"...No way," Jonah said. "From what we heard earlier, Sophie likely rpsed on our new drug. Once you try it, you''re hooked for good, especially if it''s a rpse."


    "You''re right." Odie picked up the newspaper again. "Sophie''s just bluffing. She''s too proud to admit she can''t kick the habit and too ashamed to ask for help. So, she''s taking the easy way out bying back on her own."


    "Good point, boss."


    "Let her stew for a bit. If she asks to see me, tell her I''m busy."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "Got it."


    Jonah left the room.


    By 8 p.m., the kitchen had prepared dinner and delivered it to Sophie''s room.


    Sophie watched the spread of dishes on the cart and nodded in approval.


    Salmon tartare, cherry foie gras, filet mignon, creamy corn soup...


    "Mrs. Costello, here''s your dinner."


    "Do you have any lighter dishes? I was hoping for smoked fish, sd, and a couple of veggies burgers. Oh, and I don''t like carrots, but anything else is fine." "Of course, Mrs. Costello. We''ll get that ready right away."


    The maid quickly left, and Jonah, who had seen everything from the doorway, scowled and stopped her. "Who told you to prepare such avish dinner for her?" "Huh?" The maid was taken aback. "Wasn''t it Mr. Odie who instructed us this morning..."


    "Leave."


    "Sure."


    When Jonah turned back, Sophie had already started on her steakplimenting between bites, "The Minton family''s chef is quite good. Came over from Summerfield, didn''t they?"


    "Mrs. Costello, you''re a prisoner. Remember your ce."


    "A prisoner? Funny, I recall Odie telling Ms. Sandy when he brought me into the Minton home that I was a distinguished guest. And distinguished guests, naturally, get distinguished treatment." Sophie sipped her tea and added, "Besides, I even


    came here willingly. We codes, I


    talk about a partnership if you''d like."


    "So, you want to see the boss?"


    "Not necessary. I was just thinking that the maid, Polly, who served me before was quite good. Did shee along?" Sophie mentioned this casually. Jonah replied indifferently, "She''s here. If you wish, I can assign her to you."


    "I get scared sleeping alone at night, and you''ve locked all the doors and windows. It shouldn''t be a problem to have a maid stay with me, right?" Jonah took a deep breath and said, "We can arrange that."


    "Good."


    Jonah was still standing at the door, and Sophie frowned. "Why are you still here? Have her join me for dinner. I''ve missed her these past few days." Jonah left the room.


    "She doesn''t want to see me?" Odie frowned deeply. "You asked her?"


    "... Yeah," Jonah replied. "But she did say she wanted Polly to keep taking care of her."


    "Does she not realize her situation? Still wants to be pampered?"


    "Sophie mentioned that when you brought her in, you introduced her as a VIP, and... she came willingly She even suggested she could continue doing business with you...


    Hearing this, Odie mmed down his coffee in anger. "She actually wants to talk business with me?!"