Chapter 69 “Creak” Sophie heard the sound of the door opening, a dim light illuminating the room “Sophie.” James‘ voice was deep Sophie pretended not to hear James raised his voice a bit, “Sophie!” Sophie frowned but still didn’t open her eyes, “What are you doing waking me up in the middle of the night?” “Get up.” James‘ tone was filled with uncontrollable anger, Sophie got out of bed, equally furious. Staring at James standing at the door, she snapped, “James, have you lost your mind?” Suddenly, James rushed forward. Sophie was startled, and the next second, she was pinned down on the bed. The dim light at the door cast an ambiguous shadow over James. Sophie’s breathing hitched, but she eventually calmed down, “What on earth do you want?” “Where were you tonight?” “I was having dinner with a frend.” “Which friend?” Sophie frowned, “I don’t think I’m obliged to tell you that, Don’t forget, we are just using each other for mutual benefits.” “Is that so?” James suddenly sneered. Sophie realized something was wrong, and soon James yanked open her nightgown. “Legally, you are my wife. Shouldn’t you fulfill the duties of a wife?” “James! You’re crazy!” James was overpowering, and he was about to completely tear her clothes off when Sophie, unable to bear it any longer, slapped him Boross the face “Smack! A crisp slap echoed, and the room fell silent. Sophie coldly said, “James, I am not your sextoy!” James‘ body, pressing down on Sophie, stiffened, and his chest heaved violently due to his recent actions. “Get out!” Sophie pointed to the door, her eyes slightly red, perhaps from anger. James came to his senses a bit, then got up and left Sophie’s room. As the door closed, James rubbed his temples. He must have been crazy to have done what he just did. After a moment, James turned around, his hand reaching for the doorknob. He hesitated before ultimately deciding not to enter. Inside the room, Sophie, because of the recent incident, quietly locked the door It seemed that tonight’s events had truly angered James, she would have to be more cautious in the future. The next morning, Marian, who usually woke her up, was nowhere to be seen. Sophie went downstairs, “Marian? Marian?” After calling “Marian‘ several times with no response, Sophie then noticed James sitting on the couch. He was wearing a crisp white shirt, drinking coffee, his expression cool and distant, as if nothing had happened the night before. Sophie asked, “Where’s Marian?” “I gave her the day off, James replied. Sophie asked imitably, “Then what am I supposed to have for breakfast?” James glanced up nonchalantly, “Can’t you cook for yourself?” Sophie’s face fell. If you can’t cook, you could ask me nicely.” What a jerki Sophie cursed in her mind. James was clearly messing with her because of the incident last night. Sophie marched straight to the kitchen, took out some eggs and bread from the fridge.
Category: Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn Novel
Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn Novel”
What do you do when your husband betrays you for another woman and leaves you to face death on a cold, sterile surgery table?
Just when all hope seems lost, fate steps in, granting you a miraculous second chance at life. Now buckle up, because it’s payback time and you’re on a relentless mission to exact a deliciously sweet revenge on the ones who shattered your world and stirred a fire within you like never before.
