Chapter Five

Dangerous Games

Sophia's heart hammered against her chest as she followed the butler to the foyer. Chris stood there, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, his tablet clutched firmly in his hands.

"Miss Muller," he said, his voice professionally neutral. "Mr. Vanderbilt requests your presence at his office tomorrow morning at 9 AM sharp."

Sandra materialized behind Sophia, her eyes gleaming with calculated interest. "The Vanderbilts? My, my, Sophia. What have you been up to?"

"Nothing that concerns you," Sophia snapped, turning back to Chris. "And what if I refuse?"

Chris's expression didn't waver. "Mr. Vanderbilt mentioned you might be... reluctant. He asked me to remind you of a certain bridge incident."

The color drained from Sophia's face. Behind her, Sandra's sharp intake of breath made her skin crawl.

"Tell him I'll be there," Sophia managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Chris departed, Sandra's perfectly manicured nails dug into Sophia's arm. "What bridge incident? What have you done now to embarrass this family?"

Sophia yanked her arm away. "Worry about your own daughter's scandals, Sandra. God knows there are enough of them."

She stormed up to her room, her mind racing. Lucas Vanderbilt had found her. The stranger from the club, the man who'd stopped her that night – he wasn't just anyone. He was *the* Lucas Vanderbilt.

"Fuck," she whispered, sliding down against her closed door.

*   *   *

Lucas stood at his office window, watching the city lights flicker to life as dusk settled. His phone buzzed.

"It's done, sir," Chris's voice came through. "She'll be here tomorrow morning."

"And?"

"She seemed... affected by the mention of the bridge. Also, there appears to be significant family tension. Her stepmother-"

"I don't need family gossip, Chris. Just make sure security knows to expect her."

Lucas ended the call, his mind drifting to the photograph on his desk. The background check had revealed plenty – Sophia Muller, daughter of Sean Muller, recently involved in a scandalous wedding incident. But nothing in those sterile reports explained the desperation he'd seen in her eyes that night.

His office door burst open. "Playing hero again, little brother?"

Lucas didn't need to turn around to recognize Mark's sneer. "Don't you have your own office to haunt?"

"When I heard you were investigating the Muller girl, I had to see for myself." Mark circled the desk, picking up Sophia's photo. "Though I must say, your taste has improved. She's quite pretty for damaged goods."

Lucas's hand shot out, snatching the picture back. "What do you want, Mark?"

"Just wondering why you're so interested in Sean Muller's daughter. Especially after that embarrassing wedding fiasco." Mark's smile turned predatory. "Unless... you're planning something bigger?"

"Get out."

"Father would be interested to know you're meeting with her tomorrow. Especially given the rumors about Muller Corp's... instability."

Lucas finally turned, his gray eyes cold. "Touch this situation, Mark, and I'll make sure Bella finds out about your secretary's overtime pay."

Mark's face reddened, but he backed away. "Just remember, little brother – you're not the only one who can play games."

After Mark left, Lucas sank into his chair, rubbing his temples. What had started as a simple need to understand one woman's pain was turning into something far more complicated.

*   *   *

The next morning, Sophia stood in front of the V Corporation tower, her heart in her throat. She'd chosen her armor carefully – a crisp black blazer, pencil skirt, and heels that made her feel powerful despite her trembling hands.

The security guard checked her ID. "Mr. Vanderbilt is expecting you. Top floor."

The elevator ride felt eternal. When the doors opened, Chris was waiting.

"This way, Miss Muller."

He led her down a hallway of glass and steel to massive double doors. As they swung open, Sophia's breath caught.

Lucas stood behind his desk, more imposing in his tailored suit than he'd been that night. His eyes locked with hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop.

"Hello, Sophia," he said softly. "We have a lot to discuss."

Chris quietly exited, the doors closing with a final click. Sophia lifted her chin, meeting Lucas's intense gaze.

"Actually," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart, "I think we're done here. You saved my life. Thank you. But whatever game you're playing-"

"Game?" Lucas moved around his desk, his movements deliberate. "Is that what you think this is?"

"Why else would Lucas Vanderbilt track down a suicidal stranger?" Her voice cracked on the last word.

He stopped inches from her, close enough that she could smell his expensive cologne. "Because I haven't slept properly since that night. Because every time I close my eyes, I see you on that bridge. Because something about you..."

A knock interrupted them. The door opened before Lucas could respond, revealing a striking woman in a red dress.

"Lucas, darling," she purred, then stopped short at the sight of Sophia. "Oh. I didn't realize you had... company."

Sophia's stomach dropped as recognition hit her. Bella Sebastian – Mark Vanderbilt's wife.

Bella's perfectly painted lips curved into a knowing smile. "Well, isn't this interesting?”