Thedies'' envious whispers reached Sophie''s ears. Rather than ignoring them, Sophie turned her gaze towards the gossiping group. As soon as they noticed her, their expressions switched to warm smiles, a far cry from their earlier snide remarks.


    Sophie gave them a polite smile, though her eyes were icy.


    Feeling a chill from Sophie''s stare, thedies quickly dispersed. One look was all it took for them to realize Sophie was not someone to mess with.


    Messing with Sophie could mean trouble!


    As Sophie stepped into the Pord family''s grand ballroom, her eyes immediately zeroed in on Bea, who was surrounded by a group of distinguisheddies. Bea was decked out in luxurious attire, adorned with expensive jewelry that seemed to carry a sense of history, likely kept in a safety deposit box abroad.


    It appeared Bea had traveled overseas to meet an old me, daring to wear the jewels she normally wouldn''t unt.


    At the same time, Bea, alerted by those around her, noticed Sophie nearby. Frowning at the sight, Bea remarked, "I don''t recall inviting Sophie here."


    "Bea, you may not be aware, but she is now Mrs. Costello."


    "What?" Bea frowned. She had been kept out of the loop by James at the Burke estate, and couldn''t believe Colby would choose someone with Sophie''s reputation.


    Bea scoffed, "Out of all the women, Colby chose Sophie. After all, she was married to James. Isn''t he afraid of bing aughingstock for picking up the Burke family''s leftovers?"


    Her words left the onlookers in an awkward silence. Although Bea had a past with Caelum, she was never his official wife. Yet Sophie was recognized as the wife of the Costello Corporation''s head. While they ttered Bea, they could not disparage Sophie.


    As the atmosphere turned tense, Sophie approached Bea, parting the crowd ofdies.


    Bea''s displeasure was evident at the sight. Sophie was just a woman who rose through association with a man. What was so great about Colby anyway? Why was Sophie so intimidating?


    Standing tall, Bea addressed Sophie with an air of superiority, "Mrs. Costello, now that you''re married, it would be best to keep a low profite and focus on your family. Look what you are wearing. You''re lucky it''s here. Anywhere else, and you''d disgrace the Costello family."


    Sophie was dressed attractively yet modestly, making Bea''s insinuation seem especially harsh.


    Sophie smiled subtly, replying, "You were once considered the epitome of grace and virtue, rarely stepping outside you home, vowing to remain faithful to thete Mr. Burke. The whole of Devonport was moved by yourmitment."


    Elevating Bea before taking a subtle dig, Sophie continued, "I heard you hade here and thought it was a


    jest. But here you are. el to


    see you indulging in makeup


    fancy attire. You outshine usExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    younger ones. And your radiantplexion suggests the climate suits you well. I wonder if you''ll ever return to Devonport."