Chapter 236 Sophie descended the stairs, only to find Bea's complexion rather grim, with the newspaper tabloid sprawled across the table.
Sophie's gaze darkened instantly, shifting towards Calla.
Bea had never shown an ounce of interest in celebrity gossip, let alone browsing through such newspapers. It was clear as day that Calla had deliberately left the newspaper on the living room table for Bea to find.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSuch a tactic was hardly sophisticated.
"Sophie, explain yourself right now," Bea demanded, her tone accusatory.
Sophie approached calmly, eyeing the newspaper on the table, and responded, "I merely had dinner with one of our signed artist. The press is just looking for a scoop. There's nothing more to it." "What do you mean by that?" Bea frowned.
Sophie smiled, explaining. "Reece has been focusing on his acting career since his debut, steering clear of scandals and major headlines. This was just a minor strategy by the company, which will be clarified in the reports later. It's to boost his visibility and add sbuzz for his upcoming project. It's not a big deal." Bea took a deep breath and said, “I don't understand all these things you're talking about, but this tarnishes the reputation of the Burke family and yours, too! After these stories were published, everyone would read them. The Burke family can't bear this! I don't care about any publicity stunts. You better sort this mess out right now! Or don't bother coming back!” Bea was livid, and Calla chimed in, “Tthis is just a part of madam's work. Please, don't be upset. I've heard that Mrs. Burke used to frequently be away from hdue to work. You shouldn't stress her out." Calla's words only fueled Bea's suspicions. “So that's why you've been away from hlately. It must be because of this." Bea's expression turned even sourer, convinced that Sophie was involved with someone else.
Sophie didn't bother to explain, as winning Bea's favor was no longer her concern. Whether Bea liked her or not was of little importance to her now.
"Sophie! Where do you place James in all of this?" Bea slammed her hand down while Calla seemed to be enjoying the . She was curious about how Sophie would explain herself.
Bea would never tolerate infidelity in a lady of the Burke family.
"Grandmother, you're mistaken," James interjected, descending the stairs to stand by Sophie.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBea snorted, "Mistaken? She's been out all night. Who knows what she's been up to?" *Reece is just one of the artists under Russell Enterprises. Sophie discussed this news withbeforehand, and it was done with my consent, James clarified.
"What are you saying?" Bea stared at James incredulously.
Sophie also frowned at James. The entertainment news story was just a bluff to Bea. Sophie had no real intention of creating a media frenzy, nor had she informed James ahead of the dinner.
Calla was momentarily surprised but quickly stated, "James, I know you mean well for Mrs. Burke, but ydu can't lie to Grandma Bea for her sake. How could anyone want their wife to be involved in a scandal with another man?" *James, just tellthe truth. Is this really happening?" Bea couldn't believe James would lie to her.
James calmly stated, "It's true. I was aware and had given my permission. It's a business matter, and it's normal for you and Calla not to understand. We will sort this out later. There's no need for you to worry." With James' assurance, Bea's expression softened slightly, but when she turned to Sophie again, the warmth was gone.
"It better be. The Burke family cannot have a daughter-in-law who brings shupon her husband!"