Chapter 4
"Come on, silly girl. No need to act all formal with your brother," William said, brushing my nose with his finger. "Go take a shower and change your clothes. I've asked the kitchen to whip up some late-night snacks for you."
After my shower, I slipped into a comfortable silk nightgown.
In the dining room downstairs, the long table was loaded with all my favorite dishes.
William was sitting at the head of the table, on the phone.
When he saw me come down, he hung up right away, stood up, and pulled out a chair for me.
"Dig in. See if you like it," William said.
I picked up my fork and grabbed a piece of steak.
Flavors burst on my taste buds. It was the taste of Mom's cooking from my childhood.
"William, you..." I started.
"I specially asked Erin Nelson, our old family chef, to come back and cook for you," William said, ladling out a bowl of soup for me. "You used to love Erin's cooking when you were a kid."
My eyes stung with emotion again. He hadn't forgotten a thing.
I savored every bite of that meal.
Dylan might have spoiled me with luxury, but when it came to meals, all I ever got were pricey, cold dishes, never anything that felt warm or comforting.
He never bothered to ask what I liked. All that mattered to him was whether I looked refined enough at the table.
"Sophie," William suddenly spoke up, "I've already set things in motion against the Pearson family."
I looked up at him.
"His company won't last three days," William said, his voice calm but radiating an undeniable authority. "As for him..."
He paused, meeting my eyes. "How do you want me to handle him?"
I put down my fork and dabbed at my mouth with a napkin.
"William, I want to deal with him myself," I said.
Dylan owed me, and I was going to make him pay it all back with interest.
*****
The next day, Pearson Group's stock crash was all over the financial headlines.
In just one night, billions in market value evaporated.
Right after that, a wave of scandals hit the news, including tax evasion, illegal projects, shoddy products and more.
Any one of these could ruin Pearson Group for good.
Dylan was desperate, scrambling for help wherever he could, but turned down everywhere.
Those partners who were once his buddies now kept their distance, turning their backs on him.
He bombarded me with calls and messages. At first he demanded answers and spewed insults, but later started repenting and begging.
I ignored every one of them.
I lounged on the villa's terrace, sipping my coffee, watching him scramble around like a headless fly struggling for his life.
Thomas stood quietly behind me, giving me the latest updates.
"Miss, Mr. Pearson has already mortgaged every property and car he owns, but it's still not enough to fill the hole in his finances," Thomas reported. "Moreover, the Torres family just announced they're canceling Anna's engagement him."
I smirked.
No surprise there. Anna was sharp as ever.
When things got ugly, it was every man for himself. No way she'd stick around to crash and burn with Dylan.
"Where's Dylan now?" I asked.
"He's at Twilight, trying to get a meeting with the bank president, Sam Rivera," Thomas replied.
"Got it," I said, setting down my cup and standing up. "Get the car ready. I'm heading to Twilight too."
It was showtime.
*****
Twilight was the go-to spot for Nunhill City's rich and famous.
I'd tagged along with Dylan a few times before.
Every time, he'd show me off to his friends, acting like I was just another luxury accessory to boost his image.
But tonight, I was here alone.
I wore the red dress William had chosen for me, the skirt flowing with every step, like a rose blooming in the night, striking and dangerous.
The moment I walked in, all eyes were on me.
People stared, their gazes filled with admiration, curiosity, and intrigue.
I paid no attention to the stares and made my way straight to the innermost VIP suite.
Dylan's assistant stepped in front of me at the door, blocking my path.
"Miss Clark, Mr. Pearson isn't seeing anyone right now," the assistant said, his face dark.
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What if I insist?"
Just as the assistant was about to say something else, the door to the suite suddenly swung open from the inside.
Dylan stood in the doorway, and the moment he saw me, his eyes flashed with ecstatic, almost desperate joy.
He practically shoved his assistant out of the way and grabbed my wrist, his grip so strong it almost hurt. "Sophie, you finally decided to see me."
He looked gaunt and haggard, stubble shadowing his chin, and his designer suit was all wrinkled. Gone was the swagger and confidence he used to have.
"Sophie, I know I messed up. Please forgive me, okay?" he begged, clutching my hand like he was drowning and I was his only chance to survive. "Just talk to Mr. Clark and ask him to spare me. I'll do anything you say."