In Gordon''s bedroom at Burke Estate, Rick swung the door open and stepped in. "Sir, Ms. Sophie and the team have managed to find all the ledgers," he announced.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    "I know," Gordon replied, his voice as calm as ever.


    Rick hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Sir, that person is bound to make move now. In the days ahead..."


    "Life goes on, Rick. No point in worrying about things we can''t control. You can go now."


    "...Alright."


    After Rick left, a gentle breeze stirred the curtains by the window. Gordon leaned against the sill, gazing into the inky night sky, and murmured, "This time, I''ve got my brother by my side."


    The next morning, Sophie was all set to head out for work, only to find Timothy blocking her path downstairs. "Ms. Sophie! Have you had breakfast yet?" he asked.


    Sophie gave him a quick look and said, "Thanks, but I''m not hungry."


    As she tried to move past, Timothy stepped in front of her again. "Ms. Sophie! How about a sandwich?"


    Sophie offered him a small smile. "Thanks, but I''m not hungry."


    Undeterred, Timothy blocked her once more, suggesting, "Ms. Sophie! Maybe a cup of coffee then?"


    Realizing he was determined to keep her from leaving, Sophie set her bag down and asked, "Alright, what''s really going on?"


    Timothy hesitated, clearly struggling with his words.


    Sophie crossed her arms and said, "If you won''t tell me, I''m heading out."


    "Wait!"


    Timothy stopped her again, this time pulling out his phone with visible reluctance. "It''s... today''s news."


    Sophie frowned as she took the phone from him. The screen disyed a headline:


    #S Corporation''s Sophie Caught in Affair Scandal, Alleged Pre-marital Power-for-Sex Deals#


    The inte was already abuzz with the news. Sophie had gained a fair bit of attention online, thanks to her stunning appearance on a variety show Plus, Colby had thrown Ker avish wedding, making her even more recognizable.


    Photos from the Mintons'' dinner


    parties were all over the news, featuring Sophie in seemingly intimate moments with Odie-like ying piano together and dancing. Then, there were pictures of Gordon, the head of Aldridge Global, picking her up at the airport, and Sophie having meals with Haroldon campus.


    With each photo, Sophie''s frown deepened. These were snapshots from the past couple of years. Had someone been keeping tabs on them all along? "Ms. Sophie, right now... it might be best to stay in," Timothy suggested.


    Sophie shot back, "So you think I should just hide away at home?"


    Timothy lowered his gaze. "I just worry it''s unsafe for you to be out there right now. The gossip could be overwhelming, and I don''t want you to get hurt."


    At that moment, Timothy looked like


    a forlorn puppy, his concern genuine


    and touching. Sophie now understood why James had always been so protective of Nichole. With someone so vulnerable and earnest nearby, who wouldn''t feel


    protective?


    She reached out, gently ruffling Timothy''s hair. "Thanks for looking out for me."