"He''s got a point. We''ve been in business together for a year now, practically old friends. So just because there''s a bit of a buzz outside, youe here withints? Want to leave? Be my guest! But first, return all the favors Ms. Sophie has given you!" The room fell silent at that.


    Honestly, out of all the business folks, Sophie was the easiest to work with.


    Grayson stepped up, saying, "Ms. Sophie, it''s not that we want to bail, but Devonport has its own set of rules. If we cross James, we can kiss our chances of getting good resources here goodbye." Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Sophie leaned back in her chair, "So, you all think James has more pull than I do around Devonport?"


    "Well..."


    They exchanged uneasy nces.


    Grayson chuckled, "Ms. Sophie, let''s be real. Without Mr. Burke, none of us would be dealing with you. Now, even though you''ve remarried..."


    The room was filled with knowing looks.


    Grayson pressed on, "Even with Colby backing you, Ms. Sophie, you''re still seen as just a woman. If you were to leave Colby, surviving in Devonport might be tough." "Oh?"


    Sophie chuckled softly, "I didn''t realize you all saw me that way."


    She stood up and said, "S


    Corporation is my business. If you want out, feel free to leave. Just settle the penalty fee, and the door''s right there. But if you can''t cover the fee, then I''m afraid you''re not going anywhere today. I''m not someone to be messed with."


    Seeing no one making a move, Sophie had them figured out.


    She calmly added, "Looks like none of you are seriously nning to leave, huh?" "Well..."Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Caught in their own thoughts, they stayed silent.


    Sophie continued, "I get it. Burke International might have dangled some shiny offers, but you haven''t got their contract. So you''re here to squeeze me for a better deal, lower prices, better shop locations am I right?"


    With Sophieying it out there, they held their breath.


    Grayson, leading the charge, said, "Ms. Sophie, since we''re being upfront, as long as S Corporation gives us a better deal than Burke International, we''re staying put."


    "Yeah! If S Corporation gives us a better deal, we''re all in!"


    The partners seemed to have a n, cornering Sophie to lower prices and offer prime spots, banking on S Corporation''s rising reputation.


    After all, everyone could see Burke International wasn''t what it used to be, while S Corporation was on the rise.


    Naturally, they wanted to stick with Sophie.


    Sophie raised an eyebrow, "Alright, since you all want me to sh next year''s prices, let me be clear. The terms S Corporation offers won''t change."