CHAPTER 133: CHAPTER 133 I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Sophie’s POV

I slammed the door to Ryan’s office so hard I almost cracked the glass. That bitch Serena. She’d ruined everything! And Ryan...how could he dismiss me like I was nothing?

My perfect plan was falling apart. I’d worn his favorite color, styled my hair exactly how he used to love it, even practiced that soft, vulnerable voice that used to make him melt. But then she had to show up—pregnant and somehow still looking like she owned the place despite being his ex.

My phone rang just as I was storming through the lobby. Unknown number. I almost ignored it, but something made me answer.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end made my knees buckle. I had to grab the wall for support.

"Sophie, you’ve got some nerve telling Ryan about my business. Very impressive."

I bit my lip, wanting to hang up immediately.

"You better keep listening," he warned, voice dripping with menace. "Or I’ll make sure you can’t even sleep peacefully at night."

Finding an empty corner where no one could overhear, I finally responded.

"Derek, what do you want?" My voice came out shakier than I intended.

"What do I want? I think you know exactly what I want."

Cold fear spread through my body, making me tremble. Derek had always been my biggest mistake—and my darkest secret.

"I don’t have any money left. You took everything last time."

"Not my problem," he sneered. "With that pretty face of yours, getting money should be easy, shouldn’t it?"

I struggled to breathe properly, fury and terror mixing inside me. Something about his last escape bothered me.

"I’ll get you money, but tell me who helped you escape those two times?"

He laughed coldly. "Sophie, it’s better if you don’t ask too many questions. Not good for your health."

Something snapped inside me. My eyes hardened. If Derek was determined to ruin my life, I might as well go down fighting. He couldn’t control me forever!

"Derek, if you’re just threatening me for money, I’m done. I won’t give you another cent."

"Threaten my safety all you want," I continued, surprised by my own boldness. "Ryan has people protecting me constantly. The moment you show your face, they’ll catch you. Try it if you don’t believe me!"

His breathing grew rapid and harsh. He was losing his cool.

"You ungrateful bitch! Don’t push me! I can expose everything you’ve done!"

I scoffed. "Didn’t you already try that when you got caught? Ryan didn’t believe you, did he?"

Derek slammed something—probably his fist against a wall. I’d caught him in his own trap.

"You little slut. You’re really pushing your luck. What if I come slice up that pretty face of yours in the middle of the night?"

"I told you already—show yourself and Ryan’s men will grab you. They’re waiting for you to make that mistake."

"You—!"

My mind was working quickly now. The tables had turned, and I wasn’t in a rush anymore. I could use this situation.

"Derek, think about it. Why not work with me instead? You’re obviously desperate for cash—gambling debts again, I’m guessing? Those loan sharks will do worse than Ryan’s men if they catch you. Why not sell me some information?"

Silence stretched on the other end. I waited patiently.

After several minutes, Derek finally broke. "Fine. But you can’t say it came from me. And I need three hundred thousand today. Non-negotiable."

I hid my satisfaction, calmly bargaining. "One hundred thousand. Not a penny more."

Derek cursed viciously, but I could tell he was desperate enough to accept. He needed that money badly.

"Fine, transfer it immediately!"

"No way. I need valuable information first. Otherwise, I’m just throwing money away."

He cursed me out thoroughly. I ignored it, staying perfectly calm. When someone has leverage over you, sometimes all you can do is endure.

After his tantrum, he finally gave me a name.

"It’s Lucian West."

My eyes widened in surprise. Lucian West? The CEO of Celestial Gems?

The collaboration between West’s company and Dreamland Studio had been major news in the city. Serena had gained even more recognition because of it. It made my blood boil.

I’d assumed West favored Serena because he wanted her, but apparently, there was more to the story if he was connected to Derek.

"Did you hear me, Sophie? Get my money ready!"

"Yes, yes. I’ll have it transferred today."

I hung up, already plotting how to approach West. If I could establish a connection with him, it might lead to unexpected benefits.

As for Derek’s payment, I’d send it despite hating to part with the money. Derek was a liability, and even a cornered rabbit will bite. Better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

I spent some time considering my options before returning to my office.

---

That afternoon, I paused outside a coffee shop, pretending to be on a call.

"Girl, I’m already here."

"I’ll go in and wait for you then. Take your time in that traffic."

"Okay, bye now."

I made a show of complaining after hanging up. "That Mei always keeps me waiting when we meet for coffee. Honestly!"

I fixed my hair before entering the café, unaware that Ryan’s men were watching my every move from a black car nearby.

Inside, I went straight upstairs where the private rooms offered better confidentiality.

I quietly gave West’s name and was led to the most private room at the back. As I entered, I felt his gaze immediately assessing me.

I deliberately brushed my hair back, showcasing my best features, and smiled warmly.

"Mr. West, I’m Sophie Hart."

West barely acknowledged me with a nod. I sat down, noticing his assistant remained in the room. Clearly, he wasn’t planning to leave us alone.

"I wanted to speak with you about Serena," I said directly. I could tell he wasn’t one for beating around the bush.

West finally took a sip of his coffee but still didn’t respond.

My smile began to feel strained. I hadn’t expected him to be this difficult.

Taking a deep breath, I finally revealed my cards.

"I know you helped Derek escape, Mr. West. I’m here partly out of curiosity about your motives, but also to discuss a potential partnership.I know what you want."