It means a lot.” Reece said, “Being invited by you makes me feel significant.”


    Sophie didn’t quite follow Reece’s train of thought but chose to understand.


    That evening, Sophie reserved a table at a high–end restaurant, opting for a private dining room to


    match Reece’s status.


    Riding in the passenger seat of Reece’s sports car, Sophie experienced the thrill of high–speed driving


    for the first time. She hadn’t expected someone like Reece, who appeared deep and brooding but


    scheming underneath, to enjoy the adrenaline rush of sports cars. “After you, mydy.” Reece opened


    the car door for Sophie.


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    Sophie dressed casually and without makeup. She even bought a mask to wear to avoid drawing


    attention to Reece.


    Yet Reece seemed as casual about it as if he were going to the supermarket with no intention of hiding


    his identity.


    “Not to criticize, Reece, but you’re a popr actor now. It’s easy for people to recognize you when you


    walk around in public like this. Tomorrow’s headlines could be ‘Reece spotted dining with a mystery


    woman.”


    “Isn’t sparking some news even better?”


    Sophie suddenly realized that Reece had never been involved in any scandals since his debut. “They


    shouldn’t involve your boss, though.”


    “Business partner.”


    “To outsiders, I’m still your boss.”


    Sophie and Reece bantered back and forth as they made their way to the restaurant.


    The restaurant owner was ustomed to catering to celebrities, ensuring their privacy.


    “Right this way, please.” A waiter led Sophie and Reece toward their private room.


    Upon entering, Sophie naturally removed her mask, only to look up and see Nichole.


    Nichole was wearing a cocktail dress she had worn at a previous banquet, which Sophie recognized as


    a gift James had given to Nichole.


    Nichole’s expression changed slightly.


    A woman emerged from the room, pulling Nichole by the arm, and said discontentedly, “You took so


    long just to get a bottle of wine? Hurry up ande in!”


    Nichole followed the woman back into the room without saying a word to Sophie.


    “Did you want me to see this?”


    Clearly, this was not a gathering Ada had arranged as Sophie had thought. It appeared to be Nichole’s


    ‘side job.


    The clientele here typically consisted of those in the industry who preferred to remain out of the public


    eye.


    What kind of shady business was Nichole involved in?


    “Come with me.” Reece led Sophie into their private dining room.


    The dishes were already served, but Sophie had lost her appetite.


    “Here is Nichole’s résumé.” Reeceid Nichole’s résumé on the table.


    Sophie frowned. “I’ve already seen it. I had Tricia investigate it this afternoon. What’s the issue?”


    “The problem is, her résumé states she attended a city–level private girls‘ school during her junior year,


    but in reality, she should have been at North Bay High School.”


    “North Bay High?” Sophie asked, puzzled. “What’s going on?”


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    She remembered that James had chosen Nichole during her junior year when Burke International was


    donating money to various high schools for charity. It was then that Burke International had chosen


    Nichole from Oakwood High, a private girls‘ school.


    Reece said, “Because at that time, I was at North Bay High School, and Nichole and I were in the same


    ss.”