Chapter 113

Ryan’s POV I stared at my phone, anger burning through me as Simon's text confirmed what I'd feared. The transaction trail from Derek's account had been professionally scrubbed—evidence that should have been there was mysteriously missing. Someone with significant resources had covered Sophie's tracks. Placing my phone down on my desk, I rubbed my temples. The evidence against Sophie was mounting, yet somehow always falling just short of conclusive. Her timing was too perfect, her excuses too convenient. A soft knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. Sophie stood there, trembling visibly, her eyes wide with fear. "Ryan, Derek came to threaten me again yesterday," she whispered, her voice quavering. "He said if I don't give him a huge sum of money, he'll destroy me." She fumbled with her phone, playing a recording of her conversation with Derek. I listened carefully to his threats, noting how explicit and detailed they were. "When exactly did he approach you yesterday?" I asked, watch