Sophie’s POV
I hung up the phone, my fingers trembling slightly with rage.
Ivy, that stupid fool, had actually gotten herself detained by the police! Couldn’t even deliver a simple message without screwing everything up.
Completely useless! I slammed my phone down onto the leather sofa, clenching my jaw to suppress the scream building in my throat.
"Are you Ivy Hart’s sister? Regarding the assault case against Serena Quinn—they’ve hired an attorney." The officer’s matter-of-fact tone had cut through me like a knife. I’d asked for details, my face darkening with every word.
Now I sat before the floor-to-ceiling windows of my luxury suite, staring at the glittering cityscape without seeing any of its beauty. The curse slipped through my gritted teeth: "What an absolute idiot! How does someone get arrested just delivering a message?"
Serena Quinn. What makes you so damn special? Why does Ryan look at you that way?
I clenched my fist so tight my nails dug deep into my palm, the sharp pain actually helping to clear my head.
Taking a deep breath, I picked up my phone again and scrolled to a number I’d hoped never to dial again. Derek—that pathetic actor who’d played my abusive ex-husband.
A man who cared about nothing but money. Right now, he was exactly the pawn I needed.
When the call connected, ear-splitting music nearly burst my eardrum. The chaotic background noise immediately set my teeth on edge.
"Hello? Ms. Sophie! What can I do for you?" Derek shouted, his voice slurred with excitement and alcohol. I could practically see him writhing around in that low-class establishment.
I wrinkled my nose in disgust, holding the phone away from my ear before abruptly hanging up. I wasn’t about to converse with a drunk. I quickly typed a text: "Find somewhere quiet and call me back! Paid job."
Predictably, Derek called back within three minutes. A cold smile curved my lips—the power of money truly is remarkable.
"Boss Sophie, what do you need me to do this time?" His voice was notably clearer now, the background much quieter.
I got straight to the point: "Serena Quinn—heard of her? I want you to make trouble for her. Make her uncomfortable. I’ll pay you well."
My voice was ice cold, each word dripping with frost.
Derek paused briefly. I could almost picture his surprised expression. "Isn’t she Ryan’s woman? If I cause trouble for her, Ryan will trace it back to me in no time. That’s not worth the risk."
I gripped the phone tighter, my index finger impatiently tapping against the table. This coward!
"What are you saying? You won’t do it?" I asked through clenched teeth, already considering alternative options.
Derek gave a forced laugh that made my stomach turn.
"Boss, it’s not that. I just value my life. Besides, causing minor trouble would only annoy her for a few days. What real benefit would that give you?"
I suddenly stopped tapping. He had a point. What did I really want from this? Just to make Serena uncomfortable for a few days? No, I wanted much more than that... I wanted her completely erased from Ryan’s life!
A wild idea took shape in my mind, coiling like a venomous snake.
"So you’re suggesting we shouldn’t let Serena off so easily?" I asked slowly, my voice dropping lower.
On the other end, Derek gave a meaningful chuckle without responding directly, but his laugh said everything.
I stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the twinkling lights as my heartbeat quickened. "What about kidnapping her? Ryan would surely pay a hefty ransom, and you could use that money to leave the country."
I pressed my hand against the cold glass, feeling the chill against my skin. "You could go anywhere, be anyone. Even with all their resources, the Blackwood family couldn’t touch you overseas."
The silence on the other end told me Derek was intrigued by the proposal. I could imagine his greedy eyes, practically seeing stacks of cash dancing before him.
"This could be your only chance to completely turn your life around," I continued, reeling him in."You’d never have to do these dangerous jobs again. You could even hire others to work for you."
I knew Derek’s weakness—always dreaming of getting rich quick without any real skills or talent. This opportunity must seem like a gift from heaven to him.
"So, Derek," I licked my lips, smiling with the certainty of victory, "will you consider it? I’ll help arrange everything for your departure abroad afterward."
My voice grew softer, almost a whisper against the phone: "Just make that bitch disappear, and all your problems will be solved."
After a few seconds of silence, a short but definitive answer came through:
"Deal."
I ended the call, gazing out at the night skyline, a cold smile playing on my lips. Serena, you’ll soon learn what true despair feels like. This time, no one will be able to save you...