Sophie spoke in an indifferent tone, “It’s gettingte. Perhaps it’s best if we all head home.”


    Sophie was the first to stand, prompting the executives to hurriedly follow suit.


    The dinner had been ufortable for them. They had been eager for the gathering to end,


    “Mrs. Burke has suggested we head home, so let’s call it a night,” someone said.


    People began to stand, and when James nced at Sophie, he noticed that her expression was


    unchanged, as if the evening’s drama hadn’t dampened her spirits.


    James stood up, ignoring the nces from those around him, and took Sophie’s hand, leading her


    outside.


    Sophie frowned but did not protest due to the setting.


    Once outside, James opened the car door for Sophie and then got in after her.


    Ca saw James leaving without waiting for her and hurried after them, only to see James driving off


    with Sophie.


    Ca’s expression darkened. James had left her behind..


    “Do you really think mimicking my style will make James notice you?” Nicole emerged, smugness


    written all over her face.


    Ca regained herposure, and asked, “I’m sorry, do I know you?”


    “Don’t y dumb with me. Sophie once had to imitate me just to get James’s attention. You’re nothing


    but a poor imitation,” Nicole scoffed, already plotting her next move.


    Mrs. Burke’s position was within her grasp. No one couldpete with her, neither Sophie nor Ca.


    “Really? But it seems to me that James doesn’t take you seriously either. There’s no point dwelling on


    the past,” Ca said with a smile, flipping her hair. “After all, you just needed James to get where you


    are, while I’m a genuine high societydy. I wouldn’t consider you al rival. That would be beneath me.”


    2 # E F z


    Then, Ca left, driving away in her luxury car worth millions.


    Nicole’s face turned sour at the provocation. She clenched her fists, her eyes shing with anger.


    “Fine, you want topete? I’ll make sure you all disappear!”


    Meanwhile, Sophie, noticing James speeding, said, “James, have you lost your mind? Why are you


    driving so fast?”


    The car was going over 120 miles per hour, and Sophie couldn’t understand why James was so upset.


    At her words, James pulled the car over abruptly, causing Sophie to lurch forward, nearly hitting the


    dashboard.


    “James! What’s gotten into you?”


    Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    James‘ expression was dark, his tone cold. “Did you have something to do with today’s events?”


    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sophie looked away.


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    “How did Nicole happen to show up at the restaurant? And how did Ca know I was taking you out to


    dinner?” James‘ voice was low. “I may indulge you, but I’m not a fool. What are you trying to do? Are


    you trying to push me toward them, or…”


    “You’re overthinking it.”


    Sophie replied coolly, “It’s all a coincidence. I had no idea about any of it. Nicole’s appearance could


    have been just that, a coincidence.. And Ca showed up because of Bea’s instructions. It has nothing


    to do with me.”


    James noticed Sophie’s detached demeanor and lowered his voice. “If you were trying to assert your


    status in front of everyone, to put Nicole in her ce, I’d be pleased because you’d be willing to


    acknowledge you’re Mrs. Burke.”