CHAPTER 113: CHAPTER 113 HER STRATEGY

Ryan’s POV

I stared at my phone, anger burning through me as Simon’s text confirmed what I’d feared. The transaction trail from Derek’s account had been professionally scrubbed—evidence that should have been there was mysteriously missing. Someone with significant resources had covered Sophie’s tracks.

Placing my phone down on my desk, I rubbed my temples. The evidence against Sophie was mounting, yet somehow always falling just short of conclusive. Her timing was too perfect, her excuses too convenient.

A soft knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. Sophie stood there, trembling visibly, her eyes wide with fear.

"Ryan, Derek came to threaten me again yesterday," she whispered, her voice quavering. "He said if I don’t give him a huge sum of money, he’ll destroy me."

She fumbled with her phone, playing a recording of her conversation with Derek. I listened carefully to his threats, noting how explicit and detailed they were.

"When exactly did he approach you yesterday?" I asked, watching her closely.

Sophie sniffled, appearing to search her memory. "Yesterday morning. He cornered me outside the company building. He’s a gambling addict, Ryan. I think he ran out of money again and came to squeeze more from me."

Her eyes welled with tears as she looked up at me. "Ryan, Derek is obsessed with money. If he wants revenge on me, I won’t be able to protect myself. I’m terrified. What should I do?"

My jaw tightened as pieces clicked into place. Derek had threatened Sophie for money, then targeted Serena when that failed. It fit a pattern—except for the timing. Something wasn’t adding up.

"Sophie, don’t cry. Derek is already in custody," I said flatly.

Her face paled momentarily before relief washed over her features. "Really? Are you serious?"

"He kidnapped Serena last night," I continued, watching her reaction closely. "He claims you orchestrated the whole thing."

Sophie was immediately shaking her head vigorously. "That’s impossible! I’ve been trying to avoid him completely. Why would I ask him to do anything?"

She stepped closer, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Ryan, now I understand! When he threatened to destroy me, this is what he meant—he planned to frame me! How vindictive!"

Sophie moved closer still, her familiar scent bringing unwelcome memories. "Ryan, you believe me, don’t you? We’ve known each other for so many years. You know what kind of person I am."

I remained silent, neither confirming nor denying my trust. Something in her story felt rehearsed, too perfect. My instincts were screaming that I was missing something crucial.

"I need to verify a few things," I said finally. "In the meantime, stay available. We may have more questions."

After Sophie left, I called Simon immediately. "I want every camera feed from outside our building yesterday morning. And get me everything you can on Sophie’s activities for the past month—phone records, credit card statements, everything."

"Sir, about the money transfers in Derek’s account—our tech team says the trails were professionally erased. Someone with serious resources has been covering tracks."

I frowned. "Expand the search. Look for connections between Sophie and anyone with that kind of capability."

---

Sophie’s POV

I walked out of Ryan’s office, my heart pounding. He hadn’t explicitly said he trusted me, but I knew him well enough—he was almost there.

Slipping into the bathroom, I took a moment to compose myself. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help the smug smile spreading across my face. God, I’m good at this.

Thank heaven my plan was meticulous. Even though that idiot Derek had botched the kidnapping, there was no way it could be traced back to me. And if I played this right, I could drive an even bigger wedge between Ryan and Serena.

I almost wanted to applaud myself. Ryan was undoubtedly scrambling to investigate any connection between Derek and me, but that’s where Kane’s usefulness would truly shine. He could erase any digital footprint without leaving a trace.

Kane would jump at any chance to make Ryan look foolish. Our arrangement was mutually beneficial that way.

I checked the message on my phone and smiled with satisfaction. Kane had moved quickly—Ryan wouldn’t find any evidence. My comfortable life would continue undisturbed.

Maya had been sniffing around, but she hadn’t found anything truly damaging.

Still, she’d managed to dig up one detail: that the so-called kidnapper was my ex-husband. Predictably, that little nugget ended up in Serena’s ears.

I had business with Ryan anyway—just a routine check-in. But as luck would have it, she came storming in while I was there.

Couldn’t have planned it better myself.

"Sophie, my kidnapper was your ex-husband," Serena accused, her eyes burning with fury. "You expect me to believe you had nothing to do with this?"

I glanced at Ryan, noticing how his face lit up at the sight of Serena despite the tension. Interesting.

"Serena, I swear I had nothing to do with him," I said, making my voice small and frightened. "He’s been threatening me for ages, saying he’d destroy me. He probably kidnapped you just for money."

"Ryan can vouch for me. Serena, if you’re upset, I understand. I’m truly sorry this happened."

Serena’s face hardened at my show of weakness, which only made me want to laugh. She was so predictable.

"Just tell me straight. Did you do this or not?" she demanded.

I raised my hand solemnly. "I swear, I had absolutely nothing to do with this!"

"Serena, I honestly don’t wish you any harm. What Ryan and I had is ancient history. I truly don’t want to come between you two."

I could tell she wasn’t buying it, so I went for the ultimate move. I bit my lip nervously, then sank to my knees in front of her.

"Serena, please believe me. This wasn’t my doing. I’m begging you, don’t blame me for something I didn’t do."

Serena looked genuinely shocked. “What are you doing?” she snapped, her voice sharp with disbelief.

Ryan rushed forward to help me up.

Perfect.

I let my ankle give out just enough to stumble—gracefully, of course—right into his arms. My head tilted just so, my hand clutching his sleeve like I had no one else in the world to turn to.

“Ryan,” I whimpered, voice trembling, “please, explain to her. Tell her I didn’t do this.”

Over his shoulder, I watched Serena’s face twist. Her chest rose and fell with fury—yes, that’s it. Be angry. Be suspicious of me and Ryan. Let it eat you alive.

The moment she saw me pressed against him, she spun on her heel and stormed out without another word.

Ryan pushed me away almost instantly, but I was ready. I gasped sharply, letting out a soft cry of pain.

“My ankle...”

The red swelling was already visible—nothing a quick twist in a stiletto couldn’t achieve. Painful? Slightly. Worth it? Absolutely.

Tears shimmered in my eyes as I looked up at him, vulnerable and shaking. “Ryan... she looked so upset. I never meant to cause any trouble.”

Ryan’s eyes flicked toward the door, but Serena was already gone.

He sighed, his voice low. “I’ll have someone take you to the hospital.”

I bit back a smile.

This was going even better than I’d planned.