Chapter23
A Dangerous Deal.
The day before, Sophie sat in the passenger seat of Ryan’s car, her hands fidgeting in her lap as they parked in the dimly lit grocery store lot, just a block away from her apartment. The soft hurn of the engine was the only sound for a moment, the air between them thick with tension. She glanced out the window, seeing her reflection, wondering how she got caught up in this insane game.
Ryan leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms out as he exhaled. He turned his head slightly, his eyes studying Sophie, sensing her hesitation. “You’re too quiet, Soph,” he said, his voice calm but direct. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
Sophie shifted uncomfortably, looking down at her hands. “I just… I didn’t expect this to go this far,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “You becoming the key investor in Jason’s company? It’s… intense. What if he finds out about us working together? He’s already suspicious of
everything lately.”
Ryan smirked, his confidence unwavering. “That’s exactly why it’ll work. He’ll never see this coming, because he’s too focused on keeping you away from me,” he replied, his tone dripping with amusement. “This deal gives me the perfect reason to stay close to him. To watch him. To keep him busy.”
Sophie shook her head, still unsure. “And you really think he won’t figure it out? What if he
suspects you’re messing with him?”
Ryan leaned forward, resting his arms on the steering wheel as he spoke. “Look, Soph, I’m doing
this for both of us. I need this investment for my business just as much as you need this distraction
for Jason. It’s a win–win. He’ll be too occupied with work, too stressed, and trust me, when he feels the pressure, he’ll be running straight into the arms of his mistress.”
Sophie sighed, pressing her fingers to her temples. “I don’t know. I just… I don’t want to screw this up.”
“You won’t,” Ryan reassured her, his voice softer now. “Think about it. Jason is already sneaking around behind your back. We just need to make him paranoid enough that he keeps turning to her for comfort. He’ll never come clean to you about me being involved, because he’ll want to protect you from knowing we’re connected.”
Sophie bit her lip, her mind racing. The thought of Jason keeping more secrets, of him growing distant and angrier with her, sent a bitter sting through her chest. But at the same time, there was a ⚫ twisted sense of justice to it. Jason had been the one lying, the one cheating. If this was what it took
to finally catch him in the act, maybe it was worth it.
“Okay,” she finally said, exhaling slowly. “But you have to make sure you keep him really busy. I mean it, Ryan. Push him hard, make him lose sleep over this deal. If he’s exhausted and pissed off, he’ll be too distracted to even think about me.”
Chapter23
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Ryan nodded, his smirk returning. “You got it. I’ll make sure he’s running in circles. And while he’s doing that, you’ll be in the perfect position to watch everything fall apart. He’ll keep running to her,” and sooner or later, you’ll have all the proof you need.”
Sophie nodded, feeling the weight of her decision settle in. It was a dangerous game they were playing, but at this point, she felt like she had no other choice. Jason had made his bed. Now, it was
time for him to lie in it.
Ryan glanced at his watch. “I should get going. Big meeting tomorrow, and I’ve got to make sure everything’s in place.” He reached out and touched Sophie’s hand, giving it a light squeeze. “Don’t worry, Soph. We’re in control of this.”
Sophie gave him a weak smile, though her stomach still churned with uncertainty. “I hope you’re right.”
Ryan pulled the car into gear and started driving out of the lot, the lights of the grocery store fading into the distance. Sophie stared out the window, the city streets blurring by as her mind raced ahead to what tomorrow would bring. She had to stay calm, stay focused. This was just another step in her plan. A necessary step.
This was it. There was no turning back now.
Ryan parked a few streets over from her place, turning to her one last time. “You’re gonna be fine, Sophie. Just trust me.”
Sophie nodded, her hand already on the door handle. “Yeah. I trust you.
But as she stepped out of the car and watched him drive away, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was trusting the right person.
