“Madam, are you going out?”


    “Yes, James said he wanted to take me out to dine at the Regent Hotel, so I thought I’de back and


    get dressed up a bit.”


    Ca heard the words “Regent Hotel,” and a spark of excitement briefly lit up in her eyes.


    Sophie, observing Ca’s reaction, couldn’t help but smile slightly before saying, “Well, you go ahead


    with your ns. I’ll be heading upstairs.”


    “Alright.”


    As soon as Sophie ascended the stairs, Ca hurriedly untied her apron and made her way to the living


    room on the first floor.


    From the second floor, Sophie saw this, and her lips curved into a small smile.


    She didn’t expect Ca to be so eager. But, it was just as well, sparing her the effort of finding another


    way to get Ca to show up.


    Sophie returned to her room to choose her evening gown. She was naturally beautiful and didn’t need


    much adornment, but tonight, she wanted to look exceptionally grand. It was time for her to assert her


    status as Mrs. Burke and make a statement.


    An hourter, Sophie came downstairs, only to find that Ca was no longer there.


    Bea was sitting on the couch, eyeing her current attire with a hint of dissatisfaction. “It’s sote. Who


    are you going out with? And you are dressed up like this.”


    “Bea, I’m going to discuss business with James. It’s almost time. I must be going,” Sophie replied,


    losing her previous patience for ying along with Bea’s act.


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    Bea’s expression darkened. “What kind of attitude is that, Sophie?” She snapped, “Have you forgotten


    how you begged me when you


    wanted to marry James?”


    Sophie paused. It seemed Bea was really showing her age, with her threats being so predictably cliché.


    Sophie turned around, smiling at Bea, “How could I forget, Bea? Buttely, Burke International has


    been struggling, and James has been busy negotiating business deals. I’m just trying to help him.”


    “Don’t sweet–talk me. If you really loved James and wanted what’s best for him, why on earth would


    you have sold thatnd to what’s–his–name, ke?”


    At this, Sophie frowned.


    James hadn’t mentioned this to Bea. Who could have let it slip?


    Soon enough, Sophie had her answer. How could she forget? Another person in the house was eager


    to be Mrs. Burke.


    “Bea, I’m really pressed for time. Let’s talk when I get back,” Sophie said before turning to leave,


    leaving Bea, who was clearly not used to being dismissed so easily, with a sour expression.


    After Sophie left, Ca emerged from her room. She was dressed in a simple yet clean dress, not as


    grand as Sophie’s but radiating a pure and charming vibe.


    “Grandma Bea…”


    Bea nced at Ca and frowned. “Are you going out?”


    “Yes, I just wanted to take a walk,” Ca said, her cheeks blushing as she spoke.


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    “To take a walk dressed like that?” Bea was no fool and quickly guessed Ca’s intention.


    Watching Bea’s smile fade, Ca bit her lip and said, “…”


    “I know you like James, but you must understand that bing a Burke family daughter–inw


    requires more than obedience and understanding. Remember your ce.” Bea’s tone was full of


    warnings.


    Ca understood all too well. The Devins family was of modest means, and with her background,


    marrying into the Burke family seemed like an impossible dream.