Sophie didn''t buy a word of Nichole''s bluster. "Sure, have Ms. Rowenae up with that billion first, then she can ask me for that box," she retorted. Turning to the security guard, she said, "Show her out."


    The guard approached Nichole, "Ms. Rowena, please leave."


    Nichole, seething with anger, pped him hard. "Who do you think you are, telling me to leave?!"


    Sophie''s eyes turned icy. She wasn''t keen on getting involved, considering her frail health, but Nichole was pushing her luck.


    Just as Sophie was about to head downstairs to put Nichole in her ce, Gordon''s voice cut through the tension, "Rick, shut her up." "Yes, sir."


    ? Gordon''s butler, Rick, stepped forward and delivered two crisp ps to Nichole''s face. She didn''t even have a chance to fight back, and the bodyguards from Burke International trying to intervene were swiftly taken down by Rick.


    His skills were even more impressive than Jonah''s, Odie''s right-hand man.


    Rick stepped back behind Gordon, who wheeled himself over to Nichole.


    Seeing Gordon, a flicker of fear crossed Nichole''s face. She remembered how he had once stepped in when she falsely used Harold of misconduct. Gordon was known as one of the most intimidating figures in Devonport.


    Forcing a smile, Nichole said, "Mr. Gordon..."


    Gordon''s voice was cold and unforgiving, "Ms. Rowena, by attacking a member of the Aldridge family, you''ve made an enemy of us."


    "But Mr. Gordon... he''s just a security guard, he..."


    "Even if he''s just a security guard, he''s still part of the Aldridge family, and no one harms our people."


    Gordon cut her off, his tone icy. "You can leave on your own, Ms. Rowena, or my people will throw you out."


    12:55


    Rick''s menacing presence left Nichole no choice. Feeling the sting on her cheeks and a wave of humiliation, she stormed out.


    Why? Why, despite being a wealthy heiress and the future Mrs. Burke International, couldn''t shemand respect from these people? And why did Sophie, who was bankrupt, still have so many loyal supporters? It was so unfair!


    As Nichole left, Sophie descended from the second floor. "I could have handled it myself, Mr. Gordon. You didn''t need toe down."


    Gordon, always swamped with responsibilities, barely had time for a proper meal yet here he was dealing with this minor issue. It seemed like a waste of his talents.


    Gordon didn''t respond but frowned, "Why do you still look so pale?"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sophie touched her cheek, knowing she didn''t look her best but hadn''t dared look in a mirror.


    "Rick, call William to check on Ms. Sophie."


    "Yes, sir."


    "No!" Sophie quickly stopped Rick. Facing Gordon''s intense gaze, she hesitated before saying, "Could we... not call William?"


    Gordon''s concern deepened. Suddenly, he grabbed Sophie''s wrist. Seeing the needle marks on her arm, his eyes widened in shock.


    "Who did this? Was it Odie?*