Chapter 68 Everyone knew that the Dennis family had only one daughter, Jenna, who spent her formative years abroad and had only recently returned home. Moreover, she controlled all of the family’s shares, owning multiple businesses. She was the granddaughter of the renowned Lennon. Lennon doted on his granddaughter immensely. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Jenna! It wasn’t intentional, L_” “Enough!” Jenna frowned, her tone shifting towards James, “James, you better keep your mistress in check. She’s just a poor student clinging to at rich man, and she’s here raising her voice in my presence?” Nichole’s face fell at being called a mistress. She was about to retort when James immediately stopped her, his own expression souring considerably. Nichole was terrified by James‘ demeanor and didn’t make a sound. “It was a simple misunderstanding, my apologies, Let me cover the meal, please don’t take it to heart.” “No need. The Dennis family isn’t short on cash” Jenna didn’t give James any respect, her voice cold, “I’ll remember today’s Incident. Now please leave.” Several bodyguards escorted James and Nichole out of the room. In truth, if James had chosen to stand his ground, these few people would have been no match for him, even if he took on three at once. But he was in the wrong this time. Once they left the private dining room, James‘ expression was incredibly gloomy. “James, I really didn’t “Let’s not talk about that anymore.” James suppressed his anger, his tone towards Nichole still relatively gentle Nichole bit her lip in guilt. She couldn’t have possibly mistaken it. It must have been some trick by Sophie. After James and Nichole left, Sophie came out from the adjacent private room. She had changed into Jenna’s clothes, saying. “Thanks for today. Jenna.” Jenna responded without hesitation, “Don’t mention it, we’re all family here.” “Ahem!” Adler coughed. Sophie looked slightly puzzled by the remark, and Colby quickly spoke up, “1 originally planned to introduce you to my cousin today, but James disrupted it. You better head home before James notices.” “Alright.” Sophie had thought the same. She should have left earlier but still wanted to meet Jenna face–to–face. Jenna was Colby’s older cousin by two years and was quite a notable figure overseas. Since Colby had introduced Jenna to her, she couldn’t just run away without even meeting her face to face. Next time, let’s meet up again, Jenna,” Jenna gestured with her hand, “No problem.” After Sophie left, Jenna scanned the table and could not help but remark, “I came all this way and not even one of my favorite dishes is here. What a waste having a cousin like that” Adler said, “Your favorite was here, but James took it “Crab?” “Yep!” Jenna rolled up her sleeves, “Had I known, I would’ve been harsher.” Colby remained silent, his thoughts lingering on Sophie. In the late hours of the night, Sophie Heard James coming back from her bedroom bed. She closed her eyes, pretending not to have heard anything. Soon, the sound of James slowly ascending the stairs reached her ears.
Chapter 67 Nichole returned to the private booth, her pale face drawing the attention of those around her. She steadied herself and took a seat. James noticed her discomfort and asked, “Are you feeling alright?” Nichole whispered, “Mr. Burke, L.. I think I just saw Sophie.” “Sophie?” Nichole nodded, struggling to speak, “Not only did I see Sophie, but I also saw those two men from the last auction. One of them seemed very close to Sophie.” Colby? The name flashed through James‘ mind. A flicker of cold light passed through his eyes as he stood up and strode towards the door Nichole followed closely behind, with everyone around unaware of what was happening. “It’s just ahead” Nichole led the way. James pushed the door open to see Colby and Adler clinking glasses. Upon seeing James enter, Adler looked baffled, “James?” Sophie wasn’t in sight, which slightly marred Nichole’s expression, but soon she noticed a third set of cutlery on the table, “Mr. Burke, the cutlery’s still here.” James also noticed the third set of cutlery, his gaze growing even colder, “Where is Sophie?” “Sophie?” Adler looked confused, “James, why are you asking us about your wife?” “Don’t play dumb, Nichole just saw Sophie here. Where is she now?” “Nichole? Who’s that?” Adler turned to Nichole standing next to James, his expression one of realization, “Oh, it’s you. Why are you stirring up trouble out of nowhere? “I’m not making this up. I saw it with my own eyes.” “Really? What did you see?” Colby suddenly spoke up, his imposing aura making Nichole struggle to breathe. Nichole instinctively clung to James, gaining some courage, “I saw you three in the booth, laughing and drinking, and you even served Sophie some food. You were sitting very close, even holding hands.” Nichole mixed truth with lies. Colby scoffed coldly in response. James‘ v voice grew icier, Till ask one more time, where is she?” “Excuse me.” Suddenly, a clear, beautiful voice came from outside the door. A woman dressed in a burgundy dress entered, looking around in confusion, “What’s… what’s going on here?” “You, you are…” Nichole stared at the unfamiliar woman in a daze. Even James furrowed his brows “Colby, who are they? The woman sat beside Colby, her brow furrowed in question. Colby responded indifferently, “This is James, the CEO of Burke International, and his companion.” “Mr. Burke, you need to trust me. The woman who was sitting here just now was not her.” “Hey, watch your tone. Do you know who you’re speaking to?” Adler’s voice carried a rare anger, “This lady is Miss Jenna Dennis, the daughter of the Dennis family. James, you need to control your people. Especially her mouth.” Hearing the name ‘Miss Jenna Dennis, Nichole’s expression grew even more troubled.
