Bea initially invited Calla over just to make Sophie feel insecure. She did not actually intend for Calla to end up in James' bed.

This time, Calla had overstepped.

Just as Calla was about to give up, Bea suddenly spoke up. "But this time only, you can go check on him for me. If James asks, just say it was my idea."

Calla looked up incredulously, seemingly surprised that Bea was actually letting her go see James.

Bea said indifferently, "Well, what are you waiting for?"

"Thank you!"

Calla left the house beaming with joy as if she had been granted a pardon.

Bea watched Calla's cheerful departure with a sneer. The Devins family was indeed of modest means, but it was precisely such daughters from modest families that were easy to control. Since Sophie was so indifferent to the position of Mrs. Burke, it was only right to give her a reminder in due time. There were plenty of women who wished to marry into the Burke family. Sophie was not the only choice.

Sophie had arrived at the Regent Hotel, where James had reserved the best spot in the lobby for its view. Everyone present at the Regent Hotel that day was James' business associate.

As soon as Sophie walked in, she caught the attention of everyone there. She wore a rose-pink evening gown, with her long, curly hair draped to one side. When James turned around and saw Sophie, his thoughts wandered far away.

It had been a long time since he had seen Sophie dressed up like this. The last time he was this stunned was at the land auction, where he discovered that the always plainly-dressed Sophie could look so beautiful.

"Is this Mrs. Burke? She truly is a match for you, Mr. Burke."

"A match made in heaven, indeed!"

The people around offered their compliments.

Sophie approached James, who smiled and pulled out a chair for her.

"Hello everyone, I'm Sophie, the current head of Russell Enterprises."

By now, the industry was aware that Sophie had taken charge of Russell Enterprises, so no one dared to underestimate her. However, many still saw Sophie as nothing more than a trophy wife, relying on James' backing to take over the Russell family business.

As Sophie scanned the room, she could tell that was exactly what these people thought. They merely saw her as an accessory to James.

"Mrs. Burke is truly accomplished for her age. Allow me to toast to you." One of the middle-aged men drained his glass in one gulp.

Besides Sophie, there were no other women at this business meeting.

"Let me also toast to you." Another man stood up as well.

James took Sophie's hand and said, "Feel free to toast, but she won't be drinking."

With James' clear protection, the others naturally did not press Sophie to drink.

Sophie listened as everyone addressed her as Mrs. Burke, never acknowledging her as Ms. Sophie of Russell Enterprises. It seemed the industry had little regard for her business acumen. Sophie turned to James and said, "Since we're here to make friends, wouldn't it be rude if I didn't drink?"

"Mrs. Burke, you needn't drink. Mr. Burke dotes on you so much, he will get any deal for you."

"Exactly, Mr. Burke has organized this gathering for you, madam. We're definitely here to show respect. We can discuss any profitable business for the Russell family!"

The crowd was egging them on, but Sophie's face remained expressionless. Indeed, the compliments were being directed at James.

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