Sophie was momentarily blinded by the lights, causing her to furrow her brows slightly.


    Seeing this, Reece let go of Sophie’s hand and slowly approached one of the photographers. His broad


    palm covered the camera lens as he whispered a few words to the photographer.


    Upon hearing what Reece had said, the photographer’s expression changed, and he scurried away


    quickly.


    When Reece retumed, Sophie asked with a frown. “What did you just say to him?”


    Reece’s lips curved into a slight smile, a mysterious amusement appearing on his usually reserved


    face. “I told him that if he continued to shoot, I might smash his camera and then have his rival media


    outlet run the story on their front page. That would ruin his camera and lose him the scoop, effectively


    ending his career as a journalist.”


    Sophie was left speechless by Reece’s words. She had always known Reece had a cunning side and


    was full of schemes. Now, it seemed truer than ever!


    On the side, James noticed Sophie and Reece’s closeness, causing his brows to furrow tightly.


    After receiving a message from security, Colt turned to James with a changed expression and hurriedly


    said, “Mr. Burke! Ms. Nichole and Ms. Bea have arrived!”


    “Who allowed them toe?” James‘ gaze sharpened.


    Colt exined, “Marian couldn’t stop Ms. Bea. She insisted on bringing Ms. Nichole along, and there


    was nothing they could do.”


    Bea was known for her decisiveness, and no one dared to block her way.


    Bea entered, dressed in glittering attire that might have been fashionable decades ago but now


    appeared outdated and tacky. The person assisting Bea was Nichole.


    When Sophie noticed Nichole, her brow slightly creased.


    Nichole didn’t show a pregnancy bump but intentionally wore a tight dress that entuated her slightly


    protruding belly.


    Being naturally thin, Nichole’s belly drew quite the attention.


    When Nichole caught sight of Sophie, she couldn’t help but shoot a triumphant look at her as if


    dering herself the winner in this scenario.


    Sophie, seeing this, let out a coldugh. Only Nichole would consider James a prize.


    “James, how could you not invite me to such an important asion for the Burke and Russell


    families?”


    Bea rarely made appearances at formal events, but her presence, especially with Nichole beside her,


    immediately drew media attention. James frowned tightly while Nichole, ying the role of the obedient


    daughter–inw, tenderly said to Bea, “Grandma Bea, of course, James wanted to invite you. He was


    just concemed about you getting tired from ate night. It’s his way of showing respect.”


    Bea was delighted, “You always know just what to say.”


    Half of the guests were from the Burke family, and the other half from the Russell family.


    The executives from Russell Enterprises were infuriated by the scene.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Sophie and James were not yet officially divorced, yet Bea was bringing a pregnant mistress to the


    event! It was à tant disrespect to the Russell family.


    Nichole’s arrogant demeanor only fueled their indignation.


    Sophie swirled her ss of wine, watching the unfolding drama with interest.


    Reece nced at Sophie and asked, “Your doing?”


    *Just added a bit of fuel to the fire, Sophie replied. “I just didn’t expect Bea to y along so well and


    actually bring Nichole here.”


    Bea was once a formidable figure, but as she aged, she seemed to lose her wits. Bringing Nichole to


    such an event was bold indeed.