If the old her had heard these words, she would have been overjoyed. But now, hearing them only


    brought a sense of guilt.


    Her affection for James could never return to what it once was.


    As they reached the conference room, the board of directors were in a heated discussion. The moment


    the door opened, a sudden


    silence fell.


    All eyesnded on Sophie.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    One of the directors appeared displeased and said, “Mr. Burke, we have some serious matters to


    discuss. Let’s not bring irrelevant people in, shall we?”


    Sophie was expressionless. She hadn’t intended to watch this group of old, stubborn men debate


    anyway.


    If it weren’t for James‘ strategies keeping them afloat, these old–timers would probably be out in the


    cold by now.


    “Sophie is my wife. Her being here is only natural.”


    Another director spoke gravely, “Mr. Burke, she’s not part of thepany and won’t prioritize the


    company’s interests. I suggest it’s better if she leaves. Otherwise, we can’t be at ease.”


    “I have transferred 20% of thepany shares to Sophie. She is now a part of Burke International. The


    shares Sophie holds are higher than any of you. Is there still an issue?”


    Colt was astonished. “Mr. Burke!”


    Such a significant transfer of shares! Why didn’t he know anything about it?


    Sophie was more stunned than Colt and the other shareholders. She stood still, turning to stare at


    James with eyes full of confusion and disbelief.


    What did the 20% of shares represent? It meant she belonged to the highest echelons of Burke


    International, second only to James. If she wanted to do anything to Burke International, just using


    those shares could topple James.


    Sophie lowered her voice. “James, think this through.”


    “I have thought it through very clearly. In this world, nothing and no one is more important than you are


    to me.” James watched her, his voice low. “I have never been as calm as I am now.”


    Sophie was stunned by his gaze. She couldn’t understand how things had suddenlye to this.


    How could James possibly love her? Nichole should have been the love of his life.


    Sophie had witnessed how James loved Nichole. She understood the significance of that look all too


    well.


    James‘ gaze toward Sophie was like how he had watched Nichole in the past life, but it was even more


    profound.


    Suddenly, Sophie realized this wasn’t a deception.


    “Gentlemen, any objections?”


    When James spoke up, nobody dared to utter another word, and silence was their only response.


    “Since there are no objections, let’s begin today’s discussions.”


    Colt quickly prepared a chair for Sophie. James and Sophie sat together, but Sophie couldn’t


    concentrate on a single word.


    The discussion revolved around Burke International’s strategy to counter S Corporation‘ current project


    pressures. This inevitably required significant financial backing.


    Sophie nced at James several times, and he was discussing strategies very seriously, not intending


    to hide anything from her.


    Colt noticed Sophie’s distraction and quietly asked, “Madam, are you feeling unwell?”


    I


    “I’m fine. I just need to step out for a moment.” Sophie stood up, and the room’s chatter ceased.


    Sophie calmly said, “Please continue. I won’t participate further.”


    No one objected.


    With a tone full of affection, James said, “If you’re tired, rest in the lounge. I’ll have Colt prepare your


    favorite snacks.”