Watching the empty palm of his hand, James suddenly felt uneasy.


    After a while, Sophie spoke up. “How did you get here?”


    “You’d be treated poorlying alone, so why did you stille by yourself?”


    Sophie paused before responding. “I asked you first.”


    James pursed his lips, Today is Nichole’s birthday. I still need to make it there”


    “Nichole’s birthday?” Sophie looked stunned, “Then why are you here?”


    James always cared more about Nichole than others.


    James frowned slightly at Sophie’s tone, “The Russell family’s dinner party is crucial for maintaining the


    rtionship between the Burke and Russell families, I had toe.”


    9 7 3 3 8 7 3 885


    “You don’t mean that.” Sophie said softly.


    James didn’t catch it clearly, “What did you say?”


    Sophie remained silent, remembering in her past life, James also knew about the Russell family’s


    dinner party, yet he still didn’t apany her, leaving her to deal with the difficult Jessica and other


    distant rtives of the Russell family by herself, andter, he didn’t even bother to give her an excuse


    for noting.


    “I said, isn’t it more appropriate for you to spend Nichole’s important birthday with her?”


    “I don’t need reminding.”


    Mentioning Nichole softened James” tone, “Nichole has been parentless since childhood, very obedient


    and sensible. As soon as she heard about the Russell family’s dinner, she called me to handle things


    first, and I promised her I’d join her for her birthday after the


    dinner.”


    The moment he finished speaking, James realized he had said something wrong.


    Sophie felt a twinge in her heart and chuckled self-deprecatingly. Nichole had been parentless since


    childhood, but what about her? In James’ eyes, she and Nichole were worlds apart.


    “Suit yourself. I’m going home.” Sophie turned her head, ready to get into her car


    Perhaps knowing he had misspoken, James grabbed Sophie’s arm firmly, saying in a deep voice,


    “Nichole takes these things to heart. For the past few years, I’ve been the adult who’s celebrated her


    birthday with her. If I miss it this year because I got married, I’m afraid she might overthink it.”


    James emphasized the word ‘adult.


    Sophie coldly shook off James’ arm, “It has nothing to do with me, go and be with Nichole. She’s


    always been alone, and on such an important day like her birthday, she probably needs you.”


    James thought Sophie would throw a tantrum, but hearing that she geniuely wanted him to go to


    Nichole, it made him feel even more stifled.


    After Sophie left, Colt noticed James’ foul mood and couldn’t help but say, “Mr. Burke, Ms. Nichole is


    still waiting for you at the hotel.”


    “I know.”This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Inside the hotel, Nichole looked at the already decorated birthday backdrop and the candlelit dinner set


    up on the table, and her mood brightened as well.


    She intentionally dimmed the lights, casting a soft warm glow throughout the room, creating a very


    atmospheric setting.


    Today, she dressed differently, intentionally choosing a more mature and seductive outfit. Ever since


    she saw Sophie wearing that stunningly gorgeous dress, she realized the gap between her and Sophie.


    James always treated her like a young girl, farely as a woman. She had to seize this opportunity tonight


    to make her feelings known to James.


    Creak”


    The door opened, and Nichole’s heart pounded like a drum.