Chapter 343
Harold had never mentioned his trip abroad to her.
The butler led Sophie upstairs, where she once again saw the man in the wheelchair.
On the second floor, Gordon was still sitting in the same spot on the terrace, a solitary figure.
Sophie approached Gordon and said, “Mr. Gordon, you wanted to see me?”
Gordon slightly raised his hand, and the butler promptly brought over a chair, placing it beside him.
At Gordon’s gesture, Sophie, though reluctant, took a seat on the chair, instinctively wanting to keep some distance from Gordon.
Gordon’s inherent aloofness made him seem unapproachable, and his smile, though rare, seemed chilling.
Sophie had heard of Gordon’s cunning ways in both her past and present lives. Such a formidable figure would have dominated Devonport if not for his untimely demise.
“Ms. Sophie, I advise you against pursuing your current endeavor, Gordon suddenly spoke, his tone light yet clearly containing a
waming.
Sophie believed her acquaintance with Gordon to be superficial, so she was puzzled by his sudden invitation and advice.
“Mr. Harold, I’m not sure what you mean,” Sophie feigned ignorance, only to meet Gordon’s penetrating gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her eyes as if an extra second would expose her thoughts to him.
“The Burke family may seem to be in decline, but its century–old foundation remains. Hundreds, if not thousands, of partners are willing to collaborate with Burke International. Even if they suffer a temporary setback, they can recover. Russell Enterprises… Gordon paused, “S Corporation is a new power capable of inflicting a severe blow on Burke International, but engaging in a prolonged battle would be futile.”
Sophie was taken aback. Gordon knew she held control of S Corporation.
Aside from a few close confidants, even James was unaware that her alias, Blake, controlled S Corporation. The Aldridge family had always maintained a low profile and were seldom involved in business rumors.
How did Gordon know? Could Colby have told him?
“Mr. Harold, Burke International is a major enterprise. How could I possibly dream of competing with them? You must be mistaken,” Sophie attempted to deflect.
his gaze
However, Gordon remained silent, his gaze alone piercing her soul, laying bare her thoughts.
Sophie felt an overwhelming pressure, struggling to breathe.
She dropped the act. “Even if I harbored such thoughts, I wouldn’t recklessly act on them. I’m aware of my limits. Thank you for your concem, Mr. Gordon.”
Hearing this, Gordon finally looked away, commenting indifferently, “Harold enlisted because of you, did you know?”
“Enlisted? Harold?”
Sophie was shocked, completely unaware of this development. This was entirely différent from Harold’s decisions in her previous life. Why would Gordon mention Harold enlisting because of her out of the blue?)
“Harold has always been intelligent. His previous frivolous demeanor was only because I was around. He felt no need to exert himself. But after witnessing you taken away at his last birthday party, he felt powerless and decided to strengthen his resolve.”
Gordon turned to Sophie, adding, “Although you indirectly inspired Harold to enlist, I consider it as a favor to the Aldridge family.”
Gordon paused, leaving his sentence unfinished, but Sophie understood his implication.
According to the trajectory of her previous life, Gordon was not expected to survive more than three years.
He had long been burdened with the responsibility of leading the Aldridge family, and he was both physically and mentally exhausted.
Initially, it was after Gordon’s incapacitation that Harold honed his will and took control of the Aldridge family.
With her rebirth, many paths had altered due to her actions.
Sophie looked at Gordon, finally saying, “Mr. Gordon, are you suggesting that you have depression?”