Chapter 182
Sophie handed the ring box back to James, “Give this to the girl you truly love. I’m tired of playing Mrs. Burke.”
Then, Sophie turned and walked away, leaving James standing alone.
That evening, Sophie retumed to her apartment, and the internet was already buzzing with news about the corporate rivalry between S Corporation and Burke International, Rumors had escalated from mere speculation to wild conjecture in just one night.
Some people said that Burke International was about to fall from power, and its position as the leading company in Devonport was no longer secure.
Others believed that the real power behind S Corporation was a high–profile figure, untouchable by James.
And there were those who speculated that James was actually planning a comeback to take down S Corporation.
Jenna watched the online news with glee.
Sophie leaned back on the couch, feeling helpless. “Your laughter is going to bring the bed down. Keep it down, or you’ll disturb the neighbors below.”
“But don’t you find it hilarious? I’d love to see the look on James” face when he reads these stories.”
Jenna laughed until she was nearly in tears.
James, always so prideful, was now rumored to be someone else’s subordinate.
“If it were me, I’d be so mad I wouldn’t leave my bed for days.”
Seeing Sophie lost in thought, Jenna asked, “Did James suspect something when you went back to the Burke family today?”
“He was suspicious, but not in the way I expected.”
“What do you mean, not in the way you expected? How can suspicions differ?” Jenna hugged a pillow, ready to dive into the story. “He gave me a ring today and said he liked me,” Sophie explained succinctly, causing Jenna to pause in shock.
“James?”
“Yes, him.”
“I feel like that’s something my foolish little brother would do.” Jenna was confused.
Sophie propped her chin on her hand, pondering seriously. “James probably likes Nichole. He must have said that because of S Corporation’s emergence. At this time, Burke International can’t afford another scandal. He wants to stabilize the situation. As long as there’s no divorce or chaos now he saves himself a lot of trouble.”
Repeating her strategy to herself, Sophie concluded, “Yes, that must be it.”
How could James possibly like her? Whether in the past or this lifetime, James‘ preference for Nichole had never changed.
He was publicly displaying affection with Nichole until recently, taking her everywhere and there were rumors that he doted on Nichole to the bones”
Jenna added, clearly unimpressed. “You mustn’t go soft. Men’s words are deceitful. I think you’re right. James is definitely trying to keep you steady. After all, you have the Russell family backing you, while Nichole has nothing. Now with S Corporation involved, Burke International’s people will never let him marry Nichole”
Sophie felt Jenna made a good point.
The next day, Sophie set about undermining Burke International with undivided attention, not targeting their major projects directly but starting with small, seemingly insignificant ones.
For a giant corporation like Burke International, which appeared immensely successful on the surface, internal corruption was rampant The bigger the enterprise, the more flaws it tends to have.
Russell Enterprises, too, was a major business. It looked impressive in recent years, but only a few insiders knew the real state of
affairs.
“Sophie, come sort out these files.” Suddenly, a middle–aged woman’s cold voice brought Sophie back to mality.
“Right away, Ms. Alexis.