At Harold’s birthday party, the quest list was crammed with the scions of wealthy families, all of whom


    had their eyes fixed on Sophie


    that James new bride? So Harold has been waiting for her


    heard James and she are on the rocks, he’s got a mistress, and they’re likely heading for divorce


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    “Could it be that Mr. Harold has taken a fancy to her? What is Harold thinking?”


    Murmurs rippled quietly throughout the room


    Harold, spotting Sophie, was delighted and seemed oblivious to the whispers. He quickly ascended the


    stairs and gantly offered his hand to her “Mydy, if you please”


    Sophie chuckle at Harold’s childish gesture. As she reached out her hand, the grand doors of the


    Aldridge estate burst open, and a row of men in ck suits entered, forming two lines Colt strode


    through them towards the gathering


    Harold turned around, his brow furrowing at the sight. “Who let you in?” He stepped in front of Sophie,


    shielding her


    The guests fell silent, recognizing Colt, the notorious right–hand man of James. This was sure to stir up


    drama


    “My apologies, Mr. Harold, but Mr. Burke has sent me to bring his wife home,” Colt stated, looking


    towards Sophie. “Ma’am, Mr. Burke is quite concerned about you. Please,e with us”


    “And if I refuse?”


    After a moment of silence, Colt replied, “That would be unfortunate.”


    As his bodyguards stepped forward, Harold stood protectively in front of Sophie. “Don’t worry. I’ve got


    you.”


    Sophie wasn’t scared. Even if Colt really wanted to take her away, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble at


    the Aldridge estate.


    Still, it was shocking that the men from the Burke family could so easily appear at the Aldridge estate. It


    seemed James‘ influence in Devonport was not unearned. If things escted, it could end badly for


    everyone.


    “Hold on.” Sophie gently tapped Harold on the back, stepping forward. Today is Mr. Harold’s birthday


    party. Isn’t it a bit disrespectful to bring conflict here?”


    “Maam, I had no choice. I was stopped outside by the Aldridge estate’s security. I must fulfill Mr.


    Burke’s orders.”


    “1 understand it’s not your fault. Here’s what we’ll do: let your men wait here until after we’ve cut Mr.


    Harold’s birthday cake, then I’lle with you”


    “Sophie!” Urgency colored Harold’s voice. “If you don’t want to go back-”


    “Shh” Sophie lowered her voice. I can handle it. Let’s keep today festive and avoid any strife.”


    She always avoided causing trouble for others. At thest Aldridge jewelry g, the Aldridge family had


    already shed with James over her. She couldn’t burden them again.


    pursed his lips, clearly unhappy. Since Sophie had made up her mind, he led her to cut the cake


    he cake was served, Sophie presented Harold with a gift she’d prepared in advance. “Happy birthday,


    Harold. I wish you a life filled joy andughter every day”


    Harold stared at the gift Sophie had prepared, his words caught in his throat.


    Colt interjected, “Ma’am, shall we go now?”


    The back tomorrow night Soe assured her


    Then, I want for you at home”