James gazed at the crowd behind Sophie, fully aware that they were her rock-solid support. Even without Colby and Gordon, Sophie had already locked down the real power of the Aldridge and Costello families. Today''s showdown wasn''t aboutworking; it was all about dominance in Devonport.


    Thebined force of the four major families was already daunting, not to mention the added involvement of the overseas Kiran. Faced with this situation, even James could only muster a slow, deliberate word: "Retreat."


    Colt frowned but, following James''smand, signaled everyone to fall back.


    James, with a cold edge in his voice, said, "Sophie, you can take your people for now, but our fight isn''t over."


    Sophie responded icily, "Don''t worry, Mr. Burke. We''ll fight you to the end, until one of us can no longer stand."


    James turned and led his group away from the second floor. Seeing the tide turn against him, Harold also signaled his people to retreat. The hall was soon left with only Sophie''s group.


    The Minton''s bodyguard swiftly brought Sandy out.


    "Hmph! I knew my brother woulde to save me!" Sandy dered proudly as she walked over to Sophie''s group, but after scanning the room, she couldn''t find her brother. "Where''s my brother?" Sandy asked, puzzled.


    The group also noticed something was off. Where had Kiran gone? He was just here a moment ago.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Sophie frowned, deep in thought, but soon caught sight of Odie casually pocketing the Minton family crest.


    With a raised eyebrow, Sophie said, "Ms. Sandy, it was Mr. Odie who saved you."


    "Who?" Sandy''s eyes fell on Odie. "Him?"


    "Yes."


    Seeing Sophie giving him all the credit, Odie scowled. "Sophie, don''t-"


    "It''s all thanks to Mr. Odie! Despite being gravely ill, he rushed here to save you! After what you said about him before, don''t you think you owe him an apology? This is about the Pord family''s honor, and I''m sure Ms Sandy can rise to the asion."


    Remembering Sophie''s earlier words, Sandy, though reluctant, muttered, "Thank you! And... I''m sorry. I won''t call you a bad guy anymore!"


    "Do you really think I care about


    being called a bad guy?" Odie scoffed, clearly uninterested in Sandy''s spoiled attitude. If it weren''t for Sophie asking him toe he wouldn''t have shown up at all.


    "You!" Sandy huffed and turned her head away. Still a bad guy, after all! If it weren''t for Sophie, she wouldn''t have apologized to Odie!


    "Wasn''t he supposed to be critically ill? This is ridiculous!" Adler stepped forward to check on Odie but was swatted away like a fly. "Don''t touch me with your paws!"


    "Hey, easy there!" Jenna chimed in. "But seriously, where''s Kiran?" He had vanished without a trace. What a mystery on this night of all nights! Meanwhile, back at Burke Estate-


    Rick helped Gordon into a


    wheelchair, saying, "Sir, everything''s going smoothly. Ms. Sophie is sharp; she used your private seal at just the right moment. Not only did she save Ms. Sandy, but she also stirred up


    trouble between the Pord


    family


    and K Corporation. And now, tricking Kiran was the cherry on top. After tonight, the second young master has finally earned trust within K Corporation."