CHAPTER 31: DANGER!

Nighttime.

The bar.

Sophia was dressed cool and chic, while Harper was buzzing with energy.

"Sophia, come on—let’s get hyped!"

"I’m here to find someone, you take it easy."

Harper just scoffed, "Relax. My family owns shares in this place. Everyone knows me here."

She pulled Sophia over to the bar. The bartender was young and clearly familiar with her.

"Harper, you actually have time to come by?"

"Troy, two Bloody Marys."

"You got it."

Sophia arched a brow and took the glass Troy set down.

"Troy, tell me—who’s the big shot tonight?"

Harper might’ve come just to play, but if Sophia was looking for someone, she’d help.

"The big names? Yeah, we’ve got a reservation upstairs. Hilton Group’s Lucas, and the Wright family’s young master, Ryan."

Harper’s eyes lit up. "Knew it. Where are they?"

"Suite 888."

Sophia casually lifted her gaze toward the second floor. A tall figure stood with his back to her.

"Troy, do me a favor later..." Harper leaned in close to whisper with a mischievous grin.

"No problem. Leave it to me."

"Sophia, come sing a song?" Harper tugged her toward the stage.

Sophia hadn’t planned on it, but Harper dragged her up anyway.

The moment she took the mic, heads turned. Some people even recognized her and lifted their phones to record.

Sophia frowned slightly, then closed her eyes. As soon as the upbeat music started, the entire room was glued to her.

Her voice was stunning, pitch-perfect, and carried effortlessly.

Her striking looks and heartfelt delivery only drew the crowd in deeper.

Upstairs, a handsome young man leaned against the balcony, watching. He chuckled.

"The woman downstairs not only sings beautifully, but is also very beautiful."

Lucas gave a faint glance—and froze. He couldn’t look away.

His gaze locked onto the girl below in her leather jacket, abs flashing under the stage lights.

His brow furrowed. "Ryan. We’re going down."

"Down? Lucas, you—"

"She’s the one. The fiancée I told you about. Sophia."

Downstairs, her song ended to thunderous applause.

"Sophia, that was amazing! You were incredible!"

She opened her eyes, lips curving into a smile.

"Oh, by the way, Sophia—everyone upstairs came down. Lucas is here too!"

That, she hadn’t expected. She’d managed to lure them out.

"Let’s hit the dance floor."

She shoved Harper toward the center of the floor and joined her.

But Sophia wasn’t just dancing. She was waiting. Gambling, really—on whether those two men would make a move.

"Look at your future wife. Impressive, huh? Guys keep trying to hit on her, but she doesn’t even spare them a glance. Seems none of them measure up."

Lucas’s face darkened. His "future Mrs. Hilton" was out here partying in a bar?

What, was she planning to make a fool of him?

Ryan smirked. "This is interesting. Lucas, want me to test her for you?"

Before Lucas could answer, Ryan grabbed a drink and strode into the crowd.

The bait was set.

Sophia’s lips curved knowingly.

"Miss, may I have the honor of sharing a drink with you?"

Under Lucas’s murderous glare, she nodded—without hesitation.

She actually accepted Ryan’s invitation?!

Alex, standing at Lucas’s side, sneaked a glance at his boss.

He’d been with Lucas long enough to read every flicker of emotion on his face.

The man swore it was all just revenge against Miss Morgan. But the truth was obvious—he already had feelings for Sophia. He just wouldn’t admit it.

Alex smirked to himself. This is going to get messy.

Boss, let’s see how long you can keep lying to yourself.

At the bar, Ryan ordered her a glass of juice.

"You said you’d buy me a drink... and this is juice?" Sophia blinked at the glass, puzzled.

"A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t even be here."

"Then where do you think I should be?"

Ryan chuckled and extended his hand. "I’m Ryan. Nice to meet you, Sophia."

"It seems Mr. Wright already knows who I am, so no need for introductions. In fact, I was waiting for you to come find me."

Ryan froze for a moment. Was this really part of her plan all along?

"In ten days, the Wright family has a major deal with City H. Projected profit—sixty million. You want to take Wright Group for yourself and beat your brother. If you’re willing, we can join forces."

"..." Ryan studied her carefully.

So this was the woman Lucas planned to marry? Bold didn’t even begin to describe her. She got straight to the point—no hesitation at all.

But still—

He wasn’t about to trust a woman he’d just met. "Miss Morgan, surely you know I already run my own company. Wright Group’s assets are hardly worth my attention anymore."

Sophia arched a brow, eyes glittering with amusement. "Mr. Wright, are you sure you have no interest in your family’s company?"

Her gaze pinned him in place, playful yet piercing. To his own shock, the lie caught in his throat. He couldn’t even say it.

Their eyes locked. In the end, Ryan was the first to look away. "What exactly do you bring to the table? Just your career as a designer? Or the title you’ll gain once you marry Lucas?"

"If I have the ability to know who you are, then you should already believe I’m capable. Of course, if you’d rather measure me against Lucas—fine. He’s a titan in the business world. With one wave of his hand, the Wright family would collapse.

But I don’t think you’re the type to lean on him. If we work together, it’s different. You stand on me, I stand on you. Mutual gain. Cooperation without compromising your pride."

Her words were like a scalpel, peeling back layers of his heart until she laid bare what he tried hardest to hide.

Ryan stood abruptly. "I’m sorry. Excuse me for a moment."

He walked off. Sophia shifted to rise from her seat—but another man slid onto the stool beside her.

"Miss Morgan, care to share a drink with me?"

He was average-looking, about thirty, his pockets stuffed with cash that made his bag bulge awkwardly.

A man reeking of insecurity.

"Sorry. I don’t drink with strangers."

She turned to leave and find Harper—when suddenly—

The man grabbed her wrist, his other hand clamping over her nose.

Sophia’s eyes widened. She twisted, ready to throw him over her shoulder— but her strength evaporated in an instant.

No—!

There was something on his hand. A drug.

From a shadowed corner, Lucas’s gaze turned razor sharp.