Upon receiving the news, James quickly made his way to the location. There, the salvage team


    presented him with a piece of clothing belonging to Sophie, asking, “Sir, is this the garment your wife


    wore?”


    When James saw the garment, his expression involuntarily stiffened. He had seen Sophie wearing this


    piece of clothing, and on the day of the kidnapping. Sophie had also been wearing it in the surveince


    footage.


    “Yes”


    “We infer that your wife must have met with misfortune, and the search and rescue operation has also


    been halted. Please ept our condolences.”


    The search and rescue team had been working at sea for such a lengthy period without sighting


    Sophie’s body. Now that her garment had been retrieved, it essentially allowed for a conclusion to be


    drawn about the case.


    James, furrowing his brow, said, “Her body hasn’t been found. How can you dere she’s dead?”


    James was intending to argue further, but was promptly halted by Colt, who noticed James‘ agitated


    state. He addressed the search team, saying. “Thank you for your efforts these past few days. Mr.


    Burke will prepare a modest token of appreciation for you. Please rest for now


    The team nodded and departed


    James shook off Colt, and dered, “If Sophie’s body isn’t found, we can’t say she’s dead!


    “Mr. Burke, please face reality”


    Everyone had lost hope during the search, except for James, who still believed Sophie was alive. But


    realistically, how could someone who had fallen into the sea and couldn’t be found for so many days


    still be alive?


    Gazing at the vast expanse of the sea before him, James felt his eyes dry and sore.


    Sophie truly wasn’ting back.


    In the evening James returned to the Burke family estate. With a show of concern, Nichole attempted


    to help James out of his coat, but he coldly rebuffed her, “Don’t touch me.”


    Nichole noticed the look of disgust in James‘ eyes, and didn’t approach further. Instead, she purposely


    mentioned, “James, now that Sophie has met her demise, Bea has decided to hold a funeral to ensure


    her peace in the afterlife.”


    “What did you say?”


    James stormed into the house to find Bea sitting on the sofa, calmly sipping tea and saying, “Now that


    you’re back, take a look at the guest list. See whom youd like to invite and if there’s anything to add.”


    “Who agreed to hold a funeral for Sophie? Why didn’t you consult me about this beforehand,


    Grandma?”


    James reacted strongly, but Bea appeared unbothered. “It’s hot a big deal. Anyway, I’ve already set the


    date for the funeral. You just need to attend on time so as not to let outsiders speak ill of the Burke


    family.”


    Bea finished her statement and turned to Nichole, instructing, “Nichole, please send out these


    invitations ording to the addresses listed. Marian will assist you.”


    “Yes, Bea.”


    In just a few days, Nichole had significantly endeared herself to Bea.


    Previously, Bea had such disdain for Nichole. Yet now, she addressed her so affectionately.


    James witnessed this scene and felt a chill in his heart.


    How could he forget? The Burke family had always been a house of cold rtions. He had grown up in


    such an environment.


    The Burke family never focused on emotions but only interests. Even if one did not like the other, they


    would still coexist peacefully as long as there was a benefit.


    Over the years, he thought he had learned that lesson.


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