Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

James had made up his mind to marry her, even though he'd given up way more than just social connections for this relationship. Sophie sensed that despite his smile, the guy standing in front of her was carrying a heavy load ofnoveldrama

disappointment in his eyes.

That feeling made Sophie uneasy, like she'd just said something that hit a nerve.

"I just... felt like I was being scrutinized, and it rubbed me the wrong way. It's not like I was aiming at you. You're actually a decent guy."

"No need to hand me the 'nice guy' badge."

James gave a slight smile and said, "This engagement isn't a big deal, but we'll wait until after you graduate college to call it off."

"Why?"

"No particular reason."

James set aside the takeout, saying, "The food's gone cold. Let's head out for a bite."

With that, he stood up and motioned for the secretary by the door to clear the table. Sophie, a bit puzzled, followed him. She suddenly remembered she'd left her homework in the conference room and was about to go fetch it, but James, almost reading her mind, said, "Don't worry about it, the secretary will grab it."

"Oh."

Sophie walked next to James. The elevator to the executive suite felt a bit cramped with just the two of them, and Sophie couldn't resist sneaking a glance at him. His stern features were straight out of a TV drama featuring a powerful CEO.

When they reached the underground parking, the driver was already waiting. Sophie got into the car with James, still clueless about their dinner destination. They eventually pulled up at a low-key French restaurant in the city center. It oozed sophistication.

Sophie eyed the restaurant sign for a moment, and by the time she snapped back to reality, James was already inside.

"Ms. Sophie, please follow me."

A waiter greeted her personally, which was quite the VIP treatment for a high schooler. Sophie followed him into the restaurant, noticing it was completely empty, like someone had rented the whole place out.

James had taken a seat by the window, and Sophie followed the waiter to the table.

"Why's this place empty?"

"I prefer it quiet."

"...Oh."

So, he had rented the whole place. Sophie sat across from James and, seeing the menu full of foreign dishes, cleared her throat and said to the waiter, "I'll have this and this."

"But..... those are just appetizers. Are you sure you don't want to order anything else, miss?"

The waiter seemed a bit unsure. James casually picked a couple of dishes and said, "Just bring what I've ordered."

"Yes, Mr. Burke."

The waiter took away the menus. Sophie feigned fascination with the elegant glasses in front of her.

James remarked, "When you're with me, no need to play dumb."

"Hmm? Play dumb about what?"

"I don't buy that you couldn't read the menu."

Sophie took a sip of her pre-dinner drink as James continued, "I got your cigarettes back. Go ahead, light one up."

With that, James tossed a pack of cigarettes onto the table in front of Sophie. She stared at the pack, then

at

at ease.

2x who seemed completely

"You... want me to smoke?"

Sophie stammered, "How can you be like this? Encouraging someone to smoke? Don't you know

smoking's bad for your healthy el