CHAPTER 186: CHAPTER 186 DOUBLE AGENT

Ryan’s POV

The online storm surrounding Kane was spreading exactly as planned - my team had executed the release of information perfectly, ensuring it would occupy him for quite some time.

Grandmother had called multiple times, no doubt to plead Kane’s case. I deliberately ignored every call, cutting off any possibility of her intervention. This time, I was determined to handle Kane properly, to minimize his disruptive presence in the company. The results were already evident - the office atmosphere had noticeably improved without his scheming.

"Please inform Mr. Blackwood that I need to report on recent project developments," I’d overheard her saying to my assistant outside.

Simon had firmly blocked her, as instructed. "Miss Hart, Mr. Blackwood is busy. You can leave the documents with me."

Then came her predictable "sudden" realization. "Oh my! I just remembered something important that I can only discuss with Ryan personally."

I nearly laughed when she added in a conspiratorial whisper, "It’s about Kane."

Simon’s hesitation was brief but noticeable before he replied, "Please wait here, Miss Hart. I’ll inform Mr. Blackwood."

"Sir, Sophie Hart insists on seeing you. Claims to have information about Kane."

"Let her in," I decided, curious to see what kind of tale she’d spin. Perhaps this might reveal which side she was currently playing for.

"Ryan!" Her voice dripped with fake intimacy as she entered, using my first name as though we shared some special connection.

"What do you want to say?" I asked bluntly, watching her try to mask her disappointment at my cold reception.

Sophie flashed one of her practiced smiles, stepping closer to my desk. "Ryan, I’ve seen all the recent news. I’m sure Kane is deliberately spreading those false rumors. I want you to know I believe in you completely."

I gave her a piercing look, my voice growing colder. "Did you come here just to waste my time with this nonsense?"

She pouted childishly - a manipulation tactic that might work on others but only irritated me further. "Of course not. I have important information to share with you."

When I remained silent, waiting for her to continue, Sophie finally seemed to gather her courage.

"Actually, the reason Kane has been able to cause so much trouble recently is because he’s working with Lucian West. They’ve formed some kind of alliance."

That caught my attention, though I kept my expression controlled. "How would you know this?"

Sophie immediately adopted a victimized expression, her voice taking on a wounded quality. "Ryan, Kane forced me into this. That suburban project issue - he made me retrieve those files. I only mentioned it to you once, then stopped looking into it."

"With everything that’s happened lately, something felt wrong, so I secretly followed Kane. You won’t believe it, but the person he met was Lucian West!"

She delivered this performance convincingly, but I could see right through it. Sophie was clearly hedging her bets, preparing to switch sides now that the alliance between West and Kane appeared to be crumbling. She hoped to extract information from me that would benefit whichever side ultimately prevailed.

As her smile grew increasingly desperate, I decided to test her. "Then explain why you were accessing files on the suburban project from ten years ago."

Her smile froze momentarily before she scrambled for an excuse. "I just wanted to study it to improve my skills... to better contribute to the company."

I stared at her with growing impatience, drumming my fingers on the desk. "Are you going to tell me the truth or not?"

Sophie recognized my mounting irritation - she’d seen this expression often enough to know what followed. I could practically see her mind racing for a better answer.

Before she could fabricate another lie, I snapped, "Get out! And if you can’t behave yourself, leave here altogether."

She jumped at my outburst, stammering incoherently before finally retreating from my office.

As the door closed behind her, I leaned back in my chair, contemplating what had just happened. Sophie was playing both sides, that much was obvious. The question was how to use this to my advantage. Perhaps her dual loyalties could be leveraged against both Kane and West simultaneously.

I picked up my phone and dialed Simon. "Have someone follow Sophie. I want to know everyone she meets with over the next 72 hours."

"Already arranged, sir," came Simon’s prompt reply. "And your 2 o’clock appointment has arrived."

"Good. Send them in after fifteen minutes. I need to make one more call first."

I hung up and opened my laptop, reviewing the latest reports on Kane’s diminishing reputation. The press coverage was extensive, with public opinion firmly against him. My uncle’s downfall was proceeding exactly according to plan.

But Sophie’s mention of Lucian West gave me pause. If true, that alliance could complicate matters. West’s resources combined with Kane’s inside knowledge of Blackwood operations could pose a genuine threat if not handled carefully.

I picked up my phone again. It was time to accelerate our countermeasures against both Kane and West. And if Sophie wanted to play double agent, I would give her exactly the kind of "information" I wanted leaked.

The pieces were moving on the chessboard, and I intended to remain several moves ahead.

Sophia’s POV

I stormed out of Ryan’s office, my perfectly crafted mask slipping with each step. Damn it! How could things go so terribly wrong? I’d calculated everything so carefully, positioning myself between Kane and Ryan to ensure I’d come out on top regardless of who won their little power struggle.

"Miss Hart, HR has processed your termination papers. You’ll be leaving the company this afternoon."

Simon’s words hit me like a bucket of ice water. My carefully composed expression shattered instantly.

"What nonsense is this? Ryan ordered this?" I demanded, my voice rising sharply.

Simon nodded coldly. "That’s correct."

I should have known. Ryan had instructed him to dismiss me if our meeting went poorly. He must have discovered my connection to Kane. That confrontation just now had been my final chance, and I’d blown it completely by refusing to come clean.

"That’s impossible! Ryan wouldn’t be so heartless! I need to speak with him right now!" I tried pushing past Simon toward Ryan’s office.

Simon blocked the doorway firmly. "Miss Hart, please don’t make a scene. These are Mr. Blackwood’s direct orders. I suggest you process your paperwork immediately."

My face burned with humiliation as I noticed several executive assistants glancing over, their expressions unsurprised. Had everyone known this was coming except me? I stomped away, unwilling to provide them with more entertainment at my expense.

Back at my department, things only got worse.

"HR has notified me of your termination. Pack your things, Sophie," my manager announced the moment I walked in, his previous respectful tone completely gone.

I bit my lip, rage boiling inside me. "You can’t be serious."

"What are you standing around for? Clear out your desk. Your replacement arrives this afternoon, and we need your workspace ready," he snapped impatiently.

"How DARE you speak to me that way!" I exploded, unable to contain my fury any longer. Taking orders from Ryan was one thing, but this nobody manager?

He laughed coldly, slamming his hand on the desk. "Who do you think you are? We only tolerated you because Mr. Blackwood showed you special treatment. Now you’ve been fired."

He leaned forward, his contempt obvious. "Sophie Hart, you have zero value here anymore. Take your things and get out. Stop wasting everyone’s time."

My face burning with humiliation, I slammed his office door hard enough to rattle the glass panels. I didn’t care anymore—what was there to lose?

My coworkers stared openly as I stormed to my desk, their whispered comments barely concealed. I heard snickers and remarks about my habitual late arrivals and early departures. One particularly brave woman approached my desk with a smirk.

"Hurry up and pack. The new hire will be here soon. Don’t waste everyone’s time."

Something snapped inside me. I stood up, slammed my belongings onto the desk, and slapped her across the face with all my strength.

"You worthless bitch! When did trash like you get the courage to speak to me like that?"