**Chapter 4: "The Bitter Truth"**
Sophie dragged Emma into the bakery's back room, Ryan still lingering by the counter, looking amused.
"Okay, spill it - what revenge plan do you have?!" Emma asked, curiosity piqued.
Sophie grinned mischievously. "I was reading Ryan Thompson's blog comments...
and people are LOVING your sass towards him!
His followers are begging him to feature your bakery again - this time, in a romance storyline!"
Emma's eyes widened. "Romance storyline?! With him?!
Sophie nodded vigorously. "Yes! Apparently, his readers think you two have crazy chemistry.
He could propose a fake relationship feature - boosting both your bakery AND his blog!"
Emma's mind reeled. A fake romance with Ryan Thompson?
She peeked through the back room door - Ryan was now chatting with customers, charming them effortlessly.
Sophie whispered, "Think about it, Em - free publicity for Sweet Serendipity...
and maybe, just maybe, you'll discover Ryan isn't all bad"
Emma's heart skipped a beat at the possibility.
Just then, Ryan caught her eye through the doorway and raised an eyebrow, as if daring her to consider Sophie's idea.