CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Chapter 94 Drug him

Sophie’s POV

The invitation arrived like a gift from heaven. Harrison Wells’ exclusive gala dinner—and I was specifically requested. I smiled as the department assistant handed me the embossed envelope, aware that every eye in the office was on me.

"My, my," whispered a coworker loudly enough for me to hear. "Looks like someone’s getting special treatment."

I tucked the invitation into my designer purse, feigning modesty. "It’s just because I handled the preliminary work on the Wells project."

I’d learned my lesson after last time. No more bragging or flaunting my connection to Ryan. I’d play the humble professional until I got what I wanted.

At five o’clock, I made my excuses to the department manager and left early, using the gala preparations as my reason. Instead of heading home, I took a taxi straight to Kane’s penthouse.

Kane was waiting in his wheelchair, a crystal tumbler of scotch in his hand. His hair gleamed under the recessed lighting of his minimalist living room.

"You’ve done well," he acknowledged, raising his glass slightly.

I allowed myself a small smile. "Wells and Ryan are set to finalize their partnership. But Ryan’s not going to be an easy target—we need to be careful."

Kane studied me, his green eyes calculating. "What do you need from me today?"

I perched on the arm of a leather chair, crossing my legs deliberately. "The gala dinner is coming up. I need something that will ensure Ryan remembers me fondly."

Kane reached into his pocket and produced a small vial of fine white powder.

"This should do the trick. It’s tasteless, odorless, and quite potent. One dose, and he’ll be unable to resist whoever’s closest."

I took the vial, excitement coursing through me. "And if I can get him alone..."

"Then you’ll have your second chance," Kane finished, raising his glass again. "The dress is in the guest room. Remember our deal—once you have him back, I expect access to the Blackwood shipping routes."

I poured myself a drink from Kane’s bar cart, my red lipstick leaving a mark on the crystal glass. My eyes glinted with determination as I raised it in a toast.

"Don’t worry, Kane. By the end of the night, Ryan Blackwood will be eating out of my hand. I guarantee it."

---

The night of the gala arrived, and the famous Cliffside Manor was transformed into a wonderland of lights and luxury. I arrived fashionably late, my dress a masterpiece of subtle seduction—seemingly modest in bright lighting, but designed to catch the eye in the dimmer corners where important conversations happened.

With champagne flute in hand, I positioned myself near the entrance, waiting for Ryan. My stomach dropped when I saw him walk in—not alone, but with her. Serena Quinn, looking annoyingly radiant in a deep emerald gown that hugged her pregnant curves beautifully.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. This was an unexpected complication.

I watched as Harrison Wells greeted them warmly, his eyes lingering appreciatively on Serena. Ryan’s possessive hand at the small of her back made me want to scream.

I took a deep breath and composed myself. The plan could still work—I just needed to separate them.

After twenty minutes of strategic mingling, I approached their little group, a practiced smile on my face.

"Mr. Wells, Mr. Blackwood—good evening," I greeted smoothly before turning to Serena with practiced surprise. "Oh! Serena, I didn’t realize you’d be here. You look... glowing."

Serena’s smile was polite but cool. "Sophie. It’s been a while."

"Ms. Hart!" Wells exclaimed, clearly pleased to see me. "I was just telling Ryan how impressed I’ve been with your work on our collaboration."

"That’s very generous of you," I replied modestly, positioning myself between Ryan and Serena. "I’m just a small part of the Blackwood team."

"Don’t be so modest," Wells insisted. "Your insights on market penetration were revolutionary."

I seized the opportunity. "Perhaps I could show you those projection charts we discussed? I brought copies with me."

Wells nodded eagerly. "Excellent idea! Ryan, you don’t mind if I steal Ms. Hart for a moment, do you?"

Ryan looked slightly relieved, which stung. "Not at all."

As Wells and I moved away, I caught Serena watching me with suspicious eyes. She wasn’t as naive as she looked.

"Sophie?" he blinked hard, trying to focus. "What’s happening?"

"Shh," I soothed, running my hands up his chest. "Just relax. Remember how good we were together? Don’t you miss me at all?"

I reached up to kiss him, but even in his drugged state, he turned his head away.

"No," he mumbled. "Need to find Serena."

Frustration surged through me. "Forget about her! I’m here now. I’m the one who understands you, who’s always loved you."

I pressed my body fully against his, my lips finding his neck. For a moment, his body tensed, and I thought I’d won. But then his hands found my shoulders and firmly pushed me away.

"Stop," he said, his voice slurred but determined. "Need to go. Not feeling right."

Before I could try again, the terrace doors opened, and Serena stepped out. Her eyes widened at the scene before her—Ryan clearly drugged, me with smeared lipstick.

"Ryan," she called, her voice surprisingly calm. "Come inside. We need to leave."

To my utter disbelief, he immediately moved toward her voice like a homing beacon. Even drugged out of his mind, he chose her.

I watched, seething, as Serena wrapped her arm around his waist, supporting him. As they passed me, she paused.

"I know what you did to his drink," she said quietly, her voice carrying a steel I’d never heard before. "I wonder what HR would think about an employee drugging the CEO?"

My blood ran cold. "You can’t prove anything."

She smiled, the gesture lacking any warmth. "I don’t need to. Ryan will remember enough. And unlike you, he actually does trust me."

With that, she guided him back into the ballroom, leaving me alone on the terrace, my carefully laid plans in ruins.

But this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.