Odie couldn't believe his ears when he heard Sophie doubting his intelligence. He shot back immediately, "Of course, I noticed! Sophie, quit trying to pull one over on me!" "So, Mr. Odie, you did notice. But when I saw you didn't kick Sandy and Kiran out, despite their ruckus, I thought maybe you were either unaware or afraid of Kiran's clout." "I didn't send them away out of kindness! If they weren't your friends, I'd have booted them out straight away!" Seeing Sophie fail to appreciate his patience, Odie angrily turned to leave. Sophie quickly grabbed his arm, pleading, "Mr. Odie, please don't be mad. I was just thoughtless. Can't an apology make it right?" "What? Now you think an apology will do? Lettell you, I don't accept your apology." With that, Odie shook off Sophie's grasp. However, he soon realized something, "Sophie, you don't just apologize toout of the blue. Is there something you need from me?" "There is a small matter..." "I don't want to hear it." Odie covered his ears, his face darkening as he said, "Sophie, you never ctounless you want something. Letremind you, letting you and Colby stay and recuperate at the Minton estate was already a big favor. Don't push your luck!" "Mr. Odie, don't be so harsh." Sophie brushed Odie's hands away from his ears, saying, "Isn't Summerfield under your control, Mr. Odie? Given that, I'd like you to help compile all the information and lists regarding the Summerfield corporations for me." "Sophie, are you out of your mind?" "Do you realize how vast Summerfield is? There are thousands of businesses, big and small. Compiling all that information would take stacks of paper. Are you trying to work Jonah to death, or me?" "Of course, I don't want to overwork you or Jonah suspect the person + behind all this has a hideout in Summerfield. That's how they could iel quietly infiltrate the Minton family's operations and traffic your machinery. Otherwise, how could they have turned so many of your loyal employees? I bet you haven't identified them yet, or you'd have cbragging toalready." Odie scoffed, "Even if I haven't identified them through those people, I have a good grasp of the situation. Given time, this bet will surely be mine to win." "Let's not talk about bets for now. Winning doesn't really affect me." Sophie was so anxious to get those lists, the words slipped out.
Odie's expression darkened instantly.
"Anyway... if we can locate that person's hideout in Summerfield it would eliminate a major threat for you, Mr. Odie. I won't ask for money. Leave the in-depth investigation toWhat do you think..." "No need!"
Odie glanced at Sophie, saying, "Since it's about eliminating threats for the Minton family, Ivan family. U have dhah handle it. You don't need to worry Once find out, and if I'm in a good mood, I might tell you. Stay out of Summerfield's affairs." "But Mr. Odie, digging into such matters can be quite taxing. I'm worried..."
Sophie couldn't even finish her sentence before Odie glared at her, "Sophie are you suggesting I won't be able to uncover the truth, or that I'd get it wrong?" X