sought James’ affection.


    Looking back, she found her previous self somewhat foolish. She had given her all to James, who


    never took her seriously.


    Back then, a single word from James could have extricated her from her troubles, but he never did,


    choosing instead to watch Indifferently.


    Thinking this, Sophie unconsciously withdrew her hand from James.


    He slightly furrowed his brow Fortunately, this gesture went unnoticed by those present.


    After the family dinner, James and Sophie left the Russell estate hand in hand, only for Sophie to timely


    withdraw her hand once


    outside.