As the elevator doors slid open on the top floor, Sofia and her younger sister, Mia, stepped out, still fuming about Andre's disappearance.
"That scumbag dares to come and show up!" Mia muttered, shaking her head. "Where was he for five years and no word. He deserves to rot!"
Sofia nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the luxurious hallway.
"Room 1001. This way," Sofia said, leading Mia to the door.
Without knocking, Sofia pushed open the door, and they entered.
The room was stunning. A lavish spread of gourmet food and fine wine and various drinks covered the table. A breathtaking city view stretched outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
But what caught their attention was the man standing by the window, smiling at the children.
Laura, Andrew and Lauren and giggled as they ate their lunch.
Sofia's eyes narrowed
Andre.
But this wasn't the Andre she expected. About 1.8 meters tall, chiseled features, piercing black eyes, and raven-black hair framed his captivating face.
Mia's jaw dropped.
"Wow...he's...gorgeous!"
Sofia shot Mia a warning glance as she knew this little sister of hers is fantastic for beautiful things
"Focus, Mia."
Mia's expression changed from awe to indignation.
It couldn't be helped if she knew this was her brother in law she was very happy to help her sister with the romance ' I mean how could we let such a handsome brother in law go,
Mia wanted to help her sister to vent her grievances she had suffered in the past but as she was approaching Andre gazed at the duo with a frown coldly.
"Hi...brother-in-law," Mia said, stuttering with blushing cheeks forgetting her earlier righteousness to fight for justice.
Sofia's eyes widened in shock at Mia blatant words and her gaze towards Andre become icy
"Mia! What are you doing?"
Mia shrugged and stepped away like a frightened kitten while smiling sheepishly and thought ' sorry sister brother in law is both so handsome and scary ' Mia thought of the earlier gaze from Andre which made her heart skip a beat,it was like removing a bone from the tigers mouth making it unhappy.
" Mommy "
" Aunty Mia "
A chorus of sounds run out, from this Andre knew who was who, Sofias expression softened seeing her babies.
While this was going on they were unaware of what's going on.
Young Master Ryder paced in his opulent office, fury etched on his face.
"Cancelled again!" he exclaimed, slamming his fist on the desk.
His assistant, Jenkins, hesitated and tried to smoth things but inwardly he cursing his young master for fussing over a deflowered flower.
"Perhaps Ms. Sofia had an emergency, sir?"
Ryder's eyes narrowed.
"Emergency? Ha! She's always canceling. Always too busy. Thinks she's above me." Ryder continues to fuss
Jenkins ventured.
"Sir, maybe she's genuinely busy.i heard that her children—"
Ryder's expression darkened.
"Those children? A convenient excuse. She's been using them to keep me at arm's length. Thinks she's too noble for me."
His voice dripped with venom.
"I'll show her what it means to dismiss me repeatedly. I'll make her regret underestimating me."
Jenkins' concern grew.
"Sir, perhaps reconsider? Cooperation with Ms. Sofia could benefit—"
Ryder cut him off.
"Benefits? She's made it clear she doesn't need me right. Fine. I'll make her need me. I'll make her pay for her pretentiousness."
Ryder's eyes gleamed with malice.
"Find out everything about her children. Their schedules, their friends, their weaknesses. I want to know everything."
Jenkins hesitated, sensing trouble.
"Sir, are you sure?"
Ryder's voice dropped to a menacing whisper.
"I'm very sure."
As Jenkins nodded and exited, Ryder's smile grew.
"Sofia thinks she's above me? I'll show her her true place."
Ryder's phone rang disturbing his train of thoughts, Ethan's name flashing on the screen, one of Ryders buddy friends.
"Hey, man," Ryder answered, his tone still laced with frustration.
"Hey, Ryder! We're grabbing drinks at The Vault. Come join us," Ethan said, his voice upbeat.
Ryder hesitated, but Ethan's enthusiasm was hype than ever.
"Fine. I'll come."
"Awesome! We'll get your mind off Sofia. See you at 7," Ethan said.
Ryder arrived at The Vault, his friends already seated at a cozy table with various cocktails and drinks.
As they ordered drinks and chatted, Ryder's tension began to ease.
Ethan leaned in.
"Now, how is the plan going with Sofia?"
Ryder's expression darkened.
"I've got something in mind."
Jason raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
Ryder's smile grew sinister.
"I'll make her regret underestimating me. I'll show her my influence." While Sofia might have made success with her effort Ryder had his family backing him and his company.
Lucas frowned.
"Dude, be careful. You don't want to take this to the bitter end right."
Ryder's eyes glinted.
"I won't. I'll just...reshape her perspective." He chuckled coldly.
Tyler nodded.
"Hahaha....so what if this woman has some brains we've got your back,bro"
As they clinked glasses, Ryder's mind raced with various thoughts.