Chapter 66 This was indeed fantastic news, one that had already started making rounds among those in real estate. James furrowed his brow. He hadn’t been in touch with Sophile since this morning. “Vincent, let’s just have a drink.” Nichole knew that at this moment, James was thinking about Sophie, Suppressing her feelings, she reluctantly poured him a drink. However, James stood up abruptly and left the private room without looking back. “Hey? Mr. Burke!” The room fell into disarray, and Nichole’s expression tumed particularly sour How could d that piece of land have been rezoned into a park?! In the restroom, Sophie had just washed her hands when she noticed her phone buzzing non–stop on the counter, Seeing it was James calling, she answered, “What’s up?” “Where are you?” James‘ tone wasn’t very friendly. Sophie, clueless about what had upset him this time, replied, “I’m out dining with friends, can we talk when I get home tonight?” Just then, a delicate voice from Nichole came through the phone, “James, come back soon, everyone is waiting for you.” Hearing this, Sophie hung up without another word. He was out with his mistress, and still had the guts to demand her location? Sophie pocketed her phone and exited the restroom. Nichole was about to close the door of the private room when she looked up and saw Sophie emerging from the restroom. A flash of surprise crossed her face, and she instinctively shut the door. “Nichole, come here.” Nichole turned around. Noticing that James hadn’t noticed Sophie outside, she said, “Mr. Burke, I need some fresh air.” “Go ahead” James‘ tone was relatively mild The people around looked at each other. Nichole wasn’t new to such gatherings with James. In their circles, men wouldn’t bring their wives to drinking sessions, always appearing with female companions instead. And the nature of these companions was an open secret Unnoticed, Nichole followed the path Sophie had taken earlier. She had only walked a short distance when she heard the voices of a man and a woman chatting “I must say, you have an exquisite taste. I’m truly impressed. Let’s celebrate!” Adler raised his glass. Sophie joined in the toast Since the door was left open for the server, Nichole saw Sophie and Colby sitting close together with Colby taking the opportunity to serve Sophie some food as she raised her glass. What was Sophie’s relationship with Colby and Adler? “Miss, are you looking for the restroom? It’s over there,” a server suddenly spoke up from behind, startling Nichole and drawing Sophie’s attention inside the room. 2 5 8 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 Sophie tumed around and caught a glimpse of a familiar figure, but quickly, that figure darted away. “Someone outside?” Colby asked. Adler looked around, “No one’s there.” Sophie frowned, “I think I just saw Nichole.”, Seeing Nichole meant James was also here. Could it be that James and Nichole were in that private room just now? ‘Til go check” Adler was about to stand up, but Sophie stopped him, “Don’t, it’s better not to be spotted. Let me think.”
