Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

She was caught off guard.

What's Uncle Perry up to?

Why did he bring in someone she doesn't even know?noveldrama

Sophie quickly caught on and blurted, "I don't know him!"

James, still not looking up, replied coolly, "I'm her fiancé."

Sophie clamped her mouth shut, speechless.

The teacher glanced between James and Sophie, visibly surprised.

In all her years of teaching, this was the first time she'd called a parent and ended up dealing with a fiancé instead.

Trying to keep her composure, she cleared her throat and said, "Fiancé, huh? Sophie's been caught smoking at school, and it's really not a good look. As her guardian, I hope you can keep a closer eye on your... fiancée."

James turned his gaze to Sophie, his eyebrows raised. "Smoking?"

"I was just... fooling around."

Sophie felt a pang of guilt but quickly reminded herself she had no reason to be afraid of him.

A fiancé was just a label. Even if he were her husband, he wouldn't have the right to dictate whether she smoked or not.

"I get it now. Thanks for letting me know, teacher. I'll handle it at home," James assured, nodding politely.

He turned to his secretary standing nearby. "Pack her backpack and have the driver ready."

"Yes, Mr. Burke," the secretary replied, swiftly moving to gather Sophie's things.

Sophie, clearly not thrilled, mumbled, "I was planning to hit the internet café after school..."

Before she could finish, James shot her a look so sharp it cut her off mid- sentence.

With a glance that sent a chill down her spine, Sophie reluctantly zipped her lips. James led the way, and Sophie trailed behind like a student caught red-handed.

As the bodyguard swung the car door open, Sophie eyed them warily. "Where are you taking me?"

"Mr. Burke has another important

bet

meeting, so we're taking you to the

office first," the bodyguard explained.

"I'm not going. Give me my backpack. I'll get home myself."

Sophie stretched out her hand towards the bodyguard, demanding her belongings back.

Inside the car, James checked his watch and sighed, "Just get her in. I'm running late."

"Yes, Mr. Burke," the bodyguard obliged, ushering Sophie into the backseat without further ado.

"Hey! What's going on? Let me out!" Sophie protested, thumping the window.

James, unfazed, remarked calmly, "Break the window, that's ten grand. Waste my time, ten grand a second."

Faced with such a steep threat, Sophie pulled back her hand, silently fuming.

All her funds were tied up with Uncle Perry, and she certainly wasn't flush with cash.

Sophie cautiously glanced over at James, taking in his profile.

Even though they were engaged, it was all arranged by their families.

The Russell family might have clout in Devonport, but Sophie doubted she was worth James's pursuit.

Besides, this was her first time meeting James in person.

He looked just like he did on TV, no surprises there.

Arriving at Burke International, Sophie was taken aback by its

grandeur, far more impressive net

than

the Russell family's headquarters.

The secretary led her to the executive elevator, saying, "Ms. Sophie, Mr. Burke has a crucial meeting coming up, so we've set up a lounge for you. You can do your homework there. Once Mr. Burke is done, he'll take you home."

"Why can't I just go home now?" Sophie questioned, a hint of frustration in her voice.