Listening to Odie recount his years in Summerfield, Sophie furrowed her brows, lost in thought. After a moment, she finally said, "So, you''re trying to say you''re ying dumb to outsmart everyone?"


    "Sophie, were you even paying attention? And do I look stupid to you right now?"


    Odie looked visibly annoyed.


    He really didn''t like hearing Sophie talk like that!


    "I wasplimenting you! I meant ying dumb to outsmart others, not the other way around."


    "You..."


    Sophie got to her feet and said, "As long as you know what''s going on, that''s what matters. Let us handle the new CEO of the Mintons. You just focus on getting better. Once you''re back on your feet, we''re counting on you to help us reim the Mintons." As Sophie was about to leave, Odie spoke up suddenly, "Sophie."


    "What is it?"


    "If you need to suspect someone, suspect James."


    "James?"


    Sophie was taken aback. In her mind, Odie and James had only ever had one business deal.


    Previously, James had stepped in, suggesting a partnership with the Mintons to support Odie.


    But that was a one-time thing.


    Sophie said, "Didn''t you and James start a partnership?"


    "It''s not me and James, it''s the Mintons and James," Odie rified calmly. "That night when you were rescued, it was James who asked me to take over your shares. He was the one who initiated the partnership talks." Sophie frowned, asking, "What did he promise you?"


    "He promised me a solid position at Devonport, saying Burke International was my best partner."


    Odie added, "If this was all just a scheme by James, then your ex-husband... he''s even using you." Listening to Odie, Sophie''s face remained impassive.


    James had always been like that.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    She had foolishly believed that the misunderstandings between her and James were resolved.


    For Burke International, James had really schemed well...


    No wonder he became the head of Burke International.


    "Thanks, got it."


    Sophie turned to leave.


    Watching her go, Odie called out, "If you want to get to the bottom


    ve


    it''s best to ask your ex-husband."


    ''Bang''


    Sophie mmed the door.


    Odie leaned back on the bed, closing his eyes to rest.


    He muttered to himself, "Such poor taste in men."


    Sophie wandered into the courtyard of Burke Estate, looking at the blooming red roses. Her mind drifted back to many years ago, when she was young and James was just a boy, and he held her hand as they walked home.


    That simple hand-holding had sparked a sense of dependence, and she had developed a fondness for James.


    As she grew older, seeing James again hadid bare her girlish affections.


    From her hopeful dreams to the crushing disillusionment, it had taken her half a lifetime to


    understand. Content belong vel


    She thought she had figured it all out, but she never expected James to hide so much from her.


    Was it really James?


    Sophie kept asking herself.


    But there seemed to be no answer.


    Just then, Sophie looked up.


    Seeing the swing in front of her, she felt a sudden wave of recognition.


    Slowly, Sophie approached it, gently pushing the swing. A sense of familiarity washed over her.