Chapter 65 “See if there’s anything you like” Colby handed the menu to Sophie. Sophie glanced at it casually. “Let’s get everything Adler mentioned just now Colby heard this and gave a slight smile Adler sitting next to them, blurted out. I told you, Colby’s choices are always spot–on. All those are your favorites, Ms. Sophie” Sophie looked at Colby, puzzled, but he seemed to have no intention of explaining “I’m sorry, sir, the kitchen just informed us that the crab is out. We can replace it with another dish of the same price for you.” the waiter said cautiously, careful not to upset Colby Adler frowned. “What’s going on? I had reserved in advance, how can that dish be sold out?” He was adept at managing such gatherings and had never encountered any mishaps under his watch I’m really sorry, but another table had reserved the crab first due to a mistake in our kitchen’s tally. We can offer you two complimentary dishes instead. Please accept our apologies, sir” “Is this about compensation? Which table reserved it? Ill go talk to them.” Adler was about to stand up, so Sophie said, “Let it go. I don’t necessarily have to have that crab, and I don’t even like seafood.” Originally, she had only liked the crab because James was fond of it. In fact, she really disliked the taste of seafood. “That’s exactly why Colby specially ordered it because he knew you disliked the fishy taste of seafood. But they make it so good here. This is so frustrating Adler looked quite upset Sophie casually told the waiter, “Replace it with the lobster then.” “Right away. I have the kitchen prepare it.” Sophie rested her chin on her hand and looked at Adler, saying, “Lobster’s more reliable than ordinary crab, right?” Hearing this, Adler finally calmed down a bit. “I’ll head to the restroom. You two chat.” Sophie got up, and just as she was leaving, she bumped into a waiter carrying crab into another private room across the hallway. “Miss, the restroom is just ahead.” The waiter directed Sophie. Thank you” Sophie walked down the hallway in her high heels, catching a glimpse of a large gathering in the innermost private room. “Miss, the restroom is this way,” the waiter reminded her again from behind. Sophie turned around and saw the restroom around the corner. Inside the private room, James heard the noise outside and instinctively looked towards the door, only catching a glimpse of a wine–red silhouette. “Mr. Burke, Vincent is proposing a toast,” whispered Nichole beside him. “Mm, James responded gravely. “And congratulations are in order for Mr. Burke.” “Oh?” James was pulled back from his thoughts, unaware of any recent significant good news for Burke International. Vincent, with a knowing look, said, “The plot Mrs. Burke won at the auction recently has been designated as a green space. It’s set to receive several billion in subsidies, making its future value immeasurable.” James frowned. He hadn’t heard anything about this. Upon hearing this news, Nichole’s expression changed, “Vincent, you must be joking, right? “How could I be joking? It’s all true. Haven’t you heard, Mr. Burke? Vincent looked at James with a puzzled expression.
Chapter 64 top James suddenly spoke up, startling even himself. Why did he ask to pull over the car? Colt had already pulled the car over to the side of the road. “Mr. Burke, are we picking up Ms. Sophie along the way?” he asked. James remained silent. “Shall I call Ms. Sophie for you?” Colt ventured another question. I James looked up, his gaze cold in the marview mirror, prompting Colt to promptly shut his mouth, At the entrance of Eastwood College, Tina was the first to spot James‘ luxury car. She tugged at Nichole’s sleeve excitedly. “Look, isn’t that your boyfriend’s car? Did he come to pick you up?” From a distance, Nichole immediately recognized the license plate Blushing at Tina’s words, she nodded. Krystal, slightly envious, chimed in, “Ah, your boyfriend’s here to pick you up. Go get him. You owe us a treat next time “Stop it, I need to go. Nichole said, her happiness evident as she hurried over to the car. It had been a long while since James had come to pick her up Nichole tapped on the car window, and Colt rolled it down. Spotting Nichole, a fleeting look of disappointment crossed James‘ face. “Mr. Burke, what brings you here? Did you come specifically for me?” Nichole asked, hope lighting up her features, “Get in the car, James said flatly Once Nichole was inside, she noticed James wasn’t in the best of moods, but she chalked it up to just a bad day for him. “Let’s go.” James instructed Silence filled the car, but Nichole was used to his quiet demeanor. It was unusual for James to come for her without informing her in advance, though “Is there a banquet we’re attending?” Nichole asked. She often accompanied James to such events. “Should I change into something more appropriate?” “No need.” Distracted, James seemed lost in his thoughts. Since James was not in the mood to talk, Nichole quietly closed her mouth. Upon arriving at the Four Seasons Hotel, Nichole, as usual, clung timidly to James‘ arm. “Is it really okay for me to be dressed like this?” “You’ve been here many times. You need to start getting used to it, James replied coldly, shutting down further conversation. The private room was located at the very back. James was, the last to arrive. As he entered, the others stood up, heaping praises upon him. Nichole, standing by his side, straightened her back, enjoying the attention. “Their pecan–crusted trout is a must–try “The braised pork belly isn’t bad either. And that crab is to die for.” Adler’s voice echoed from the other end of the private room comidor, causing James, who was about to sit down, to pause momentarily. But the door had already closed, muffling any response from the inside. “Mr. Burke?” Nichole whispered beside him. Then, James‘ expression smoothed over, and he took his seat with composure. He was probably overthinking things. Sophie couldn’t possibly be here.
