#14 “This Incident Ends Here.”
Before reaching the door, Sophia’s determined footsteps come to a halt. With a sense of urgency, she walks back to Steven, who curious smile. greets her with a “One more thing, Mr. Mhyler,” she says.
Steven leans in attentively. “Of course, go ahead.’
“It is crucial that you do not mention to Mr. Stone that we met today,” Sophia asserts, her eyes locked with Steven’s. ” And please, do not reveal my true identity to him. I am warning you it would be bad for everyone!”
Confused by her request, Steven raises an eyebrow. “Ms. Johnson, you are putting me in a very tricky situation.”
Sophia leans closer, her voice almost a whisper, “I realize that Mr. Mhyler, and I am sorry about that; however the best decision you can make is to stay silent.” “But, Ms. Johnson…”
Sophia cuts him off, “Steven, it is imperative that this stays between you and me. This is not a request.”
Uncomfortable with the demand, but realizing he does not have a choice. Steven relectuanly replies, “Your secret is safe with me.”
Sophia nods gratefully. She turns again towards the door, eager to leave. The once-crowded lobby of the restaurant has become even more packed with patrons, making it difficult to navigate. In her haste, she overlooks Alexander and Emily as they make their way through the crowd, their eyes fixed on her.
“What do you suppose she is doing here?” Emily whispers to Alexander, curiosity in her voice as they approach Steven.
Alexander, his gaze fixed on Sophia as she walks out the door, slows his steps and replies, “I have no idea. I am just as surprised as you are to see her.”
However, as realization dawns upon him, he abruptly stops, his expression shifting to comprehension. He knows precisely why Sophia Johnson was there.
Steven rises from his seat, his composure all business. He meets Alexander’s piercing gaze. Emily, caught in the crossfire, shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between the two men. “What in the hell were you doing here with Sophia Johnson?” Alexander angrily spits out.
Steven begins, his voice shaky,” Alexander, I understand your concerns, but I assure you it is nothing of urgency.”
Alexander’s anger shows no signs of abating as the trio takes their seats at the table. Alexander leans back in his chair, his arms crossed tightly. “I find it hard to believe that this was a mere casual discussion. There must be more to it.”
“I assure you, Mr. Stone, there is nothing more to it,” Steven says, trying to convenience himself as much as Alexander.
“The conversation revolved around the movement of funds from the Crimms’ bank to Emily’s, which, as I informed Ms. Johnson, cannot be reversed now. It was a brief and straightforward exchange.”
For a moment Steven considers telling Alexander the true identity of Sophia, but he quickly reconsiders. The fallout would have devastating consequences for not only Stone Enterprises, but for his own job as well. “Tell me, Steven,” Alexander’s voice drips with controlled anger.
“How can I not consider the meeting with Ms. Johnson as a breach of trust? In fact, as far as I can tell, it seems like an act of revealing insider information. It is completely unacceptable.”
Steven shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Alexander’s anger is palpable. Steven hesitates again for a moment, weighing his options. He knows the consequences of revealing the truth and the potential fallout it could bring. But he also recognizes Sophia’s plea for confidentiality.
With a calculated decision, Steven responds, “Alexander. I assure you there was nothing inappropriate or revealing about the conversation.”
Alexander’s gaze intensifies, searching for any signs of deception. Satisfied for now, he leans back in his chair, his tone resolute. “Very well. Just remember, Steven, I will not tolerate further involvement or communication with Ms. Johnson. This incident ends here.”
Steven nods, his expression neutral. He understands the severity of the situation and the weight of Alexander’s words.
“One more thing Steven,” Alexander continues. However, his wrath is starting to ease, “I want a letter drafted tonight to all employees of Stone Enterprises terminating all collaboration with Crimms’ bank. And be sure to CC the bank on it as well.”
*
Once Sophia reaches her apartment, she feels the weight of her meeting with Steven lingering in her mind. She sees Evelyn, seeking refuge from the storm brewing in her own life at home with her parents, perched on the plush couch, savoring the rich crimson liquid in her wine glass.
Turning her gaze towards Sophia, Evelyn’s eyes shimmer with both anxiety and curiosity. She’s eager to hear the details of the encounter with Steven, desperate for a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.
Joining Evelyn on the couch, Sophia pours herself a generous portion of wine. She releases a heavy sigh, allowing the tension to escape before venturing into the discussion.
“I’m almost afraid to ask how it went,” Evelyn ventures, her voice betraying her anticipation. Realizing that divulging the full extent of the conversation wouldn’t serve Evelyn well, Sophia decides to approach it cautiously, opting for a veil of ambiguity.
“Well, I met with Steven Mhyler, Alexander’s attorney, tonight,” Sophia begins, her words punctuated by the occasional sip from her glass. “I had him examine a contract that Alexander had signed.”
Unaware of the existence of a contract and delighted by Sophia’s legal insight, Evelyn leans forward, her curiosity piqued. “Contract? What contract? I had no idea there was anything like that.”
Sensing she may have unintentionally kindled a false flame of hope, Sophia swiftly attempts to amend her statement. “Actually, it’s more related to my divorce, but I thought maybe Steven could glean some insights into Alexander’s mindset from it.”
“And?” Evelyn presses eagerly, her eyes fixed on Sophia, searching for a trace of positive news.
“Well, it’s a mixed bag,” Sophia responds, her voice carefully crafted to balance reassurance and concern. “But rest assured Evelyn, I will find a way to help you. I’m confident in my abilities.”
Observing Evelyn’s expression shift from apprehension to relief, Sophia conceals her own mounting anxiety. Though her heart is heavy with worry, she refuses to burden Evelyn with her fears.
“You truly are the best friend one could ask for, Sophia,” Evelyn exclaims. She embraces Sophia tightly, “Thank you for everything. Now I think I am going to take a hot bath and go to sleep.”
Sophia watches Evelyn disappear down the hallway, her mind still consumed by the weight of the situation. She takes another sip of her wine, trying to steady her thoughts.
Alone in the living room, Sophia contemplates her next move. The meeting with Steven had not delivered the desired result, leaving her feeling even more committed to finding a solution. She reaches for her laptop, ready to dive into research and devise a plan that could potentially save Evelyn’s father’s company.
As the soft glow of the screen illuminates her face, Sophia becomes engrossed in the world of financial transactions, corporate strategies, and legal loopholes. Hours pass, marked only by the occasional click of her mouse and the keyboard tapping. Determined to help her best friend, Sophia knows she must devise a plan, but she has to be careful and not make things worse.
