"I have my ways. If you refuse to sign, Mr. Burke, I''ll have to y hardball."


    There was no threat in Colby''s tone but a hint of a smile. It was like a smileced with poison that made one''s skin crawl upon hearing it.


    James was well aware of Colby''s capabilities. Having made a name for himself internationally, Colby was indeed a formidable figure. With such an adversary, the future of Burker International was looking grim. "James, you should know your stubborn selfishness is putting Sophie at risk. You''re fully aware of the nder she''s been subjected to these past few days and how Bea has targeted her, yet you choose to stand by and watch."


    James frowned deeply. Colby had clearly struck a nerve. James responded coldly, "Even if I am stubbornly watching her suffer from other people''s usations and schemes, I did something to help her. Where were you when Sophie was facing all these troubles?"


    "Sophie doesn''t need a man to save her. She has her own thoughts, and I''m sure she won''t get hurt. But you''re different. Everything she''s going through now is because of you." Colby''s voice grew colder as he stood up and said, "Anyone who hurts Sophie won''t be shown mercy, James. Today, you either sign this or..."


    Several bodyguards dressed in ck approached James from inside the room. Colby''s threat wasid bare before him.


    Colt stepped forward and said, "What now? Do you think you''re still overseas, Colby? Do you think Mr. Burke is someone you can threaten so easily?"


    "I''ve said it before: I have a way to deal with anyone or anything that hurts Sophie. Do you know what I''ve been up to these past few days, Mr. Burke?"


    A smile yed on Colby''s lips, but James understood the implication in an instant. "You''re the one who cut off those key financial chains for Burke International?"


    Those crucial partnerships and international suppliers had suddenly entered a standstill with dyed payments. Those operations would have ceased entirely if it hadn''t been for Burker International''s reserve funds.


    James had thought it was due to the recent impact of S Corporation on Burker International that caused those partners and suppliers to hesitate. He hadn''t realized Colby''s intervention.


    "In this industry, everypany has its dirtyundry. Mr. Burke, you know what the Costello family used to do, and you know what I used to do, either."


    Colby''s identity was no secret to James, who clenched his fists. Rarely did anyone dare to threaten him face to face.


    James coldly said, "Colby, have you considered the consequences of acting against me?"


    "James, there''s no eternal king in Devonport. Now that I''m back, I won''t make life easy for you." Colby looked at James with a smile.


    Devonport, a city connected to various trade routes, was amercial export hub, a ce with resources unmatched by ces like Bloomsbury.


    James had long suspected Colby''s motives foring to Devonport were not pure, and now, Colby made no effort to hide his ambitions.


    "If Sophie knew your real reason foring to Devonport, I wonder if she''d still ept you."


    James'' words made Colby''s smile fade slightly.


    James threw the pen in his hand


    into the trash bin, picked up the divorce agreement on the table, and handed to Colt behind him, saying, "Discussing divorce is something Sophie should do with me personally. You''re not qualified to resolve matters between us."


    ov


    Colby''s smile vanished at the mention of marriage, and the next second, people outside poured in. Colby''s men filled the entire room a''s he said, "James, I''m not here to


    negotiate. I didn''t want to he


    in a difficult position, or I would have téken action today without wasting words with you."


    "Feel free to try."


    James was not intimidated by Colby''s threats. In Devonport, he still held sway.


    Sure enough, a momentter, rapid footsteps were heard. Officer Derick squeezed through the crowd, saying, "Ah, I heard there was a disturbance here. Are you two alright? I''ve


    ver


    brought officers to secure the scene, ensuring no thugs can harm you!"


    Officer Derick''s words were met with a cold re from Colby, but he quickly bowed his head, pretending not to see.


    He dared not offend either Colby or James. If these two really started fighting, he would gain nothing from it.


    Officer Derick then said, "Mr. Burke, Mrs. Bea is looking for you. Shall I escort you back?"


    James agreed and turned to leave but then suddenly turned back to Colby, saying, "Sophie is my wife. As long as I don''t sign, she will always be my wife."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.