Under the icy stare of James, a sudden wave of fear washed over Nichole. An instinct told her to run, but before she could react, James grabbed her hairBelongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    and yanked her back onto the bed.


    Her hair was pulled so hard that several strands snapped. Nichole screamed in pain, but James wasn’t done. He reached under the bed and pulled out a nylon rope he had stashed away.


    “James…. what are you doing? Are you going to… mmph!”


    Before she could finish, James mped her mouth shut with duct tape. Helpless, Nichole could only watch as he tied her to the bed.


    “Mmph! Mmph!*


    Bound and silenced, Nichole could only whimper. James drew the curtains, plunging the room into darkness.


    Terrified, Nicholey there,pletely immobilized. James‘ voice was cold, “From now on, you’re Mrs. Burke, confined to this room. I’ll feed you and give you water every day, but you’ll never see the light of day or another soul.”


    “Mmph!”


    She struggled futilely, but there wasn’t a trace ofpassion in James‘ eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you die quickly. Death would be a mercy. I intend to make you wish for it while forcing you to live.”


    A chill ran down Nichole’s spine as James left those words hanging in the air


    and walked out of the room.


    In the pitch–ck master bedroom, Nichole couldn’t move, her mouth sealed with duct tape, fear spreading to every corner of her body. She couldn’t fathom what James had in store for her or what life with the Burke family would be


    like!


    Meanwhile, Sophie had returned to take control of S Corporation once again.


    As she walked into S Corporation, employees cast peculiar nces her way.


    She was used to it.


    Reece emerged from the CEO’s elevator, practically running up to her.


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    Since theyst met, Reece had lost weight; his features were sharper, making him look less like the famed actor he was and more like a seasoned CEO in


    his crisp white suit.


    “These past few days, we owe you and Tricia a lot.”


    Reece, taken aback by Sophie’s new look, choked up, managing only to say, “I’m d you’re alright.”


    Soon, Tricia also appeared from the elevator, dispersing the onlookers. Seeing Sophie return safely, she finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Tricia felt a lump in her throat and said, “Ms. Sophie, you’re finally back!”


    During Sophie’s absence, the burden of thepany’s affairs had fallen heavily on them. They were worried about Sophie while simultaneously handling thepany’s operations.


    Now that Sophie was back, they could breathe easier.


    Reflecting on the recent tumultuous events, Sophie felt a bittersweetness she couldn’t share. Pretending to be light–hearted, she asked, “What’s with everyone? It’s like they’ve seen a ghost.”


    Tricia, visibly annoyed, said, “It’s all because of that news piece about you since you’ve been back!”


    “News? What news?”