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Chapter 63 Although Jessica looked visibly upset after being exposed, she knew that once Perry spoke up, Sophie would find it hard to refuse This was a plot of land measuring 150,000 square feet. She definitely didn’t want this lucrative opportunity to end up in Sophie’s hands. Sophie feigned surprise, “Really? I had no idea about that.” “Sophie, you’ve never dealt with such matters, so naturally, you wouldn’t know about this. Your uncle is only looking out for you. If this land comes under the Russell family’s control, it could definitely turn a profit.” As Jessica spoke, her eyes gleamed with anticipation. Anyone with a bit of sense knew how valuable the land would become once the landscaping approval came through. Sophie sighed and said, “Why didn’t you mention this earlier? It’s too late now” “What do you mean by that?” Jessica tensed up immediately. Even Perry chimed in, “Sophie, you wouldn’t have…” “The land was sold three hours ago “What?!” Jessica exclaimed in shock “Actually, I bought that land on a whim during an argument with James. I always felt it was a poor decision, especially after finding out it was a wastewater area. It’s been a hot potato ever since, and I wanted to sell it, but no one was interested. Today, Colby came by asking to buy it, and I was overjoyed. I’m afraid he might change his mind, and I signed the contract immediately. Now, the money is in my hands, and the land is his.” Sophie’s tone was full of regret, as if she truly meant it.. Jessica quickly tugged at Perry’s sleeve, “What do we do now?” Such a prime opportunity was just handed over? “Can we still get it back?” Perry asked tentatively. Sophie shook her head, “It’s definitely not coming back.” Seeing this, Jessica stepped forward anxiously, “Maybe, Sophie, you could talk to Colby? Perhaps we could reconsider?” Sophie inwardly scoffed, but on the surface, she seriously said. “This land doesn’t matter to me whether I manage it or not. Jessica, since you are so keen on it, maybe Uncle Perry could talk to Colby? See if he’s willing to give it up?” After Sophie spoke, Jessica’s lips twitched, instantly losing her earlier confidence. Perry also said, “Colby is ruthless. I’m not going to fight with him over a piece of land.” Sophie knew Perry’s nature well. He definitely wouldn’t deal with someone as cutthroat as Colby. Perry’s words made Jessica feel even more frustrated. She glared at him fiercely. Sophie added, “Jessica, don’t worry. It’s just a piece of land. How valuable can it be? Besides, with the Russell family’s vast enterprise, we have enough to last several lifetimes. Do we really need that piece of land?” “Exactly, I also thought it was unnecessary.” Perry nodded. Jessica heard the words and stomped off in anger. Sophie sipped her tea quietly, acting calm and nonchalant. Jessica thought she could easily gain an advantage from Sephie? Absolutely not. Shortly after, Sophie left the Russell family estate, only to see Colby’s car still parked outside. Sophie knocked on the car door, asking, “What’s going on?” “Adler said we should celebrate today.” “I didn’t say that. He wanted to celebrate. Adler brutally exposed the truth, Sophie pondered for a moment, “A celebration is indeed in order.” Colby said, “The Four Seasons Hotel has a private room booked, Ms. Sophie, please get in.” “My pleasure.” That aftemoon, James was heading to a banquet. As Colt drove past Eastwood College, James glanced at the bustling students and couldn’t help but picture Sophie.
