“Yes, boss!”


    Odie’s man was about to round up the crew, but just as he was stepping out of


    the grand banquet hall doors, James walked in.


    Surveying the empty hall, James said with a hint of irony, “Looks like I’m fashionablyte.”


    “James?” Odie’s tone dripped with danger. “You knew all along that Sophie runs S Corporation. Why didn’t you clue me in?”


    “Sophie runs S Corporation?” James raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. “1 had no idea.”


    “Cut the crap, James! You and Sophie were married. How could you not know she’s the one pulling the strings at S Corporation?”


    James‘ face was unreadable. “Sophie and I were only married on paper. I really didn’t know anything about her business dealings.”


    Studying James, Odie had to admit he didn’t seem like he was lying.


    Taking a deep breath, Odie barked to the stunned man beside him, “What are you standing around for? Go and trash the ce!”


    “Yes, boss!”


    The men had barely taken a few steps when James stepped in front of them,


    “Hold it.”


    As James blocked their path, they turned to gauge Odie’s reaction.


    Odie frowned, “What now?”


    “The Aldridge family is highly respected in Devonport. If you go after them, you’ll never be able to establish yourself here.”


    “Even you can’t handle the Aldridges?” Odie challenged.


    “It’s not that I can’t,” James exined. “It’s just a huge hassle. Plus, Sophie has united some of the oldest families into a single force. Just dealing with the Costello’s alone would be tough for you. Together, these families practically run Devonport.”


    1/3


    10.23


    “So, the Burkes are useless too?”


    Odie was floored. He never expected Sophie to be so powerful Sain Summerfield, she’d acted like she hated scumbags and had no support.


    But now, it was clear Sophie had some heavy hitters backing her. With that kind of support, who in Devonport would touch her?


    James remained calm, “I’d advise you to let this go, Mr. Ode. You’ve lost this round. If you send your men to cause trouble, you’ll only end up looking


    worse.”


    “You expect me to just swallow this? To take it lying down?”


    James thought for a moment. “Tell you what, I’ll go to the Aldridges and show support on your behalf.”


    Hearing this, Odie calmed down and said, “That would be best. Thanks, Mr. Burke,”


    Meanwhile-


    The Aldridge Estate was buzzing with guests. As Sophie stepped out of the car, Adler was outside the estate, busy greeting everyone.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    “How have you been? Already a granddaughter! Congrattions!”


    “This way, please!”


    “Oh,e on, you didn’t need to bring a gift!”


    As Adler ushered wave after wave of guests inside, Sophie walked up and teased, <i>“</i>Since when did you be a greeter?”


    Adler immediately bowed and said, “Ms. Sophie, you’re something else! Snatching someone right under Odie’s nose! I’m impressed. Bet Odie won’t sleep a wink tonight!”


    Adler had never imagined Sophie to be so cunning. No wonder she and Colby were a couple! They were a perfect match.


    “Alright, let’s make sure security is tight. Knowing Odie, he won’t let this slide. He’s bound to send someone to crash the party.”


    “Crash a party at the Aldridges? Odie would be the first in history to even try! If


    he does bell have my respect