Officer Derek still had to show James some respect. He nced at the silent Colby beside him and


    said, “Mr. Burke, it’s not that I don’t want to show you respect, but…”


    His implication was clear. James turned his cold gaze towards Colby, stating, “Who really runs


    Devonport, Officer Derek? You better think carefully.”


    Colby’s response was indifferent, “Devonport might have been under your control in the past, James,


    but from now on, it’s all me.”


    The atmosphere between the two men was subtly tense.


    At that moment, Sophie’s phone suddenly buzzed with a few iing photos. Upon seeing them, her


    eyes chilled instantly, and her look towards James was filled with disgust, “Mr. Burke, is this your


    doing?”


    James was clueless about what had happened.


    Sophie picked up her phone, and the content of the photos was unmistakably clear.


    In them, Sophie was seen with her clothes torn, unconscious in a dimly lit room. The images were


    suggestive, causing James to furrow his brows in confusion, “This wasn’t me, Sophie.”


    “Enough!” Sophie spoke coldly, “Mr. Burke, you think you can intimidate me with these photos?”


    “…”


    Colby took Sophie’s phone, and upon seeing the content, his expression instantly darkened.


    Bea sneered, “Sophie, don’t pin your family’s issues on the Burkes. James is standing right here. You


    know very well who sent you pictures.”


    As the situation escted, Colt immediately interjected, “Madam! This has nothing to do with Mr.


    Burke. It must be a misunderstanding.”


    those


    “A misunderstanding? It seems there are quite a few misunderstandings between Mr. Burke and me.”


    Sophie turned to Officer Derek, her tone light, “Chief, since Mr. Burke’s secretary ims he did not


    kidnap me but merely wanted to rescue me, let’s leave it at that.”


    “Le–leave it at that?” Officer Derek thought he had misheard and instinctively nced at Colby, waiting


    for his decision.


    Colby handed Sophie’s phone back to her, “What Sophie says, I endorse.”


    “Yes, then, let this be the end of it.” Officer Derek instructed the officers behind him, “Release them.”


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Sophie turned and left with Colby.


    Ca watched Sophie’s reaction with disdain, “She talked about not being intimidated, but in the end,


    isn’t she just afraid of tamishing her reputation?”


    James, containing his anger, snapped, “Shut your mouth.”


    Ca rarely saw James angry. She immediately shut up, too scared to say more.


    James turned to Colt beside him, “Investigate who took those photos.”


    “Yes, Mr. Burke.”


    Outside the police station, Sophie followed Colby into the car.


    In the car, Colby remained silent, but Sophie could feel his anger. She asked, “Are you angry?”


    Colby retorted without answering, “Did you intentionally let James go?”