Chapter 3
James followed Colt’s gaze.
The splash of red stood out in the crowd.-
Sophie, dressed in a wine-red evening gown, seemed to captivate hearts with every smile and frown. Cameras from the media swept over her, and for a moment, Sophie was like a superstar walking the red.
carpet.
“Is that Sophie?”
It took James a moment to recognize her.
Sophie had always preferred light makeup and modest dresses. This was the first time he had seen her dressed so strikingly.
Nichole looked uncomfortable. This was her first encounter with Sophie.
In contrast to Sophie’s glamorous allure, Nichole seemed overly plain, like a young student yet to bloom.
“Sophie looks so beautiful.” A hint of barely detectable envy laced Nichole’s tone.
Sophie had already spotted James and Nichole and walked straight toward them.
Nichole had thought that an unaware Sophie would be awkward and surprised to see her and James together, but Sophie seemed to have known all along, her face bearing a composed smile.
“There’s Mrs. Burke, but who is that lady with Mr. Burke?” whispered some of the media.
Sophie approached and took James’ arm, extending her hand to Nichole with a smile, “Hello, you must, be Nichole, the student James mentioned. I’m Sophie. You can call me Mrs. Burke.”
Nichole awkwardly withdrew the hand holding James’ hand and gently shook Sophie’s. “Hello, Mrs. Burke.” The name ‘Mrs. Burke’ felt like a bone stuck in her throat.
Sophie mentioned, “James told me that you’ve been planning to study abroad these past two years?”
Nichole cast a quick glance at James.
ad this ver
James said, “Nichole has been excelling in her studies. She’s planning to go but she’s a bit shy, so I brought her here today to get a feel of what the world is like.”
Yes, today was just about showing Nichole the world.
At this time, James hadn’t fully fallen for Nichole. It was after she returned from studying abroad that James truly fell in love with her.
Even now, James attended various events with Nichole, and everyone in Devonport knew James favored this college student.
But none of that mattered to Sophie now. She was at the auction not to contend with Nichole over James but for a more significant reason.
“Then James, take good care of Ms. Nichole. I’m going in,” said Sophie as she released James’ arm.
James was stunned. He never expected those words from Sophie.
13:14
Chapter 3
By the time he realized, Sophie had already entered the venue.
James frowned. When had Sophie, who was always boisterous, become so agreeable?
Sophie sat in an inconspicuous comer, surrounded by the movers and shakers of Devonport.
If she remembered correctly, this auction featured a neglected plot of land that a small-time businessman bought, which later became extremely valuable due to upscale developments around it. This transformation turned an obscure businessman into a business mogul.
Since she was planning to leave James, she should also secure a fallback for herself.
Meanwhile, once seated in the venue, James searched for Sophie’s presence while Nichole asked, “Mr. Burke, do you really want me to bid later?”
James was brought back to the present by Nichole’s voice and replied, “Yes, I trust your judgment.”