Chapter 1 3 2


    James massaged his temples.


    –


    Rumors and bullying these were significant issues, and yet, Sophie hadn’t breathed a word about them


    in his presence.


    Did he really mean so little to her?


    “There’s no need for further investigation if the dean has already looked Into It, James sald c o o ll y.


    “Tell Nichole to keep her distance from those students. I don’t want them leading her astray.”


    Colt seemed like he wanted to say more, but after one look at James’ expression, he could only


    comply. “Yes, Mr. Burke.”


    Sophie pulled Jenna into Liberty Hall. Jenna hadn’t expected James to be eavesdropping. The situation


    escted quickly. “He defended Nichole night in front of you. It’s infuriating just to think about!”


    Jenna was angry, but she was more concemed about Sophie’s situation. “You just had a blowout with


    James. What are you going to do now?”


    After all, Sophie was still James’ wife. A fallout with James meant a possibly ufortable future at


    the Burke residence.


    Jenna was full of regret, Sophie said, “Before, I avoided conflict with James, but who wants to y the


    fool all their life? I’m not shrinking away anymore.”


    Her path forward was set, and whether or not she offended James didn’t matter anymore.


    *Jenna? What brings you here?” Adler, wearing gold-rimmed sses and carrying a stack of books,


    looked every bit the academic.


    Jenna gave Adler a look that was hard to describe and said, “I’m dropping Sophie off at school. What’s


    with the getup?”


    “You have no taste! This is called the ‘schrly disheveled’ style!”


    “Disheveled is just disheveled. What’s schrly disheveled?” This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Adler rolled his eyes, and declined to continue the conversation with Jenna. While they talked, Sophie


    wrapped her scarf around her neck.


    If Adler had seen the bruise, it was inevitable he wouldn’t mention it to Colby.


    But why was she suddenly so afraid of Colby finding out?


    “Ms. Sophie, don’t rush off after school. Colby said he’sing to pick you up.”


    “Why?” Sophie looked wary.


    Adler was puzzled. “What do you mean why? Today’s the grand opening of yourpany. Aren’t you,


    as the boss, supposed to be there?”


    It dawned on Sophie.


    The grand opening!


    With all the chaos around James and Nichole, she’d left the initial preparations to Colby and Adler,


    completely forgetting that today was the officialunch.


    “Congrattions, Sophie! This is what they call a setback in love but a sess in business. rll be your


    company’srgest shareholder!” Jenna pped Sophie’s shoulder.


    Adler muttered under his breath from across the room, “You’re not thergest shareholder.”


    Jenna puzzled. “What did you say?”


    “Nothing.” Adler pretended to whistle nonchntly.


    Sophie gave a bitter smile and shook her head. “Umm, I might really not make it today.”


    “Why?”