Sophie settled back into her office chair, her mind clearly elsewhere from work.


    Tricia cleared her throat, saying, "Ms. Sophie, if I may be so bold, our reality show is about to start filming soon. You''ll be spending a lot of time with Mr. Burke. Perhaps it''s wise to... give Colby a bit of a heads- up."


    Sophie nced at the reality show proposal on her desk. "Once Upon an Ex," and with a flick of irritation, snapped the document shut. "Let him in."


    "Right! I''ll tell the reception to ept that delivery of flowers!"


    "Come back!" Sophie frowned deeply. "Did I say to ept the flowers? Tell him to take them back."


    "...Oh."


    Tricia, looking somewhat regretful, turned to leave the office.


    "Come back!"


    "Ms. Sophie, is there anything else you need?"


    "...Have him park his car in the parking lot. All those flowers are too conspicuous."


    "Yes, Ms. Sophie."


    After Tricia left the office, Sophie sighed as she looked down at Colby from her office window, feeling a tightness in her chest.


    She had gone straight homest night, shutting Colby out. Today, he had followed her to S Corporation, and If she didn''t see him, who knows if he would follow her to the filming location. That wouldplicate things.


    Sophie poured herself a ss of water, turning back only to find herself in a warm embrace.


    Colby held her tight, his voice hoarse. "Sophie, don''t be mad."


    Hearing the intiveness in Colby''s voice, Sophie found her anger ebbing away.


    "Why didn''t you think about how I''d be mad when you were arguingst night?" Sophie shrugged off Colby''s arms, turning her head away in displeasure.


    "I was just... scared of losing you."


    Colby rarely showed his serious side, often appearing defiant and carefree. It was hard to read his thoughts, but his sincerity in moments like these was rare. Sophie yfully pinched Colby''s nose. "I can take care of myself. Even if I can''t, you''ll protect me, right?"


    At that, a smile finally broke across Colby''s face. He wasn''t afraid of anything except Sophie getting hurt.


    "What about the flowers?"


    "I''ll ept them. Could you deliver them to my apartment?"


    Saying so, Sophie handed Colby her apartment key card. She smiled, "Make sure they fill the ce."


    "Of course."


    Colby, holding the key card, smiled softly.


    Meanwhile, the Burke family had also gotten wind of the situation. Bea, looking at the photos in her hands, angrily threw them onto the table.


    The photos showed a man behind a convertible filled with flowers parked in front of S Corporation.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Another showed a man standing beneath Sophie''s apartment. He was clearly involved with her.


    Another photo showed a man and Sophie sitting in a car, sharing augh.


    The paparazzo noticed Bea''s anger. He hastily said, "Bea, I got all the shots you wanted. So, my payment..."


    "Did you see who it was? Who is he?"


    "I... how would I know? I''m just the photographer."


    The paparazzo clearly didn''t want to get involved in trouble. Bea took a deep breath and handed over the money. "Keep an eye on Sophie. If you find out who the man is, there''s more money in it for you."


    "Of course, of course, I''ll keep a close watch on Mrs. Burke!" The paparazzo pocketed the money and quickly left the Burke residence.


    Looking at the photos on the table, Marian couldn''t help saying, "Bea, could these photos be fake?"


    "Fake? All these photos? No way."


    Bea scoffed, Sophie really can''t stay put. James was willing to overlook past disagreements to reconcile and look at her! Keeping a boy toy on the side! So much for being ady of a reputable family!"


    Marian stayed silent.


    "Immediately tell James toe home and get Sophie back here, too!"


    Bea couldn''t stand the thought of her grandson''s wife cheating on him.


    Feeling awkward, Marian still promptly called Sophie.


    Back in the S Corporation office, Sophie, surprised by Marian''s call, wondered what trouble Bea was stirring up this time.


    "Ma''am, Bea is furious and wants you and Mr. Burke toe back immediately."


    Sophieughed it off, asking, "What''s the issue this time?"


    "Some photos."


    "Photos?"


    Sophie frowned.


    Marian exined, "They show youughing and talking with a man. There''s also one of him with a car full of flowers at yourpany''s entrance."


    Sophie realized those photos must


    have been of Colby. She guessed the


    images weren''t clear or perhaps


    didn''t capture his face, so Bea didn''t


    recognize him.


    "Alright, I''m on my way back."