Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

"Drop your act!" James narrowed his eyes slightly.

Sophie had been cooped up at home for three days, simply waiting for James to break the silence first.

"Don't use my attending Eastwood College as a threat against me. If it comes to it, we can just get a divorce. It'll be a loss for both of us."

Sophie wasn't worried that James would rat her out to Bea. He needed to keep this secret, at least until he secured enough benefits from the Russell family.

James took a deep breath. "What exactly do you want?"

"Let's make a deal. I'll speak well of you to Grandma, but you have to play along with me."

"Play along with you?"

James looked at Sophie skeptically. "Is that all?"

"In public, you need to act like the perfect, supportive husband. Stand by me, maintain my reputation in front of the Russell family, and back me up when necessary. This deal is merely a small effort for you, and you lose nothing."

Sophie didn't beat around the bush. She still needed James to play along with her in front of the Russell family, but after Bea's recent outburst, James was less inclined to show her any goodwill, let alone support her in her schemes.

After pondering for a moment, James replied, "Alright, I agree."

"Good."

Sophie put down her tablet, stood up, and dusted off her dress. "Invite Grandma over for dinner. I'll cook."

James frowned. "What are you up to?"

"Of course, to show Grandma a loving couple so she feels comfortable letting you out."

James scoffed. "So you had this planned all along." He wore a look that said he knew she had calculated everything beforehand.

Sophie didn't bother with James' attitude.

In the afternoon, Colt dropped Bea off. Sophie was bustling in the kitchen, cooking, while James helped out, both looking every bit the blissful newlyweds. Seeing this, Bea nodded in approval.

Once seated, James was attentive, serving Sophie food and cracking jokes with her from time to time.

Bea finally felt relieved.

"Grandma, I'd like to go shopping tomorrow. Could James come with me?"

Hearing this, Bea was more than happy. She was thrilled. "Of course, honey. Let James accompany you. It's stifling to stay at home all the time."

With Bea's words, James' confinement was effectively lifted.

The next day, to avoid raising Bea's suspicions, Sophie still went to the commercial district with James.

However, James wasn't there to shop with her but to meet Nichole.

When they reached the restaurant on the seventh floor, Sophie sat down while James excused himself to the restroom. From a distance, Sophie could see Nichole anxiously peeking into the restaurant.