Gordon''s voice was calm and measured, "Maybe not in the past, but now? It''s hard to say." Jenna frowned, "Is it because of... James?"


    Thest time James said he would stand up for Odie, it was clear they were in cahoots.


    Adler, clearly irritated, chimed in, "This James is a real headache, Mr. Gordon. Even if our families join forces, can''t we take down Burke International?"


    "It''s tough to say," Gordon replied. "The Burke family has been thriving ever since James took over. Even the original big four families have had to tread carefully around them. This just shows how capable he really is."


    Jenna frowned deeper. "But why would James team up with the Mintons? Everyone knows the Minton family is a hot potato. The Burke family''s businesses are all legitimate. Isn''t James asking for trouble by partnering with them?"


    Gordon sighed lightly, "Maybe because the Burke family''s businesses are all above board, James feels the need to rely on the Minton family. After all, there are certain things he has to handle that aren''t exactly legal, and he can''t rely on Colby for that, can he?"N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Gordon nced at Sophie before continuing, "Moreover, James has his reasons. Sophie is the head of S Corporation. Together with our four big families, including the Dennis family, James'' position is inevitably threatened. His only option is to team up with the Mintons. With the Minton familyes the support of the Pords, naturally elevating Burke International to a new level, making it hard for us topete."


    Adler nodded, "So, bottom line, James is going to coborate with the Minton family. This means Odie will have James'' backing in Devonport, and we''re destined to be at odds with James and Odie, right?" Sophie remained silent for a moment, sensing something off.


    When James had asked her to spare Bea and Nichole, he promised her that he would hand over Burke International to her in three months.


    She hadn''t taken it seriously at the time and was unsure of James'' true intentions. But the fact that he made such a promise clearly wasn''t for the future of Burke International.


    What was really going on?


    Before Sophie could think further, her phone buzzed.


    Sophie pulled out the new phone Colby had given her and saw a call from an unknown number. When she answered, a knowledgeable female voice came through, as this Ms. Sophie?"


    "Yes, it''s me."


    "Hello, this is the notary office. There''s a document that requires your signature."


    "What document?"


    "Apany share transfer agreement requiring your presence to sign."


    Apany share transfer agreement?


    Sophie frowned, murmuring, "I understand. I''ll be there shortly."


    After hanging up, Sophie pondered for a moment.


    Could James be serious about this?


    That afternoon, Sophie drove to the notary office.


    Honestly, signing the contract didn''t necessarily require such a formal setting; it could have been done with thepany or James'' private seal. The visit to the notary office was just to ensure the presence of a notary, guaranteeing the contract''s authenticity and reliability,


    The receptionist led Sophie to a private room where, sure enough, James was waiting.


    Even though Sophie didn''t want to


    interact with James right now, she needed


    to understand his intohet


    so she walked in.


    "Ms. Sophie, please review this contract to see if there''s anything amiss."