Chapter 296
Bea stormed in, her gaze filled with severity and disappointment. She raised her hand and delivered a slap to James, “Are you endangering the Burke family over a woman? Are you still fit to be the head of the Burke family? Is this what your grandfather taught you? Useless!”
James clenched his fists, yet he could not utter a word.
Bea turned to glance at Sophie, her eyes brimming with disdain, “This time, we’ve caused trouble for the Russell family. James will never lose his composure again. As compensation, we’ll provide the Russell family with a suitable settlement. However, since the divorce was initiated by you, you won’t get a single dime.”
James exclaimed, “Grandmother!”
Sophie had anticipated Bea’s reaction and simply smiled, saying, “It seems there’s been a misunderstanding, Bea. The divorce settlement I offered James doesn’t ask for anything from the Burke family. So rest assured, I have no interest in dividing any of your
assets.”
“That’s for the best.”
“However, you’ve disturbed my family, and this matter does indeed need to be settled.” Turning to Perry, Sophie instructed, “Uncle Perry, please have someone demand the compensation from the Burke family tomorrow.”
Perry was momentarily confused. The compensation was trivial to him, but catching Sophie’s meaningful glance, he straightened up and affirmed, “Right, not a cent less.”
“Such insolence is truly bothersome,” Bea scoffed, her disdain for such mercenary attitudes clear. She sneered, “James, look, this is the woman you’re fond of.”
James looked towards Sophie, his eyes filled with suppressed emotion. He knew Sophie was doing this on purpose. With this, the relations between the two families would be irrevocably strained.
Bea declared, “I’ll give you ten million, and you won’t need to come to us. We will deliver the compensation. Let’s go.”
With a wave of her hand, Bea led James and their associates out of the room.
Colt couldn’t help but say, “Mr. Burke, let’s leave.”
After Bea’s command, there was no point in staying.
James watched as Sophie and Colby stood together, his heart aching as if torn apart. In the past, he had given up countless opportunities for Burke International, but Sophie was the one thing he couldn’t let go of.
She was supposed to be his wife.
Colby’s eyes twinkled with a teasing smile as he took Sophie’s hand, “What’s the matter, Mr. Burke? Can’t bear to leave?”
Sophie looked down at Colby’s hand holding hers and didn’t immediately let go.
The sight of Sophie and Colby’s clasped hands intensified the pain in James‘ heart. With a struggle, he regained his composure, “I’ll remember what happened today. But Sophie will only be mine.”
Colby responded indifferently, “Who she belongs to has never been for you or me to decide. The choice is hers.”
Colby’s gaze towards Sophie was filled with deep affection.
Sophie faced James and said, word by word, “No matter who stands beside me in the future, it will never be you.”