“What was that about Oakwood High?” Sophie realized there was something odd about the situation.


    Reece shook his head. “I’m not sure, but Nichole definitely wasn’t a student at a private girls‘ school.


    Those who attend North Bay High School usuallye from less affluent families. If I remember


    correctly, Nichole had a mother addicted to gambling, and their financial situation was quite poor. I


    recall the head teacher pressing Nichole for tuition fees. Nichole insisted she could gather the money,


    but not long after, she dropped out.”


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Sophie was listening and furrowed her brows in concern. So, Nichole wasn’t an orphan without parents.


    “I know about Oakwood High. It only admits girls from the orphanage. Each year, Burke International


    and otherpanies sponsor one or two girls from this school.”


    Sophie remembered that Burke International had supported many students in her past life, but Nichole


    was an exception. It all started when James happened to see Nichole giving water to a stray cat during


    a sponsorship meeting.


    ording to James, in Sophie’s past life, Nichole was a gentle and kind girl. Perhaps it was that act of


    kindness and Nichole’s innocent appearance that nted a seed of tenderness in the heart of James,


    who was battle–hardened by the corporate world.


    “I’ll have someone look into this thoroughly.”


    Sophie remained deep in thought, causing Reece to chuckle at the sight. He reached out to smooth the


    furrow in her brow.


    Sophie snapped back to reality. “What is it?”


    “Ms. Sophie, you’re younger than me, but think more deeply. It’s time to rest. Can we not be so


    serious?”


    “It’s your news that was so explosive. I need some time to digest it.”


    As they spoke, Sophie sent a message to Tricia, asking her to investigate Nichole’s information at


    North Bay High School.


    Outside, a waiter pushed in a dining cart, quickly setting the table with food.


    “To thank you for such a valuable lead, I picked the most expensive dishes on the menu today. How’s


    that for appreciation?”


    “That’s very thoughtful.”


    Reece and Sophie clinked sses. Outside, someone captured the moment with their phone.


    That evening, Sophie returned to the Burke family homete. Reece had driven her there himself.


    From a window on the first floor, James saw them and frowned. He remembered that Reece was an


    artist under Russell Entertainment.


    “James, I just brewed some coffee for you.” Ca, dressed in a homely outfit with an apron around her


    waist, waited expectantly for


    James to turn around.


    James replied indifferently, “No need, I don’t drink coffee at night.”


    “That’s okay, I also made tea.”


    Saying so, Ca picked up a cup of hot tea from the coffee table, intending to hand it to James, but her


    hand slipped, sshing the tea onto James‘ shirt.


    “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to.”


    Sophie opened the door just in time to see Ca wiping James‘ shirt, standing very close to him.


    Spotting Sophie, James immediately stepped back from Ca and went to help Sophie with her bag.


    “Madam, please don’t misunderstand. The tea was too hot, and I didn’t hold it steady…”


    “It’s alright.” Sophie’s face carried a faint smile. “Ms. Ca, you don’t have to see yourself as an


    outsider. It’ste. You should rest.”


    “Yes.”


    Ca cast a nce at James, but his gaze was nowhere near her.