Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)
Chapter 543

"Sure, I've been wanting to try something different lately."

The casual remark Ricardo made to the middle-aged man from Minton International reached Sophie's ears. Sophie couldn't help but frown.

In her past life, Ricardo had been utterly devoted to Rowena, but something seemed off when she heard this.

Sophie immediately looked around, noticing that most of the female stars were under thirty-five, stunningly beautiful, and elegantly poised. When they had first entered, they seemed like the queens of the venue, but now they were naturally being held in the greasy embrace of older men, some even boldly initiating kisses.

The atmosphere was becoming increasingly unsettling, and Sophie's instincts told her it was time to leave.

Just as Sophie was about to exit, a bouncer stopped her. "The manager said you're to accompany Mr. Ricardo today."

The bouncer's words left no room for refusal and even carried a threat.

Sophie coldly retorted, "I'm not accompanying anyone. Let me through!"

Her response drew mocking laughter from two bouncers, one of whom grabbed Sophie's arm and said, "Where did this disobedient little star come from? Forgot the rules of Minton International, have you?" "Rules? Minton International's rules involve having guests accompany drinks?"

"Guest? You're just a product. How dare you elevate yourself? Let me tell you, you're not just accompanying him for drinks. You're expected to provide more intimate company!"

The bouncer's attitude was aggressive, but Sophie wouldn't tolerate it. She swiftly freed her arm from the bouncer's grip.

Colby had taught her the principle of using softness to overcome strength, and after practicing diligently for days, she was beginning to see results. The bouncer was initially taken aback by Sophie's resistance Sophie slapped him, and he became furious.

Sophie didn't want to cause a scene, but she couldn't let these men take her away. The situation quickly turned chaotic, with the bouncers attempting to manhandle Sophie, causing the onlookers to stare in shock at her defiance.

Gattlin, noticing the commotion and seeing Ricardo's darkening expression, stepped forward and scolded Sophie, "Bitch! Mr. Ricardo's interest in you was a privilege! Are you that clueless about the rules that you want to ruin your career?"

Sophie recognized Gattlin as the man who had been speaking with Ricardo earlier.

The people here clearly had another approach to dealing with disobedient stars. As the two bouncers prepared to advance, the bouncer who had checked Sophie's invitation at the door hurried over, shouting, "Stop! Just stop!"

He whispered something into Gattlin's ear, causing Gattlin's face to pale as he exclaimed, "Why didn't you mention such an important matter earlier?"

"I..."

The bouncer quickly lowered his head in shame.

Gattlin straightened his collar, turning to Sophie with a smile. "Miss, my apologies for the misunderstanding. Since you're representing Aldridge Global, please feel free to enjoy yourself here. Should anyone trouble you, feel free to seek my assistance."

"Sure."

Sophie responded coolly, preferring not to escalate the situation, and instead walked away.

Gordon had given her a nominal identity, allowing her entry based on her affiliation with Aldridge Global's upper echelons for her safety.

Sophie wasn't pursuing the matter further, so Gattlin scolded the ignorant bouncers before returning to Ricardo. He apologetically explained, "Mr. Ricardo, I'm terribly sorry for the misunderstanding. The lady is a senior executive from Aldridge Global here for leisure, not prey. Perhaps you might consider others."

"Alright then."

Ricardo rarely took an interest in his "prey," and at the moment, he felt somewhat irritated, but considering he was in Minton International's domain, he chose not to comment further. After the incident, Sophie roughly understood the situation.

All invited female celebrities, actresses, and influencers at Minton International's banquet were essentially corporate and executive leaders' prey. This was a massive hub for solicitation and transactions. From the moment she arrived, Sophie noticed a common feature among these women: a Minton International crest tattoo, small yet marking them like stamped goods available for selection and exploitation. Thinking of this, Sophie felt nauseous.

Rarely did female entrepreneurs appear here, and those who did were accompanied by specific men.

As the party continued, the atmosphere reached its peak. Sophie casually looked around and could see couples kissing in corners or being boldly approached by men, an air of decadence permeating the

scene.

Just then, a drunkard staggered toward Sophie. "Hey beauty, why are you alone? Come have a drink with me!"

The middle-aged man, with a prominent belly, reached for Sophie's arm. Gattlin, perhaps wary of a repeat of earlier events, had already had someone watching Sophie's back. Before the man could touch her, he was restrained.