Sophie paused for a moment, then said, "No wonder. Even though the Burke family is the top dog in Devonport, Bea doesn''t have any real power at Burke International. Why would those socialites go out of their way to host dinners? Turns out it''s because Bea is tied to the Pord family."


    Throwing a dinner at the Pord estate suggests Caelum and Bea had some kind of history.


    Colby handed Sophie another dessert, saying, "I''ll go with you tonight."Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "No need. It''s a high-societydies'' dinner. Are you a high-societydy?" Sophie joked. "Besides, Beaing all the way from Eastwood College means it''s either because James is here or she''s specifically gunning for me."


    Bea might seem kind on the surface, but she''s petty to the core.


    Sophie had already managed to thoroughly offend Bea before; there was no way Bea would let it slide.


    "You''re spot on. James has been AWOL in Devonport these past few days. The Burke family''s matriarch probably thinks her precious grandson came all this way for you."


    Colby''s tone had a barely noticeable hint of jealousy.


    Sophie leaned in and kissed his cheek, saying, "For me? I''m not that irresistible. That''s just Bea''s imagination running wild. Her grandsoning overseas is probably for some scheme with the Pord family or maybe even Odie."


    "That would be for the best," Colby said. "If he keeps pestering you, I''ll deal with him myself."


    They say third time''s the charm, but James has already bothered Sophie twice; he won''t get a third chance without repercussions.


    In the evening, Colby, pretending to be a driver, drove Sophie to the Pord family estate.


    The Pord family''s mansion was grand and imposing, upying prime real estate in the city center.


    Thinking back to how aggressive Sandy had been at her engagement party, Sophie realized it was the Pord family''s backing that gave Sandy such confidence.


    It showed just how powerful the Pord family was overseas.


    "My people are just outside. If anything goes wrong, call me."


    "Don''t worry. Bea cares too much about her reputation to pull anything drastic tonight. Besides mingling with the socialites, I also want figure out Bea and Caelum''s


    ovel


    rtionship. If I can meet M Caelum, even better."


    She''d heard that Mr. Caelum of the Pord family had be less visible over the years. Meeting such a legendary figure was something she was keen on.


    Colby, with a resigned smile, said, "Alright, whatever you say."


    Sophie opened the car door. The high-societydies usually arrived in groups and although Sophie was a new face, people immediately recognized her as Colby''s new wife from their newspaper appearances.


    "Is that Sophie? I heard she was married before."


    "So what? Colby loves her like crazy, even dumped Ms. Vanessa for her."


    "Shh, keep it down. If Colby catches us gossiping, we''re in big trouble!"