Chapter 2
Sophie lowered her own status, not just in society but in her own esteem as well.
Marian spoke with difficulty, “But he might prefer this white dress…”
Ignoring Marian’s desperate hints, Sophie remained indifferent.
“This one,” Sophie said c o o l l y. “Throw away all those white dresses. I don’t like them.”
“Well…”
Faced with Sophie’s command, Marian sighed deeply but eventually complied.
Sophie looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was still stunningly beautiful, but she knew that in a few years, James would have worn her down to a shadow of her former self.
Before that happened, she was determined to end it all.
In the evening, Sophie wore a wine-red mermaid dress with a trailing skirt that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her makeup was impeccable, and her hair was styled in soft French curls, adding an air of gentle sophistication. A beauty mark below her eye enhanced her allure, making her appear like a portrait too sacred to be tainted.
From a distance, a man in a white shirt and long leather boots watched the scene, a cigarette hanging from his lips. His voice was somber, “Who is she?”
“Colby, you don’t know her? That’s Sophie Russell, daughter of the Russell family and James’ new bride!” Adler, the p l a y b o y following Colby, exclaimed excitedl y. “I just saw that s c u m b a g James
walking in with another woman. We might just witness a dramatic showdown between the mistress and the wife! I’m already thrilled!”
There was no response from Colby.
Adler clicked his tongue. “But really, James’ taste is questionable. He left a bombshell like Sophie for a skinny nobody. Don’t you think so, Colby?”
Turning around, Adler realized Colby was no longer there.
“Hey! Colby! Da m n it!” Adler cursed as he followed Colby’s steps into the auction.
Inside, Nichole, in a simple white dress, clung to James’ arm, her voice timid. “I’ve never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back.”
James replied indifferently, “You’ll have to get used to it. You’ll be attending
Nichole nodded.
many
of these.”
Just as James was about to lead Nichole into the venue, his assistant Colt couldn’t help but interject, “Mr. Burke, aren’t you waiting for your wife?”
James frowned, “Didn’t I tell you to inform her not to come today?” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Colt glanced at Nichole, who quickly added, “It’s not Colt’s fault. I told him not to inform Sophie. With my current status, being with you might lead to rumors, so I thought it would be better for Sophie to accompany you inside…”
Nichole hung her head, the picture of a frightened little girl.
13:14)
James rubbed his temples; he really didn’t want Sophie to appear now.
“Mr. Burke…” Nichole bit her lip, calling him tentatively.
“It’s alright. It’s not your fault.”
James patted Nichole’s head and instructed Colt, “Go to the entrance, and if you see Sophie, have someone escort her back immediately.”
Amidst the crowd, a murmur of astonishment spread.
Colt looked over, his mouth agape, “I’m afraid it’s too late.”