hapter 62 Sophie arched an eyebrow. “Word travels fast, doesn’t it?” Adler, curious, asked, “Who is that?” “My uncle,” Sophie replied. “Looks like I won’t be able to go back to school today. I might need a favor from you guys to drop me off at the Russell estate.” Both men understred the implications immediately. Good things always attract those close to you who want a share. Colby said, I drive you there myself.” Sophie was taken aback. Really, Colby didn’t need to go to such lengths. “What? Don’t trust my driving?” “Of course not. I just feel bad troubling you so often,” Sophie confessed. Hearing this, Adler couldn’t help but laugh “Feeling embarrassed?” “I do have some self–respect,” she quipped. Though she said this, having Colby drive her was more than ideal. Colby drove her to the entrance of the Russell estate and even got out of the car to open the door for her This piece of news quickly reached Jessica’s ears. She was incredulous, “You said who? Colby?” The servant nodded. Upon hearing Colby’s name, Perry immediately asked, “What’s going on? Did Colby come here? We’ve never crossed him.” Colby’s past notoriety had already spread from abroad to domestic circles, and with the recent revelation of his connection to the influential Lennon family, Colby had instantly gained a reputation and status in Devonport. Perry dared not provoke such a figure. The Russells, they just needed to keep to their honest business dealings. Jessica glared at Perry. “Look at how scared you are. Colby was here to drop off your dear niece. “Sophie? Why did Colby drop her off?” Perry looked utterly confused. The next second, Sophie walked through the door. Upon seeing Sophie, Jessica immediately put on a warm smile, eagerly welcoming her, “Sophie, you are back. Come, have a seat.” “Jessica, you’re being so polite today. It’s quite unusual for me.” Sophie casually sat down on the couch. Perry was still looking around, asking. “Sophie, didn’t Colby come in with you?” “He just gave me a lift on his way, so I didn’t invite him for dinner” Sophie took a sip of her tea and asked, “Did you call me today for something?” Perry hesitated for a long while before turning to look at Jessica. Jessica immediately said with a smile, “Sophie, didn’t you spend a fortune buying that plot of land recently?” Sophie nodded, “Yes, that’s right.” “That land, could you transfer it to your uncle? “Why would he want it? It’s a sewage area Perry was about to speak when Jessica interupted, “He wants to give it to your cousin for some practical experience.” “We have so many Russell family businesses, just giving a small one to my cousin would suffice. With his temperament, he’s hardly suited to manage such a large piece of land.” Feeling Sophie’s reluctance, Jessica tried to speak again, but Perry cut straight to the point, “I just got the news this moming, that land you bought has been designated as a city green zone, so Jessica thought it might be better to develop new projects under the Russell family banner. Sophie, this is a
Chapter 61 “Colby, have you lost your mind too? That sewage area worth billions?” Even if they were using that plot of land for money laundering, it was not worth billions. Adler made a move to check Colby’s forehead, but Colby swatted his hand away. “The approval from the city council came through.” “Approval?” Adler scratched his head in confusion. What was going on here?! Sophic slowly explained, “For the sake of urban environmental protection and greening, the city council is funding the cleanup of all sewage areas. So, that sewage plot will soon be transformed into a green belt, and it won’t cost me a penny.” Adler was puzzled, “Really? Is there such a good deal?” Sophie added, “Moreover, based on the size of the land, I will also receive a corporate subsidy worth two billion dollars.” up from his chair in shock. “How much?” Adler stood up Colby, with a calm demeanor, said, “Additionally, the original landowners around the area were real estate tycoon Stephen. With the transformation of the sewage area into a green zone, Stephen has already started new projects, converting the surroundings into upscale residential buildings along with a range of facilities.” Adler blurted out, “So, he’s building from the ground up?” ial street” “And Sophie is planning to develop part of this land into a large commercial Colby spoke unhurriedly, and Sophie raised an eyebrow, “How did you know?” Colby didn’t answer, but Sophie knew that with Colby’s intellect, this was definitely the best plan he could think of. Indeed, it was her best plan too. Adler hesitated for a moment, “But building a commercial street is going to be expensive.” “T’ve got the two billion subsidy, and with Stephen’s construction of upscale buildings around, pulling in a few investors later will be easy, solving the financial issues effortlessly.” Sophie had already foreseen this step. Adler, hearing this, couldn’t help but give