CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134: Chapter 134 Shattering Their Connection

Author’s POV

Hearing Sophie’s words,Lucian West arched an eyebrow, his expression remaining perfectly composed.

Those sharp eyes of his maintained their coolly assessing gaze, as if he were facing prey not worth his concern.

"So Miss Hart wants to discuss a partnership with me?" His voice was deep, tinged with disdain.

"That’s right." Sophie sat straight-backed, attempting to project confidence.

Lucian gave a soft snort. "And what exactly do you bring to the table, Miss Hart?"

Sophie’s gaze flicked toward the assistant standing in the corner.

Clearly one of Lucian’s trusted people, which meant there was no point in being coy. She adjusted her position, trying to take control of the conversation.

"Mr. West, if you’re not interested in working with me, then I have no reason to keep your secrets. I wonder how Serena would feel about you if she knew the truth."

Lucian narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing through them. "Are you threatening me?"

"Mr. West, let’s not use such harsh words," Sophie forced a casual smile. "Your special interest in Serena is already gossip around town, but the man by her side is Ryan Blackwood."

Sophie’s words carried an unmistakable challenge. The best way to diminish one man was to compare him to a stronger one.

"If Mr. West wants to win Serena, a few business collaborations simply won’t be enough."

Lucian gave Sophie a cold look while inwardly mocking her stupidity. He couldn’t understand how Ryan had ever been interested in such a foolish woman. Such amateur tactics, yet she dared play games with him.

When Lucian remained silent, Sophie mistook it for hesitation. She continued with her persuasion, fanning the flames.

"You’re just a little late to the game, Mr. West. I believe with the right tactics and my cooperation, we could be incredibly effective."

"Is that so? After all this talk, what exactly do you want?" Lucian’s voice remained calm but carried an undercurrent of danger.

Sophie’s lips curled into a smile, the desire evident in her eyes. "I want Ryan."

Lucian smiled meaningfully. "From what I understand, Miss Hart, although you and Ryan were once together, he now has no interest in you."

Despite being called out so directly, Sophie didn’t flinch. She was well-practiced in deception and lies.

"The current situation doesn’t matter to me. If Mr. West helps me, wouldn’t we both win? Once there’s a rift between Serena and Ryan, you can make your move."

Sophie spoke with such ease that Lucian found it almost amusing.

"Mr. West, I’ve been needing a partner, and with you, my chances would be much better. This is Ryan’s territory - fighting alone will take you considerable time. Don’t you want to expand your overseas operations?"

Lucian finally gave Sophie a proper look. Though she had misread his intentions, she was hitting all the right points. He needed to move quickly on Ryan’s turf.

"A partnership isn’t out of the question, but Miss Hart needs to prove her capabilities first."

Sophie’s face lit up with a smile. "No problem, but Mr. West must guarantee one thing - keep that mad dog Derek from causing me trouble."

Lucian smiled. "That’s easily arranged."

Sophie raised her cup in a small toast to Lucian. "To a fruitful partnership, then."

Lucian nodded, taking a sip of his coffee - his tacit agreement to this dangerous alliance.

After leaving the coffee shop, Sophie finally let out a breath. Working with Lucian was clearly dancing with a tiger, but if Derek continued causing problems, she’d lose everything she had left. The choice was clear in her mind.

Ivy quickly followed her sister’s instructions, gathering some friends to visit the Dreamland jewelry studio. The group wore sunglasses and dressed impressively, making the receptionist initially mistake them for mysterious VIP clients.

"Do you have an appointment? Which designer are you here to see?" the receptionist asked politely.

"Appointment? We’re Sophie’s friends. She recommended this studio - Ryan ordered lots of jewelry here to please her, so we came to check it out."

The leader removed her sunglasses with an arrogant flourish. She kept mentioning Sophie and dropping Ryan’s name, making sure everyone would hear.

The receptionist frowned, completely confused. "Do you actually have an appointment?"

"Are you deaf? We’re Sophie’s friends. Ryan ordered jewelry here, and we want to see it."

"Mr. Blackwood?" The receptionist’s smile was faltering. This made no sense at all.

"I’m sorry, but Mr. Blackwood hasn’t placed any recent orders with Dreamland. Perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding?"

Ivy, standing at the back, jumped in to support the story.

"Misunderstanding? Years ago, Ryan promised my sister he’d order a unique diamond ring from this famous studio as an engagement gift."

The receptionist’s eyes widened in disbelief. Everyone at Dreamland knew about Serena and Ryan’s relationship. How could there be such explosive history she didn’t know about?

"Don’t believe me? Look at this!"

Ivy unlocked her phone screen and thrust a photo in front of the receptionist’s face.

"See? Aren’t these two Ryan and my sister?"