The Aldridge Tannly had been a pir of prestige and influence in Devenport for generations. Their reputation was watched no one dared to challenge their authority, at least not in all the years since he was born.


    Sophie said, “We should be cautious. Odie’s got a wild temper, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t pull.”


    “Alright, then! I’ll get ready. If he shows up, I’ll make sure he’s so humiliated he’ll never leave Summerfield again!”


    Just then, Jenna came out of the banquet hall, hollering, “Adler! What are your dragging your feet for? We’ve got plenty to handle inside!”


    Seeing Jenna, a smile lit up Sophie’s face. “Jenna…”


    Jenna froze at the sound of Sophie’s voice and then, catching sight of her standing by a car, rushed over. Tears welled up, and she enveloped Sophie in a tight hug, crying, “Oh, Sophie! I thought I’d never see you again!”


    Adler, feeling a bit awkward, gave Jenna a gentle tug. “People are watching. Try to keep it together!”


    To the world, Jenna was a powerhouse, alwaysposed and icy–a real business shark. But behind the scenes, she and Adler were goofballs.


    Jenna swatted Adler’s hand away, annoyed. “Sophie made it through–I’m overjoyed! Why should I care about appearances?”N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    “Of course, you needn’t worry about her image. Even if you cry your makeup off, no one in Devonport would dare say a word!” Adler’sment hit home, and Jenna nodded approvingly. She linked arms with Sophie, saying, “Come on, Sophie, there’s a surprise waiting for you tonight.”


    Jenna whispered thest part, her eyes twinkling with mischief, leaving Sophie curious.


    The dinner had been thrown together at thest minute. What kind of surprise


    could there be?


    Jenna led Sophie inside. The Aldridge family’s vast banquet hall was packed. There were friends of both the Aldridge and Costello families, allies of the


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    Chapter Sus


    Tredgold and Dennis families, top brass from the S Corporation, and others Sophie had swayed from Odie’s camp.


    The moment Sophie walked in, she became the center of attention. Jenna had quietly let go of her arm, and the crowd parted, revealing a red carpetid out specially for the asion. Before Sophie could take it all in, a loud ‘bang‘ echoed, and petals began to fall from the ceiling. Sophie was momentarily spellbound, but when she looked up, she saw Colby at the end of the red carpet, dressed in a sharp ck suit.


    Colby stood tall and confident, his presence alone exuding a calming


    reassurance.


    The banquet hall had been meticulously decorated, with seductive red roses everywhere, transforming the entire estate into a floral paradise.


    Sophie had always loved wine–red roses with their dangerous allure and breathtaking beauty.


    “Sophie,e on, walk forward!” Jenna’s voice came in a soft whisper from somewhere in the crowd.


    Another voice inside Sophie seemed to echo the sentiment, nudging her towards her happiness.


    Sophie had just taken a step when an unexpected voice from outside remarked, “The Aldridge family sure knows how to throw a grand party.”