Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

James had headed home early, and when Marian saw Sophie, she approached her with excitement. "Mrs. Burke, how was the gathering today?"

Gathering?

Sophie glanced at James, who was sitting on the living room couch, reading the newspaper. So that was the lie James had spun.

Sophie chuckled and replied, "The gathering went smoothly."

"You really should have had Mr. Burke drive you home. It's quite unsafe so late at night."

"It's fine, he let me take the car."

Today, after leaving the mall, Sophie had spontaneously driven off in the car James had driven earlier, relishing the thought of James, who usually had a chauffeur, having to take a taxi home from the mall. "Marian, if there's nothing else, you can head home now. We've got some other matters to attend to tonight." James glanced at Sophie, and the 'other matters' suddenly seemed to carry a different implication. Marian cheerfully said, "Alright, I'll just tidy up here and then head over to clean Madame Bea's place."

Once Marian had left, Sophie remarked, "You're quite the liar."

"You played along pretty well, too," James retorted coolly. "I'm buying a condo for Nichole. She'll live in the same complex as you. It's a quiet neighborhood, perfect for recuperation, and offers a lot of privacy." Sophie raised an eyebrow. "You're really splurging."

A condo in that area wasn't cheap, and although it might not mean much to James, buying one outright was truly a lavish show of affection for Nichole.

"I need you to keep this a secret."

"You're afraid I might run into her one day and tell Grandma, aren't you? Don't worry, your hush money is well spent. I won't bother."

Sophie turned and went upstairs to pack up her bags from the past few days.

The charade was over, and she was not keen on continuing to live under the same roof as James.

Watching Sophie dragging her suitcase downstairs, James frowned, "Where are you going?"

"I have classes tomorrow. I'm going back."

"And if Grandma asks..."

"Just tell her I went to the Maldives to clear my head," Sophie said. "I really don't want to see you right now. I think you feel the same, right?"

James' expression darkened as Sophie flicked her hair nonchalantly and left.

Jenna's car was already outside the Burke residence. James watched from the bay window as Sophie got into the car and drove away, his grip tightening on the newspaper in his hand.

He hadn't realized Sophie was so good at making friends, to the extent of not wanting to stay at home.

James dialed Colt's number, "Go to the school and pack up Nichole's things. Move them now."

Colt sounded confused, "Right now?"

As Jenna stopped the car at the entrance of the complex to swipe her card, Sophie spotted James' car. Colt was helping Nichole unload luggage from the trunk.

Spotting Nichole, Jenna bristled, "Nichole? How did she get in?"

Residency in this complex required a background check, and without a certain status, one simply couldn't live here.

At that moment, Nichole also looked towards Jenna, a hint of defiance flashing in her eyes.