a thumbs up, “Brilliant” “Thank you.” Sophie smiled slightly. “But I still don’t understand, the approval was only issued today, and none of us had heard anything about it before. How did you know the city’s greening plans would include this plot?” Adler looked at Sophie skeptically, This wasn’t something easily discernible just by sight. The city’s decisions are usually confidential. If none of these influential individuals had heard anything, it meant the city council’s decision was kept under wraps, absolutely secretive. Sophie had never been involved in real estate development before, so her foresight seemed nearly unbelievable. Sure enough, Colby was also staring at Sophie. “Well,” Sophie played coy, “that’s a secret.” Adler’s previously expectant expression fell. “No fun, I won’t ask anymore.” Colby’s gaze remained on Sophie. She turned around, and their eyes met, his eyes seemingly smiling. Sophie quickly looked away. Though it was just a brief moment, she felt her heartbeat skip. She was overthinking it, she must be. How could he possibly have feelings for a married woman like her? At that moment, Colby spoke, “We still have some time. I’ll drive you back.” ༴ཇༀ་ Sophie glanced at the time and did not rush to answer, “When did you guys see this approval?” “This morning,” Adler said. “Why do you ask?” “If you’ve seen it, others must have too.” Sophie took out her phone, which had been on mute throughout the drive. Upon turning it on, she found two missed calls from Perry
ny people, anyone who drives that kind of car can’t be ordinary. Have you seen him before?” Upon hearing Krystal’s words, Nichole replied with a hint of pride. “He’s an International businessmen, known as Colby. He’s quite Influential.” “Really?” Krystal’s eyes lit up instantly, but soon she deflated, “Such an impressive person surely wouldn’t notice me. And why is he at our school? He couldn’t possibly be here to pick up his girlfriend, could he?” Nichole quickly thought of Sophie. Previously at the auction, Colby had stood up for Sophie. Could there be something between them? Sure enough, Sophie and Adler emerged from Liberty Hall and walked towards Colby’s car together. Colby even courteously opened the car door for Sophie. This scene stunned Krystal, “Isn’t that the woman who tried to steal your boyfriend? Why is she getting into someone else’s car? Does she know this Colby? No way…” Nichole watched this unfold, feeling a twinge of jealousy. Why were there always men around Sophie? Inside the car, Adler naturally took on the role of the driver. “You called me over in such a hurry. Did you find out who was spreading those anonymous rumors?” Colby’s work was always swift. “This ID was newly registered, but according to the location tracking, I found where she posted the message from.” “Where?” “It was at Eastwood College.” Hearing this, Sophie nodded knowingly. “Did you already figure it out?” “That nightclub is right next to Eastwood College, and with all the people around me in those days, there’s a good chance that the person who broke this story is also from Eastwood College.” Colby spoke calmly. “The person who registered this ID is Nichole.” “Nichole?” Sophie frowned. Why would Nichole spread rumors about her for no reason? She remembered that in her past life, she had no dealings with Nichole, and even in this life, they hadn’t interacted much. Nichole had always portrayed herself as a delicate and innocent figure. It was out of character for her to suddenly do something like this. “I remember now, wasn’t she the girl rumored to be James‘ girlfriend?” Adler added, “Never underestimate a woman’s jealousy. They can do anything. “Nichole isn’t the problem. I came to see you today for another matter.” Colby took out a stack of documents and handed them to Sophie. “Here’s what you wanted. It’s been approved.” “That was fast.” Sophie was surprised by Colby’s efficiency. When she saw the documents stamped with a red seal, Sophie smiled. In a slightly secluded part of downtown, Sophie had funded the purchase of a building, which had just finished being renovated. She couldn’t handle this personally, so she had included some labor fees for Colby to prepare everything. Everything was held in secret, and it wasn’t until the business licence came through that she could really breathe a sigh of relief. Adler parked the car in the garage of the currently empty building. The three of them took the elevator to the top floor, where they could enjoy the most beautiful view without being noticed. Adler asked, “Ms. Sophie, you’ve got Russell family’s real estate, so why did you buy this building? Doesn’t the Russell family own enough properties?” Sophie slowly said, “The Russell family is like a teetering giant tree. I need to break free from IL” “That’s why you bid on that polluted plece of land. Now, its value is well over ten billion.” Colby’s abrupt statement startled Adler. How much? Ten billion?