#120 “Besides, She Played the Sophia Card.”
At this point, Kyle’s smile fades.
“How did you…Alright, spill it, Alexander. How the hell did you know about me and Evelyn?” Kyle’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Alexander, leaning back in his chair, gave a nonchalant shrug. “Oh, you know, secrets have a way of floating around. Evelyn approached me recently, and had some questions about you.”
“About me? What kind of questions?” Kyle asked angrily. Alexander smirked. “The usual stuff. She wanted to dig into your mysterious side and find out what makes Kyle tick. I figured, why not help a friend?”
Kyle’s surprise was evident. “Evelyn approached you for info about me?
Since when are you two buddy-buddy?”
Alexander chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. “Buddy-buddy might be a stretch, but we’re not exactly enemies. Besides, she played the Sophia card.”
“The Sophia card?” Kyle raised an eyebrow. “What does that even mean?”
Alexander leaned in, his voice lowered. “She told me that if I didn’t tell her something that would work for her, she would say terrible things about me to Sophia, and right now, as you know, Sophia and I are not on the best of terms. I didn’t need another one to complicate the situation.”
Kyle’s eyes widened. “And you just spilled everything about…?”
Alexander chuckled. “Well, you did advise me once to ‘build a good rapport with people in her circle.’ Seemed like a good opportunity to follow your advice.
Kyle shook his head, disbelief written on his face. “I never meant you should tell everything about my life, especially to Evelyn.”
Alexander leaned back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Details, details. Besides, I didn’t spill any of your dark secrets, if that’s what you’re worried about. I just said you were the one who saved her. Now you are a hero. I said nothing more, and that seemed to be enough for her.”
Kyle, still trying to process the unexpected turn of events, muttered, So you were the one who told her this. You shouldn’t have now she is more curious than ever.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Well, Kyle, maybe is time for you to tell her who you really is.”
“Alright, Alexander, enough about the soap opera drama. Let’s talk about the real deal,” Kyle said, getting straight to the point.
Alexander nodded, his expression serious. “Hit me with it. What’s going on with the plan?”
Kyle sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not going as smoothly as we thought. Megan’s proving to be more cautious than I anticipated. Getting access to the core secrets of the company is turning out to be a bit tricky.”
Alexander leaned in, the gravity of the situation reflected in his eyes. “What’s causing the hiccup?”
Kyle glanced around, ensuring their conversation remained private. “She’s just being more vigilant, digging her heels in. I haven’t found the right angle to get close enough to the juicy stuff.”
Alexander rubbed his temples, contemplating their next move. “We can’t rush this, Kyle. Patience is key. We need to find a way to get Megan to trust you more, maybe even confide in you. It’s the only way you’ll get access to what we need.”
“I know, I know. But time is of the essence. The longer this drags on, the more risk we’re exposed to.”
Alexander shook his head. “Look, Kyle, we knew this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. Megan’s no pushover. We have to play the long game, gain her trust, and then strike when the time is right.”
*
In the expansive office of Leland, the walls adorned with framed accolades and family portraits, the atmosphere crackled with tension as Megan and her father found themselves in the midst of a fervent discussion.
Leland’s words were laced with caution as he spoke, “Megan, you need to be careful with Alexander.”
Megan rolled her eyes, dismissing her father’s concerns. “Dad, you’re being paranoid. Alexander and I are collaborating for the benefit of the business. It’s a strategic move.”
Leland, however, wasn’t easily swayed. “Strategic move or not, Megan, he’s a shrewd businessman. Don’t let your guard down. He might have his own agenda.”
Megan leaned forward, frustration evident in her voice. “Dad, you’re always so skeptical. Alexander has been nothing but professional in our dealings. This collaboration could elevate our industry standing.”
Leland, unyielding, shot her a stern look. “Naivety won’t get you far in the business world, Megan. You need to see beyond the surface. Alexander may seem charming, but there’s more to him than meets the eye.”
Megan, growing defensive, retorted, ” You never give anyone a chance, Dad. Always assuming the worst. I know what I’m doing, and I can handle myself.”
Leland’s tone turned harsh as he belittled Megan, “Handle yourself? Megan, you need to wake up. You’ll never measure up to your brother, and you’ll never inherit the industry. You’re too trusting, too soft.”
The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of Leland’s words lingered. Megan, torn between defiance and hurt, clenched her fists.
