Chapter 55
Sophie appeared relaxed amidst the various camera positions set up in front of her.
James remembered that Sophie rarely attended such events in the past. What he didn’t know was how much effort Sophie had made in her previous life to bridge the gap between them.
Unfortunately, even until her previous life ended, James never knew what she had done for him.
Soon, after the product manager finished his introduction, James took Sophie’s hand and they stepped onto the stage together.
The media below eagerly raised their cameras, eager for a story about the couple that had been making waves online.
“This time, Burke Intemational’s new residential development is divided into two sections, A and B. The larger spaces with four and five bedrooms are in section A, while the one to three bedroom apartments are in section B. The development is surrounded by major shopping malls, elementary and high schools, and is well serviced by subways and buses. The community’s landscaping has been designed by top landscape architects, and the layout of the apartments is aimed at creating cozy family apartments, making each homeowner feel the warmth of home.”
As he spoke, James tightened his grip on Sophie’s hand. Sophie, in turn, flashed a sweet smile just at the right moment.
This scene further stung Nichole, who was sitting in the back row.
Soon, it was time for the press to ask questions.
A reporter suddenly asked, “Mr. Burke, there have been rumors circulating online. Would you like to take this opportunity to respond?”
From this question, Sophie could tell that James had arranged it. Otherwise, who would dare to ask such a sensitive question first?
“Rumors are just rumors. I never interfere in my wife’s life because I trust her completely, James replied, looking towards Sophie, who smiled knowingly at him.
At that moment, James‘ image as the perfect husband was unmistakable.
While Sophie was checking the camera positions, she accidentally caught a glimpse of Nichole in the corner. She hadn’t expected James to have also invited Nichole.
Just then, for a split second, Sophie thought she saw jealousy in Nichole’s eyes, but that expression w
was fleeting.
Sophie wondered, had she seen it wrong?
12
Suddenly, a male voice rang out, “But Mr. Burke, there are reports of you being intimately involved with a female college student. Is that true?”
The room fell silent
at the
question.
James stared at the journalist, his gaze shifting from icy cold to gentle. “That’s just a student Im sponsoring. There’s no intimate relationship.
Sophie glanced at the journalist’s badge, which seemed to be from the media group owned by the Tredgold family. Was this question planted by Adler?
“I love my wife very much, and I believe she feels the same way
Sophie felt James‘ gaze on her and as she tumed to look at him, she caught the intensity of emotion in his eyes.
For a moment, Sophie was stunned. She had never been looked at with such intensity by James before. For that second, it seemed as if James truly loved her deeply.
However, Sophie soon realized that in the eyes of a businessman like James, who was focused on profit, even deep affection could be feigned.
After the press conference ended, Nichole made her way against the crowd to approach them. Colt initially wanted to stop her, but Nichole moved too quickly. By the time Colt caught up, Nichole had already reached James and Sophie.
“Mr. Burke, Ms. Sophie, what you both said was enlightening. I really learned a lot,” Nichole said.
Sophie couldn’t help but give a wry smile. She and James had been openly affectionate throughout, and Nichole’s comment seemed to suggest they were just putting on a show,
Nichole wasn’t entirely wrong though. Sophie and James, after all, had never really shared any affectionate bond.
“There are too many prying eyes here; you should head back to the university.”