James massaged his temples.

Rumors and bullying - these were significant issues, and yet, Sophie hadn't breathed a word about them in his presence.

Did he really mean so little to her?

"There's no need for further investigation if the dean has already looked into it," James said coolly. "Tell Nichole to keep her distance from those students. I don't want them leading her astray."

Colt seemed like he wanted to say more, but after one look at James' expression, he could only comply. "Yes, Mr. Burke."

Sophie pulled Jenna into Liberty Hall. Jenna hadn't expected James to be eavesdropping. The situation escalated quickly. "He defended Nichole right in front of you. It's infuriating just to think about!" Jenna was angry, but she was more concerned about Sophie's situation. "You just had a blowout with James. What are you going to do now?"

After all, Sophie was still James' wife. A fallout with James meant a possibly uncomfortable future at the Burke residence.

Jenna was full of regret. Sophie said, "Before, I avoided conflict with James, but who wants to play the fool all their life? I'm not shrinking away anymore."

Her path forward was set, and whether or not she offended James didn't matter anymore.

"Jenna? What brings you here?" Adler, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and carrying a stack of books, looked every bit the academic.

Jenna gave Adler a look that was hard to describe and said, "I'm dropping Sophie off at school. What's with the getup?"

"You have no taste! This is called the 'scholarly disheveled' style!"

"Disheveled is just disheveled. What's scholarly disheveled?"

Adler rolled his eyes, and declined to continue the conversation with Jenna. While they talked, Sophie wrapped her scarf around her neck.

If Adler had seen the bruise, it was inevitable he wouldn't mention it to Colby.

But why was she suddenly so afraid of Colby finding out?

"Ms. Sophie, don't rush off after school. Colby said he's coming to pick you up."

"Why?" Sophie looked wary.

Adler was puzzled. "What do you mean why? Today's the grand opening of your company. Aren't you, as the boss, supposed to be there?"

It dawned on Sophie.

The grand opening!

With all the chaos around James and Nichole, she'd left the initial preparations to Colby and Adler, completely forgetting that today was the official launch.

"Congratulations, Sophie! This is what they call a setback in love but a success in business. I'll be your company's largest shareholder!" Jenna slapped Sophie's shoulder.

Adler muttered under his breath from across the room, "You're not the largest shareholder."

Jenna puzzled. "What did you say?"

"Nothing." Adler pretended to whistle nonchalantly.

Sophie gave a bitter smile and shook her head. "Umm, I might really not make it today."

"Why?"

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