Chapter 7: Let Him Come to Me

The woman rocked a black mini skirt, knee-high boots, and had her hair cascading to her shoulders. With a pricey bag slung over her shoulder, she looked every bit the rich lady.

She swung her legs, humming a tune, and casually pulled out a lady's cigarette from her bag. With a flick of her lighter, she lit it up.

Taking a drag, she finally got the restaurant owner's attention. "Our signature dish is roast beef. It's really good. And I'd also recommend the oysters."

She fiddled with her ring. "I'll take one of each, and throw in some beer too."

Sophia finished reading her text and couldn't help but notice the woman next to her.

The tables were super close, and the woman's hand rested on the table, her gemstone ring glowing a weird blue under the dim lights.

The woman seemed to be really into the ring, checking it out with a big smile.

Sophia stared at the ring, rubbing her head, trying to remember Matthew's wedding photo she'd seen before. 'I swear the ring on Bianca's left hand in that photo looked just like this one. And didn't Bianca's ring go missing after she died? Could this really be a coincidence?'

"Miss, your ring is gorgeous." Sophia stood up and slid into the seat next to the woman, showering her with compliments. "This ring totally matches your vibe, it must've cost a fortune."

The woman lifted her head proudly. "My boyfriend gave it to me. Of course, it's expensive."

She shot a glance at James beside her, raising her voice on purpose.

James was munching on roast beef, but the woman's weird look killed his appetite. He put down his fork, wiped his hands, and stood up.

Under the light, James's tall figure cast a shadow, and the woman looked up at him. Her face changed, and she quickly stood up. "Sir, I have an urgent matter and need to leave. I'll come back next time."

She tossed her cigarette butt on the ground and bolted.

Sophia watched the woman leave in surprise, then looked at James, narrowing her eyes. "Do you know her?"

James sat back down. "I arrested that woman before, and she was just released two days ago."

Sophia asked, curious, "What did she do?"

James replied flatly, "Prostitution."

Sophia was stunned for a moment, then asked, "So, you must know her pretty well, right?"

James turned around. "No."

"But you arrested her, you must know something." Sophia blinked eagerly. "Who's her boyfriend?"

James took a bite of roast beef, waving his fork. "I really don't know."

Sophia thought for a moment and then dashed out.

James noticed Sophia was gone and was puzzled, thinking, 'Did she really run off to chase that woman?'

James shook his head helplessly and stood up to follow.

Skylake District was an old neighborhood, a melting pot of people. On the surface, it seemed calm, but behind the scenes, there were countless fights, making it the area with the highest number of criminal cases each year.

Unaware of the danger, Sophia saw the woman leave and chased after her. She followed her into a dark alley, not realizing the risk.

At this moment, the woman in front stopped, turned around, and shot Sophia a hostile look.

"Miss, why are you following me? Am I that irresistible?" She laughed, lighting a cigarette, crossing her arms, and eyeing Sophia with interest.

Sophia caught her breath. "I need to ask you something. I hope you can help me out."

The woman blew out a puff of smoke, her expression hidden behind the swirling haze. Her voice was much calmer, "Go ahead."

Sophia asked, "I want to know who your boyfriend is, the one who gave you that ring?"

"I can't remember," the woman squinted. "I have so many boyfriends giving me gifts. If I remembered each one, wouldn't that be a hassle?"

Sophia got anxious. "This is really important to me. Please, just tell me."

The woman's tone turned serious, "Miss, it's best not to ask questions you shouldn't."

Sophia was a bit taken aback, thinking, 'I'm just asking about a person, and you won't tell me? So you know this ring has a shady origin? Then I definitely can't let you go.'

Sophia took a step forward, trying to get closer to the woman. Suddenly, two men appeared in front of her.

These guys were tall, with thick chains around their necks, looking fierce, and glaring at Sophia.

Sophia realized something was off and immediately stepped back, but another person blocked her way. The guy behind her was even taller, muscular, dressed in black, like the Grim Reaper.

"Trying to leave now? It's too late," the man behind her said sinisterly.

Sophia's scalp tingled as she thought, 'I'm just asking a question. How did it turn into such a mess?'

Just as Sophia was at a loss, the guy behind her dropped to the ground, kneeling.

James slowly walked over, glanced at the man on the ground, and coldly asked, "Too late for what?"

The man, furious, was about to fight back, but seeing James's face, he shrank back and quickly said, "It's very late, so I should go home and sleep."

"You should have gone home a long time ago." James walked straight to Sophia, stopping beside her, standing shoulder to shoulder. He glanced at the woman opposite, his voice loud, "What did you just say?"

The woman's face darkened. "Mr. Thomas, I haven't committed any crime. Can you treat me a bit gentler?"

James nodded, "Sure."

"But," James's tone changed, "shouldn't you cooperate a bit too?"

The woman quickly said, "I'll cooperate. I'll do whatever you want."

James glanced at Sophia beside him.

Sophia asked, "Who is the man who gave you the ring?"

The woman exhaled, "Mr. White."

Benjamin White was originally a thug.

He was exceedingly bold and lawless, frequently in and out of prison, with a record of over a hundred incarcerations according to statistics.

Due to his ruthless methods, Benjamin gathered some followers, engaged in shady businesses, made a lot of money, and became quite notorious in Skylake District.

Many people feared Benjamin, but James did not.

Upon hearing this name, James simply said, "Tell him to come find me tomorrow."