Although Sophie wasn''t fond of Ricardo, she took his advice to heart.


    It was clear that Ricardo had been entangled with Minton International over the years. Still, he managed to keep it under wraps so well that even Gordon couldn''t uncover the connection between Ricardo and Minton International.


    Sophie made it her mission to identify every entrepreneur from Devonport who attended the Minton International g that evening. Some were faces she had seen before, and others were listed on the Forbes Richest list, indicating that everyone here was either wealthy or of high status. It was no wonder Minton International had managed to stay on top for so many years with so many vested interests.


    As Sophie was focused on remembering everyone present, she unexpectedly bumped into someone. She was startled and took a few steps back before realizing it was Harold, even though he was wearing a mask.


    Sophie paused, and so did Harold, momentarily taken aback.


    Quickly, Harold masked his emotions and pretended not to know Sophie, murmuring an apology before walking past her.


    As Sophie watched Harold walk away, she noticed his mboyant suit jacket and entire outfit, which made him look like a slick rascal, especially with his hair dyed red again.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    If not for her familiarity with Harold, Sophie might not have recognized him.


    She remembered that Harold was supposed to be back in training with his team by now. Could Harold''s secret mission be rted to Minton International?


    Before Sophie could ponder further, Gattlin arrived with two maids in tow.


    Sophie had no intention of getting involved with Odie today, so she turned to leave, but Gattlin called out from behind, "Miss! Please, wait a moment."


    Gattlin hurried to catch up with Sophie, and seeing the look of disdain on her face, he quickly attempted to appease her, "Miss, Mr. Odie has instructed us to do this. Given the fright you experienced at the Minton International g today, we prepared a gift for you and hope you will ept it with a smile."


    At Gattlin''s signal, one of the maids promptly presented a velvet box, which, upon opening, revealed an expensive ruby ne. The craftsmanship of the ruby was impable, surrounded by dozens of diamonds. If Sophie remembered correctly, this ne was Pittman Jewelry''s showpiece. It was priceless and rare.


    "We hope you will ept it, Miss," Gattlin repeated.


    No woman could easily refuse such an expensive ruby ne, especially when it was a gift from the president of Minton International.


    Sophie merely lifted the ne briefly before cing it back in the box, stating calmly, "Tell Mr. Odie I don''t need these. There''s no need for apologies. We''re all here just to have fun. If it''s not to my taste, I''ll just note here next time."


    Sophie''s words made Gattlin''s smile


    freeze. Her words implied she was not interested in getting involved with Minton International, marking her first andst attendance at their g.


    Sophie''s attitude left Gattlin unsure of how to proceed.


    Every woman here, regardless of their status, would find such jewelry irresistible, but Sophie showed no interest.


    "What should we do, Sir? Mr. Odie had specifically asked for this..."


    It was the first time in years Mr. Odie had taken an interest in someone.


    The maid beside him expressed concern. They knew Mr. Odie''s temper all too well. If they failed, they might lose their jobs. "What else can we do? Find a way!" Gattlin said sternly, knowing there was still a chance as long as the g wasn''t over.


    "I can''t drink any more... I really can''t..."


    A woman''s cry caught Sophie''s attention.


    Looking towards the sound, Sophie saw Jean surrounded by two middle-aged men. Their hands wandered inappropriately as they forced her to drink more red wine, with one man deliberately spilling it over her chest.


    Jean''s light pink dress was soaked with red wine, and her mask had been maliciously removed.


    Jean cried miserably, unaware that this ce, a stepping stone for artists, was actually a yground for businessmen, where artists and influencers were merely there to please them. Catching a glimpse of Sophie, Jean''s eyes filled with desperate hope.


    Sophie approached, smiling, "Thisdy is an acquaintance of mine. Could you gentlemen lend her to me for a few minutes?"


    Having caused quite a stir earlier,


    everyone knew better than to mess with Sophie, but the two men, reluctant to let go of their prey replied, "Minton Internationalhas its rules, and we haven''t broken any."


    Seeing them unmoved, Sophie feigned difficulty, "I recall shopping with your wives just a few days ago. Imagine if today''s incident reached their ears..."