Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)
Chapter 510

In Sophie's memory, the real rise of the Burke family began with James' grandfather, Bea's husband, and then, James' father took the lead.

However, she had never heard James mention anything about his great-grandfather's generation.

"Yes."

"So, has Burke International been around for a century?"

Burke International always claimed to be a century-old enterprise, but in reality, the Burke family had been wealthy for only a few decades. They were considered nouveau riche in their time, which is why Bea always wanted her son and grandson to marry a lady from a noble family.

"Probably." James spoke indifferently, "My great-grandparents probably didn't make their fortune in Devonport. I don't know much about their story."

Sophie fell into thought as James lit the candle and handed it to her.

Understanding James' gesture, Sophie accepted the candle, bowed sincerely, and then placed them in the burner.

James said, "With this, it's complete."

"I don't mind it," Sophie replied lightly. "I think you should focus on giving your grandmother a grandchild. She's getting old and really wants to see the next generation."

As Sophie turned to leave the ancestral hall, James was about to speak to retain her when suddenly a woman's shouting came from outside. "Let me in! Let me in!"

"Ms. Calla, you cannot enter! Mr. Burke is having a conversation with his wife!"

"Move aside for me!"

Calla's voice was loud, disturbing Sophie, who had just stepped out of the ancestral hall.

At the elevator, Calla was being held back by two maids. Calla saw Sophie, and her expression changed. James frowned. "Who allowed you to bring her here?"

"It was Ms. Calla herself, sir. We couldn't stop her."

"Yes, Ms. Calla heard that you returned and..."

Both maids knew of James' temper and lowered their heads. Calla's intrusion was clearly unwelcome to Mr. Burke.

"James..." Calla attempted to reach for James' arm, but he coldly avoided her. "Ms. Calla, please have some dignity."

Calla bit her lip, glanced at Sophie beside James, and then suddenly knelt, grasping Sophie's arm. "Ms. Sophie! Please, I beg you, let me have this. I already slept with Mr. Burke! Grandma Bea has also agreed to let me join the Burke family. Now that I've lost my virginity, and James wants to reconcile with you, I really can't live like this!"

Sophie looked down at Calla's demeaning state and chuckled, "Ms. Calla, you're not the first to kneel before me and say this. I think you're asking the wrong person."

Turning to James, Sophie continued, "This should be something for you to address."

Sophie shook off Calla's hand and stepped aside. James glanced coldly at Calla on the ground. "I've told you before. Do not fabricate stories here. Nothing has happened between us." "James, I know it's because Ms. Sophie is here that you refuse to acknowledge it! But something did happen between us... it was Bea who asked me to take care of you that night..." "Do you really think I'd be foolish enough to make a mistake once and then repeat it?"

James' words stunned Calla. He continued coldly, "I didn't drink that wine, and I was not the person who entered your room that night. Do you really need me to spell it out for you to give up?"

Bea had been arranging for Calla to stay in the Burke family's main house to get accustomed to their ways. A few days ago, Calla had drugged James' wine and brought it to his study, but he had known it was Bea's scheme. For Bea's sake, he had asked Colt to switch the wine, and after pretending to drink, he asked Calla to leave.

Whatever happened afterward was beyond his knowledge. He certainly wasn't the person who went to Calla's room.

"It can't be... Grandma Bea told me!"

"She told you that James entered your room at night because he was interested in you? Foolish girl, did you actually hope that one day Bea would decide for James to marry you?" Initially, Bea simply wanted to use Calla to divert James' attention away from Sophie. Now, with their reconciliation settled, Calla's role was naturally obsolete.

Sophie stepped forward. "You should ask Bea about this personally. I think she'll tell you the truth."

Calla was in disbelief and slowly backed away. She then ran to the elevator with the maids, fearing trouble, following her.