In Sophie''s memory, the real rise of the Burke family began with James'' grandfather, Bea''s husband, and then, James'' father took the lead.


    However, she had never heard James mention anything about his great-grandfather''s generation.


    "Yes."


    "So, has Burke International been around for a century?"


    Burke International always imed to be a century-old enterprise, but in reality, the Burke family had been wealthy for only a few decades. They were considered nouveau riche in their time, which is why Bea always wanted her son and grandson to marry ady from a noble family.


    "Probably." James spoke indifferently, "My great-grandparents probably didn''t make their fortune in Devonport. I don''t know much about their story."


    Sophie fell into thought as James lit the candle and handed it to her.


    Understanding James'' gesture, Sophie epted the candle, bowed sincerely, and then ced them in the burner.


    James said, "With this, it''splete."


    "I don''t mind it," Sophie replied lightly. "I think you should focus on giving your grandmother a grandchild. She''s getting old and really wants to see the next generation."


    As Sophie turned to leave the ancestral hall, James was about to speak to retain her when suddenly a woman''s shouting came from outside. "Let me in! Let me in!"


    "Ms. Ca, you cannot enter! Mr. Burke is having a conversation with his wife!"


    "Move aside for me!"


    Ca''s voice was loud, disturbing Sophie, who had just stepped out of the ancestral hall.


    At the elevator, Ca was being held back by two maids. Ca saw Sophie, and her expression changed. James frowned. "Who allowed you to bring her here?" "It was Ms. Ca herself, sir. We couldn''t stop her."


    "Yes, Ms. Ca heard that you returned and..."


    Both maids knew of James'' temper and lowered their heads. Ca''s intrusion was clearly unwee to Mr. Burke.


    "James..." Ca attempted to reach for James'' arm, but he coldly avoided her. "Ms. Ca, please have some dignity."


    Ca bit her lip, nced at Sophie beside James, and then suddenly knelt, grasping Sophie''s arm. "Ms. Sophie! Please, I beg you, let meExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    have this. I already slept witne


    v


    Burke Grandma Bea has also agreed to let me join the Burke family. Now that I''ve lost my virginity, and James wants to


    reconcile with you, I really can''t live


    like this!"


    Sophie looked down at Ca''s demeaning state and chuckled, "Ms. Ca, you''re not the first to kneel before me and say this. I think you''re asking the wrong person." Turning to James, Sophie continued, "This should be something for you to address."


    Sophie shook off Ca''s hand and stepped aside. James nced coldly at Ca on the ground. "I''ve told you before. Do not fabricate stories here. Nothing has happened between us.'' "James, I know it''s because Ms. Sophie is here that you refuse to acknowledge it! But something did happen between us... it was Bea who asked me to take care of you that night..." "Do you really think I''d be foolish enough to make a mistake once and then repeat it?"


    "


    James'' words stunned Ca. He continued coldly, "I didn''t drink that wine, and I was not the person who entered your room that night. Do you really need me to spell it out for you to give up?"


    Bea had been arranging for Ca to


    stay in the Burke family''s main house to get ustomed to their ways. A few days ago, Ca had drugged James'' wine and brought it to his study, but he had known it was Bea''s scheme. For Bea''@sake, he had asked Colt to switch the wine, and after pretending to drink, he asked Ca to leave.


    Whatever happened afterward was beyond his knowledge. He certainly wasn''t the person who went to Ca''s room.


    "It can''t be... Grandma Bea told me!"


    "She told you that James entered your room at night because he was interested in you? Foolish girl, did you actually hope that one day Bea would decide for James to marry you?" Ditially, Bea simply wanted to use Ca to divert James'' attention away from Sophie. Now, with their reconciliation settled, Caffa''s role was naturally obsolete.


    Sophie stepped forward. "You should ask Bea about this personally. I think she''ll tell you the truth."


    Ca was in disbelief and slowly backed away. She then ran to the elevator with the maids, fearing trouble, following her.