Adler said nonchntly. “This badge isn’t worth much, just give it to them.”


    Sophie smiled slightly. “This badge is actually quite useful”


    She continued, holding up a finger, “Add this spread the word that ke will also be there, to share in


    the ultimate joy of the masquerade ball with everyone.”


    Adler looked confused, but Colby next to him had already grasped Sophie’s intention.


    Sophie, intngued, toyed with the badge in her hand. Over the past few months, she had made the


    name ke resonate loudly, filled with a scase of mystery.


    It was all for this day.


    On the evening of the Burke International g, James surveyed the room full of people, but his


    expression showed no hint of


    happiness.


    Colt said beside him, “Mr. Burke, I’ve had people check, and all the big names from various


    corporations are here, except the uninvited S Corporation,”


    “Hmm.” James seemed uninterested in the current situation.


    Colt, puzzled, asked, “Mr. Burke, do you have any concerns?”


    After a pause, James asked, “No news from S Corporation at all?”


    Colt shook his head. “Haven’t heard anything. They probably know they’ve offended us and dare not


    make a move.”


    James frowned. He couldn’t believe that the person behind S Corporation would do nothing.


    His countermove today was known by everyone as asserting Devonport’s sovereignty. S Corporation


    would be theughingstock) of the circle, never to be mentioned in the same breath as Burke


    International again. Then, everything S Corporation had done before would have been in vain.


    He couldn’t believe that the person behind it would be so foolish as to y a part in ruining their own


    n.


    “Keep a close eye on every move of S Corporation, and report back to me immediately with any news.”


    “Yes.”


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    As Colt was about to leave. James seemed to remember something and asked, “What about Sophie?”


    As Mrs. Burke, she should be present at today’s event.


    “The dress has been sent over as you instructed, but whether she wille is uncertain.”


    Just then, the grand doors of the banquet hall opened, and James looked up to see a figure in


    burgundy. His eyes flickered withplex emotions, but they turned cold again as he saw the face.


    Nichole, in a burgundy evening gown, had gone to a salon for a sophisticated hairstyle and makeup.


    Seeing James, her face lit up with joy.


    Nichole quickly approached him, somewhat shyly, “James, did I arrive toote?”


    “Where did you get this dress?” Instead of a gentle voice, what came was an interrogation.


    Nichole was taken aback, “Didn’t you have Colt send it over?”


    James nced coldly at Colt, who quickly said, “Mr. Burke, I didn’t.”


    Colt had indeed given the dress to the doorman, specifically instructing it to be given to James‘ wife.


    “James, what do you mean by that? Isn’t this dress prepared for me?” Tears welled up in Nichole’s


    eyes, making her look all the more pitiful.


    James, observing Nichole’s red lips and heavily made–up face, unconsciously pictured Sophie. He


    averted his gaze, and unlike usual, he didn’tfort her, “You don’t suit this look. Go change the dress.