She Defends Him From His Manipulative Ex At Party, Unaware He’s A CEO Who’ll Protect Her Heart
An Unexpected Rescue
The flash of crimson caught Sophia Green’s eye from across the crowded room, a vivid streak against the muted palette of suits and cocktail dresses. She hadn’t wanted to come to this industry party in the first place.
Networking wasn’t her strong suit, but her best friend had insisted it would be good for her event planning business. Now, as she watched a statuesque blonde in that eye-catching dress verbally tear into a tall, broad-shouldered man backed against the bar, Sophia’s instincts flared.
Something wasn’t right.
“I don’t understand why you’re being so difficult, Ryan,” the blonde was saying, her voice carrying despite the ambient chatter.
“We were perfect together. Everyone thought so.”
The man, Ryan, ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression pained.
“Vanessa, we’ve been over this. It’s been months. I’ve moved on.”
Sophia normally minded her own business, but there was something predatory in the way the woman leaned in, placing her manicured hand on the man’s chest. His discomfort was palpable, his shoulders tense as he tried to maintain distance without causing a scene.,
“Just one drink,” Vanessa purred.
“For old time’s sake.”
“I think he said he’s not interested,” Sophia heard herself say before she could stop herself.
She had crossed the room without even realizing it, drawn by some inexplicable need to intervene. Both heads turned toward her in surprise. Up close, Ryan was even more striking.
Warm hazel eyes widened in shock, showing a strong jawline and the kind of face that looked like it was more accustomed to smiling than the grimace it currently wore. Vanessa’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows arched.
“I’m sorry, who are you?”
Sophia felt her confidence waver for a moment but pushed through.
“Someone who couldn’t help but notice this gentleman seems uncomfortable. Maybe you should respect his wishes and move along.”
“This is a private conversation,” Vanessa said.
“Ryan and I have history.”
“History being the operative word,” Sophia replied, surprised by her own boldness.
“From what I can see, he’s trying to keep it in the past.”,
Ryan’s expression had transformed from discomfort to something like awe. His lips quirked into a smile that made Sophia’s heart do an unexpected little flip. Vanessa’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Someone who doesn’t understand the concept of personal boundaries, apparently,” Sophia answered, maintaining eye contact despite her racing pulse.
The blonde’s face contorted with rage for a split second before she regained her composure.
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” she said coolly.
Then she turned to Ryan.
“Call me when your guard dog isn’t around.”
With that, she spun on her heel and stalked away, her crimson dress swishing as she disappeared into the crowd. An awkward silence fell between them. Sophia suddenly realized the audacity of what she’d done, interfering in a stranger’s personal life at a professional event.
“I am so sorry,” she said, mortification washing over her.
“I don’t usually insert myself into other people’s business, but she seemed like a shark that smelled blood.”,
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Ryan supplied, his voice deep and warm.
“In fact, I should be thanking you.”
He extended his hand.
“Ryan Grayson.”
“Sophia Green,” she replied, taking his hand.
His grip was firm but gentle, sending an unexpected tingle up her arm.
“Can I buy you a drink, Sophia Green, as a token of my gratitude for the rescue mission?”
She smiled, relaxing slightly.
“I suppose that would be acceptable, though for the record, I don’t make a habit of rescuing handsome strangers.”
“And I don’t make a habit of needing rescue,” he said, signaling the bartender.
“But I’m glad you made an exception tonight.”
As Ryan ordered their drinks, a gin and tonic for her after she specified her preference, Sophia took the opportunity to study him more carefully.
His navy suit was impeccably tailored, suggesting money but not flashy. His manner was confident but not arrogant. There was something about him that seemed both approachable and slightly guarded.
“So, what brings you to the Pennsylvania Business Alliance Mixer?” he asked, handing her the drink.,
“I don’t think I’ve seen you at one of these before.”
“My friend dragged me here. I own an event planning company, Green Light Events, and she thought I could drum up some corporate clients.”
Sophia took a sip of her drink.
“Though I’ve spent most of the evening hiding in corners and making small talk about the appetizers.”
Ryan laughed, a genuine sound that made his eyes crinkle at the corners.
“Not a fan of networking?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only to a fellow networking-phobe,” he said conspiratorially.
“I’ve just gotten better at faking it over the years.”
“And what is it that you do, Ryan Grayson, when you’re not being harassed by women in red dresses?”
A flicker of something, hesitation, crossed his face before he answered.
“I work in renewable energy. Nothing terribly exciting.”
“Saving the planet sounds pretty exciting to me,” Sophia countered.
Before Ryan could respond, a man in a charcoal suit approached them, nodding deferentially at Ryan.
“Sorry to interrupt, sir, but Thompson is looking for you. The Singapore call.”,
Ryan’s expression shifted subtly into something more professional.
“Thank you, James. Tell him I’ll be there in five minutes.”
The man nodded again and retreated. Sophia raised an eyebrow.
“Sir?”
Ryan looked slightly uncomfortable.
“Just workplace formalities. Listen, I hate to cut this short, but duty calls.”
“Of course,” Sophia said, though she couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment.
Ryan pulled out his phone.
“I’d like to continue our conversation, though. Maybe over dinner sometime?”
Sophia hesitated. He was attractive and seemed nice enough, but he was still a stranger. Plus, something about the exchange with his colleague nagged at her.
“I promise I’m not usually the kind of guy who needs rescuing from ex-girlfriends,” he added with a self-deprecating smile.
“Vanessa is an exceptional case.”
His frankness won her over.
“Okay,” she said, taking his phone and entering her number.
“But you should know I have a strict policy against dating clients, so if you’re thinking of hiring my company…”
“Duly noted,” Ryan said, his smile widening.
“I’ll call you soon, Sophia Green.”
As she watched him walk away, cutting an impressive figure through the crowd as people seemed to instinctively make way for him, Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Ryan Grayson than met the eye.
