"I can''t take this anymore, I''m done!" Sophie nced around at the group gathered and asked, "So, what''s the deal with you all? Are you sticking around too?"


    "We''re staying put!" Given the choice between a one-time extravagant feast and the guarantee of a full meal every day, they naturally opted for thetter. Sure, James might offer lower prices, but he couldn''t promise long-term stability. Cutting ties with S Corporation would mean losing partnerships with four otherpanies, a gamble that wasn''t worth taking. Sophie continued, "Since everyone''s decided to stay, I''m curious-what offers did they make that had you all ready to discuss breaking our agreements?"


    Grayson was the first to step forward. "It was Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Burke themselves. They promised that if we didn''t partner with them, they''d undercut your prices by 10% and throw in some extra perks. Future coborations would mean direct ess and top-notch marketing for us!"


    "Yes, Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Burke told me the same," another chimed in.


    Sophie nodded, piecing it all together. "That generous, huh? No wonder everyone was tempted."


    "Yeah, we got swept up in the moment!"


    Just then, Tricia took a phone call and quickly whispered to Sophie, "Ms. Sophie, the front desk just called... Mr. Burke is here."


    Hearing that James had arrived, Sophie asked, "Was he the one you mentioned earlier?"


    Tricia shook her head. "I''m not sure, but the receptionist did say a very important guest had booked a visit for now."


    After a pause, Sophie said, "We can''t discuss this with James here. Go, stop him at the door."


    "Got it."


    Tricia barely reached the conference room door before she saw James standing right there. Thest time Sophie had seen James was on the day Sandy was rescued. Their eyes met exchanging a cold, distant look that hadn''t been there before.


    "Mr. Burke," Sophie greeted icily, "Showing up unannounced isn''t the Burke family''s usual M.O."


    The other partners shifted uneasily at James''s entrance. James locked eyes with Sophie and stated coolly, "I have something to discuss with you." Sophie stood up and suggested, "It''s crowded here; let''s talk next door."N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    But as she moved to pass him, James said firmly, "No need. Some things can only be said here."


    Sophie frowned at his words. Just


    then, the distinct sound of high heels echoed from the hallway. James stepped aside, and a figure slowly


    entered the conference room 13


    catching everyone''s attention


    The group was stunned by the neer''s appearance. "What? How is this even possible?" They were all taken aback, even Tricia was momentarily frozen.


    Sophie, seeing the neer''s face,


    disyed a subtle hint of surprise


    Karter, thinking he must be


    mistaken, blurted out in disbelief,


    "How...how can she look so much like Ms. Sophie?"