"Fine, it''s yours then," Bea said with a hint of reluctance. "But let me be clear: if you and James ever get divorced, you''ll have to return this ring to me."


    "Of course," Sophie replied, her voice steady, though a mocking smile yed at the corners of her mouth.


    ''Promises made by mouth are seldom kept,'' she mused silently. Once a gift was given willingly, there was no taking it back.


    After discussing with Bea, Sophie wrote a check to the Devins family. With cash in hand, they left, their spirits lifted.


    Now, only Sophie and Bea remained in the living room. Sophie handed over a pre-drafted contract to Bea, saying, "Please sign here, Bea."


    The contract detailed mortgage terms clearly. Bea put on her reading sses, scrutinized the document to ensure there were no loopholes, and signed her name. Then, with a look of impatience, she handed the pen back to Sophie, her tone icy, "If this money ever needs to be repaid, it will go to James. You won''t get a penny out of this."


    "The loan was given to you on behalf of James, so naturally, it will be repaid to James. I''m merely acting on his behalf."


    Sophie slid the ring onto her finger, examining it closely before saying with satisfaction, "Ah, truly beautiful. Thank you, Grandma."


    Sophie''s sudden switch to calling her ''Grandma'' made Bea''s skin crawl.


    The ring, originally a gift from thete patriarch to Bea, now adorned Sophie''s hand, making Bea ufortable in ways she couldn''t express.


    "Bea, should this suitcase be ced in my room?"


    Marian brought over the suitcase from Bea''s room. Bea impatiently waved her hand and said, "Take it upstairs."


    "Yes, Madam."


    "Wait." Sophie interjected, "Leave it here for now. I''ll move it to my ceter."


    Bea frowned, "What do you mean, Sophie? Are you nning to live separately from James?"


    Sophie smiled lightly, "Bea, the new house I bought is closer to my workce. James is aware of this; we''ve already agreed on this matter. There''s no need for you to intervene."


    "But this suitcase..."


    "Bea, don''t you trust me? The contract is right here. If anything is missing, I''m liable topensate." Sophie continued nonchntly, "Besides, James and I are married now. His money is mine to spend. Why should I care about a few items from you?"


    Hearing Sophie''s boast, Bea felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She couldn''t understand how James could fall for such a woman.


    Holding the suitcase, Marian suggested, "Madam, this is quite heavy. Let me carry it for you."


    "It''s alrght. Someone will help with the suitcase shortly."


    As Sophie spoke, the sound of a car engine approached. "Marian, thank you. My ride is here. I''ll be going now."


    Marian was worried Sophie couldn''t


    manage the suitcase alone. She was


    [食]


    about to offer help when Bea cut in "Let her go. She said she doesn''t need help. When she''s no longer


    here and James brought girls home,


    it''s not our concern."


    Ignoring Bea''s insinuation, Sophie carried the suitcase outside. Colby, ever the gentleman, exited the car to help load it into the trunk.


    Looking through the window, Bea frowned, "Who''s that driver? Have we seen him before?"


    "I haven''t seen him. He''s probably not one of ours." Marian, too far to see clearly, could only make out a tall, handsome silhouette.


    Bea mused, "With all the trouble between Sophie and James, could she have found someone else?"


    "Madam, Mrs. Burke isn''t that kind of person..."


    Bea interrupted with a frown, "You always take her side, don''t you?"Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "I..."


    "Never mind." Bea waved her hand


    dismissively


    Keep an eye on Sophie. We can''t have her


    embarrass the Burke family. If she''s found with someone else, I won''t care if the Burke family is making or losing money. James must divorce her!"


    "Yes, Madam."


    "And inform me immediately if you find anything suspicious," Bea said coldly. "I''ll ensure that Sophie regrets ever marrying James."


    "... Yes."


    Meanwhile, Colby buckled Sophie into her seatbelt, asking, "All settled?"


    "Settled. And look what I found?" Sophie


    Colbaunted the ring in front ofet


    Colby, "A relic from the royal family. I believe there''s a big secret here."