“It’s sort of my way of saying thank you to you, Ms. Sophie, for bringing me back to my room today.”


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    “This gift seems a bit too extravagant, doesn’t it?”


    The Burke family was already in a precarious position, and now, this incident had likely added all the


    more pressure on James.


    Their manage could only end in divorce.


    Sophie said, “Why are you helping me get a divorce? Could it be because of Harold?”


    Gordon set down his mug, his gazending on Sophie Though not intense, his look made Sophie


    instinctively lower her head.


    Gordon was strikingly handsome, with a hint of a gentle demeanor in his features. Sophie felt her


    cheeks heat up, avoiding direct eye contact with Gordon.


    Since she was very young, her parents had spoken of Gordon


    They said that despite his youth, Gordon was decisive and had single–handedly upheld the Aldridge


    family


    She remembered her father vividly describing Gordon’s tactics. Though she couldn’t recall the details,


    the name Gordon was etched in


    her mind.


    In her eyes, Gordon had always been the young family head, with a reputation for being ruthlessly


    efficient. Sophie never even imagined meeting Gordon in person before.


    Gordon spoke indifferently. “It’s normal for there to be negotiations in business. I’m not doing this for


    anyone in particr.”


    He slid a contract across to Sophie. “This is a cooperation agreement between the Aldridge family and


    S Corporation,sting ten years. See if there’s anything amiss.”


    5 I 0 0 0 0


    Sophie was startled, sure she hadn’t misheard.


    Gordon was talking about S Corporation, not Russell Enterprises. Gordon actually knew she was the


    controlling force behind S Corporation!


    “Mr. Gordon…


    Im someone who doesn’t like beating around the bush. You don’t need to tell me you have no ties to S


    Corporation. I wouldn’t have put this contract in front of you without being absolutely sure.”


    Gordon was straightforward, and Sophie didn’t pretend either, directly asking, “What’s the deal?”


    “A long–term strategic partnership. The Aldridge family wants to co–brand with S Corporation. We’ll


    mutually benefit and open up the Devonport market for both parties.”


    Sophie frowned, slightly skeptical. “The Aldridge family needs S Corporation to break into the market?”


    Given the century–old legacy of the Aldridge family, they didn’t need to partner with anypany. The


    Aldridge family itself was a venerable brand, recognized without needing to affiliate with others.


    As Gordon put it, no matter how she looked at it, she was on the winning side. S Corporation would


    essentially be under the Aldridge family’s protection.


    This umbre of protection, much more valuable than that of the Burke family, would ensure no one


    dared to trouble S Corporation in the future.


    “Are you signing or not? Gordon slightly furrowed his brow, making a move as if to take back the


    contract.


    “I will sign it! Why wouldn’t I sign such a great offer?”


    Fearful Gordon might change his mind, Sophie quickly signed her name on the contract,


    A faint smile appeared on Gordon’s face, but as Sophie looked up, he quickly hid his smile. “I have


    someone from the Aldridge family discuss the specifics with youter,”


    “Alright.”


    “Ms. Sophie, is there anything else?”


    “Nothing more.”