Before Ryan could say another word, Sophia crossed the space between them in a rush of emotion. Her heart led her faster than her mind could think and she threw herself into his. “Ryan!” she gasped. “You mean it? You really mean it?”Ryan chuckled softly, his hands settling on her waist, holding her steady. “Of course I do,” he said, his voice low and steady. “If marrying you is what it takes for your company to soar, then why should we wait? You know I’d do anything for you, love.”Sophia drew back slightly, just enough to look at him. “Ryan, I can’t believe this,” she whispered. “You have no idea how happy you’ve just made me!”He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Then let’s make it real,” he said gently. “Why wait any longer? We’ve both been through enough. Let’s stop fighting against the tide and start building something solid — together.”For a moment, Sophia couldn’t speak.Through it all, Ryan had been there. The thought of marrying him didn’

Sophia’s phone buzzed insistently on her nightstand, rattling against the glass top.Half-asleep, she reached out lazily, still tangled in her silk sheets, thinking it was her mother again — Ava had been relentless since she told her, calling almost hourly about new ideas for the wedding, whether it was about floral arrangements, guest lists, or some boutique dress she had just discovered.But when she finally squinted at the screen and saw Ryan’s name flashing, all traces of sleep vanished instantly. “Ryan!” she exclaimed, her voice high and breathless. “You’re up early. Is everything okay?”Ryan’s voice came through calm, smooth, and measured.“Everything’s perfect, baby. In fact, I called because I’ve been thinking… we haven't fixed a specific date for our wedding. Darling, go ahead and fix a date. I'm all ready to make you my wife."Giggling, Sophia threw herself onto the couch, clutching the phone as if it were the most precious thing in the world. “Okay then — if you mean it,

Three days into his new role as co-manager of Aurora Beauty, Ryan felt untouchable. He walked through the office halls like a king surveying his kingdom. Money flowed through his hands more freely than ever, Sophia trusted him blindly, and he now had access to every resource he had dreamed of. His debts weren’t gone; they were simply quiet… for now. Loan officers had stopped calling only because he’d made temporary, superficial payments.It wouldn’t last. And Ryan was very aware that the moment it all fell apart, Sophia would see him for what he truly was.He couldn’t let that happen. Not now. Not when he had finally clawed his way into a seat of real power.That afternoon, Ryan stepped out of the office feeling tense. He headed toward the nearest grocery mall which was a few blocks from the office district. He needed a place to clear his head. The parking lot was busy as usual. Ryan parked near the back, got out, and began the short walk toward the building… until he froze mi

Joe had just returned from the shadowed corner near the grocery mall where Ryan had been conspiring with Johnson, the thug notorious for his underworld connections. “Boss,” Joe said, sliding open the car door.His voice was low, barely above a whisper. “We’ve got everything. Names, addresses, schedules… every detail Ryan and Johnson were discussing. They’re planning something big.”Brandon’s jaw clenched, his knuckles tightening on the steering wheel. “I saw them myself,” he murmured. “I knew Johnson was trouble, but seeing that fool, Ryan get this desperate…” His lips pressed into a thin line as he shook his head.“We can’t let this happen. Not now, not ever.”Joe nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the gravity of the situation. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small folder, neatly organized with notes, sketches of schedules, and even photographs taken from a discreet distance. “Everything’s been logged. I can leave it with you, and we can plan the next step. What

Sophia took one sharp, angry step toward Brandon, closing the distance between them as her voice rose with venom.“Oh, please! Don’t insult my intelligence,” she snapped. “Why don’t you just come out straight and admit that you are the one after my company’s finances?”Brandon blinked slowly, unfazed, as if her fury were nothing but a gust of wind blowing past a mountain. “Sophia—”“Don’t ‘Sophia’ me!” she barked, slicing through his words before he could finish. “I know how you operate. Every time something goes wrong, your hands are never far from it. You must really be desperate to crawl back and try something again, but let me tell you the truth—you are nothing but a failure!”Her accusation hung in the air like a slap. Brandon didn’t move, flinch, or let a single crack slip through his expression. He held her gaze with the same cold steadiness he would use to stare down a raging storm.But Sophia wasn’t finished. Not even close.“You think because you were able to steal my