Chapter 90

Ryan’s POV
I woke up in a stellar mood despite the late night. Cleaning Serena’s apartment wasn’t exactly how I’d planned to spend my evening, but seeing her smile—even if it was at my expense—made it worth every damn second.
“Good morning, Mr. Blackwood,” Simon greeted me as I walked into my office, looking slightly surprised at my early arrival.
“Morning,” I replied, settling behind my desk. “I need you to handle something immediately.”
Simon straightened, his expression shifting to professional mode. “Of course, sir.”
“Ms. Sophie Hart,” I said, my tone hardening at just saying her name. “Have her employment terminated by noon today.”
Simon’s eyebrows raised just slightly—the most reaction he’d allow himself. “On what grounds, sir?”
“I don’t care what reason you give. Just make sure she’s gone from this company today,” I replied, pulling up the quarterly reports on my screen.
“Consider it done,” Simon nodded, making a quick note. “Anything else?”
I leaned back in my chair, thoughts of Serena momentarily distracting me. The way she’d shut the door in my face last night… damn, she was getting under my skin again.
“Sir?” Simon prompted.
“The Henderson merger needs finalizing,” I said, snapping back to business. “And the Tokyo branch is reporting issues with their supply chain. Have Legal prepare contingencies.”
Simon nodded and left me to my work. I buried myself in spreadsheets and projections, occasionally touching my lips when no one was watching. She’d been so close last night. Next time, I wouldn’t let her slip away so easily.
—
Sophie’s POV
I arrived at the office an hour early, my blood still boiling from yesterday’s humiliation.
Though I hadn’t seen who pushed me into that toilet stall, I had my suspicions. May was definitely one of them.
“Time for a little payback,” I murmured.
The moment I walked into the department, May scurried over with a mocking smile.
“How did toilet water smell yesterday? Did it wash away all that rich heiress attitude of yours?” she sneered loudly enough for everyone to hear.
I had always carefully cultivated my image—”wealthy heiress” being one of my key labels. Now that Ryan had publicly clarified our relationship status, my carefully constructed persona was crumbling, becoming ammunition for their mockery.
“I wouldn’t know,” I grabbed May’s wrist firmly. “Why don’t you try it yourself?”
I started dragging her toward the bathroom, my grip tight enough to make her whimper.
“Sophie, are you crazy? I was just joking! What are you doing?” May cried out.
“I’m just letting you experience what you did to me. What’s wrong? You think that’s unfair?” I smiled coldly, making her shrink back in fear.
Just then, a voice cut through our confrontation.
“Ms. Hart,” Simon said flatly. “A moment of your time?”
I followed him to a small conference room, my hopes rising. Was this about a promotion?
“Ms. Hart, effective immediately, your employment with Blackwood Enterprises is terminated.”
I blinked, certain I’d misheard. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Your position has been terminated,” he repeated, sliding a folder across the table. “Your final paycheck, minus company property costs, and exit instructions.”
“This is ridiculous!” I snapped, my voice rising. “There must be some mistake. Ryan would never—”
“Mr. Blackwood personally authorized your termination,” Simon cut in. “Security will escort you to collect your belongings.”
I sat there, stunned. “Is this because of that pregnant bitch?”
“Ms. Hart,” Simon’s voice was ice. “I’d advise against making any statements about Ms. Quinn. It would reflect poorly in your file.”
My hands trembled with rage. “You can’t do this to me. Ryan and I have history.”
“That ’history’ ended years ago, Ms. Hart. Please don’t make this more difficult than necessary.”
When I stepped out of the conference room, I realized everyone knew. They were all watching, some hiding smiles behind their computer screens.
As I packed my desk, whispers floated around me.
“I’ve been wanting to say this for ages – Sophie always had that fake, innocent act. So annoying to watch.”
“I know, right! Thank god the CEO fired her. It’s so satisfying!”
May sauntered over, not even trying to hide her glee.”Tough break, Sophie. But honestly, what did you expect? You’re not exactly Blackwood material.”
Something in me snapped. I lunged toward her desk, grabbed her stupid designer mug, and hurled it against the wall. “You think you’re better than me? You’re nothing! Just a pathetic little nobody!”
That’s when everything spiraled. May shoved me, and suddenly other women from the department were there too, pushing me backward. I stumbled, falling hard onto the floor as my box of belongings scattered everywhere.
“Enough!” The department manager’s voice cut through the chaos. Everyone froze.
I looked up, makeup streaked down my face, waiting for him to defend me. Instead, he looked disgusted.
“Ms. Hart, this behavior is exactly why you’re being terminated. Security will escort you out now.”
May and the others backed away, but not before May whispered, “Guess you won’t be Mrs. Blackwood after all. How does it feel?”
I straightened my skirt with as much dignity as I could muster. “You think this is over? You have no idea what I’m capable of. All of you—especially that bitch you—May, will regret this day.”
As security guided me to the elevator, I caught my reflection in the mirrored walls. Mascara streaked, hair disheveled—but my eyes burned with determination.
This wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning of my revenge.