Sophie paused, a yful smile tugging at theers of her mouth as she regarded James. “And why,


    pray tell, would I agree to this? As of now, I’m just an Intern at Aldridge Global. How does your


    investment in Aldridge Global benefit me exactly?”


    “You still own a small share in S Corporation, which is linked to Aldridge Global. If Aldridge Global turns


    a higher profit, so does S Corporation, and you get arger dividend.”


    James‘ logic was inefutable.


    Indeed, to the outside world, she, the once affluent Miss Russell in dire need of funds to settle debts,


    could hardly sustain her formervish lifestyle with the meager dividends from S Corporation.


    Since James shared her line of thought, Sophie acquiesced, “Alright, I agree.


    As she approached him, she added, “But on one condition


    “Name it”


    “I only apany you for today, and we must maintain a respectful distance.” Sophie took a step back


    to illustrate her point, “This step represents that distance.”


    “Agreed.”


    James epted without hesitation, then asked, “Any other requirements? Feel free to voice them.”


    …Thats all for now.”


    Sophie, finding James‘ straightforwardness refreshing, diverted her gaze and began walking towards


    the amusement park,


    A rare, faint smile graced James‘ face before they proceeded into the park, one after the other.


    Sophie remembered visiting the park a few times as a child with her parents. After their death, she


    never set foot in one again.


    “You can choose any ride; no need to queue,”


    “It’s not about queuing. There’s nobody else here.”


    James had rented out the entire amusement park. At this rate, they could cover every attraction in less


    than two hours.


    A small smile appeared on Sophie’s face. “So, I can choose any ride?”


    “Yes.”


    “Then, I choose that one”


    Sophie pointed towards the towering roller coaster nearby.


    Without a second thought, James agreed, “Sure.”


    Sophie was taken aback


    To her knowledge, James‘ only weakness was his fear of heights, and yet, he was about to ride the


    roller coaster?


    James showed no signs of backing down or regret.


    8 5 8 2 4 1 1 2 2


    Half in disbelief, Sophie followed James to the roller coaster’s entrance. They really didn’t need to


    stand in the line, and she half–expected James to back out midway. However, even as they were


    strapped in, James showed no intention of stopping.


    “Mr. Burke, think this through, it’s really high.”


    “As long as it’s something you want to do, I’m in.”


    Sophie fell silent


    The roller coaster soon started, and Sophie nced at James, who usually maintained a stoic facade.


    Now, his pale, clenched hands betrayed his anxiety


    Sophie closed her eyes, and quickly, the ridepleted its circuit.


    She thought this would make James give up on spending this tedious birthday with her, but instead, he


    simply said upon disembarking. “Pick the next one you’d like to try.”


    If the roller coaster didn’t faze him, what else could?


    Sophie decided to let loose.


    Okay, since I’m getting paid to y, I might as well enjoy it


    *Then, let’s go for that one.”


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Sophia pointed towards the log flume ride, which was not too far away.