#145 “People Like Alexander don’t Change Overnight.”
Sophia was back in full force in her office. Now that everything Megan had done was out in the open, Sophia personally watched the process, ensuring Megan got what she deserved.
The judges’ decision was still awaited, but Megan’s company was broken up and taken away.
Sophia had arranged a meeting today with Benjamin to explain to him in detail. Their plan had succeeded, and Sophia was impatient to give him the news.
When Benjamin showed up for lunch, he brought a steaming cup of coffee and a box of freshly baked donuts from the nearby bakery, the rich aroma filling the room.
“There was no need,” Sophia replied with a warm smile.
She invited him to sit down, and as they settled into plush chairs, she began to share the intricate details of how Alexander played a crucial role in making their plan work. Benjamin listened intently, but his face remained unreadable.
“Well, that’s it,” Sophia finished. “Now you and Michael will take part in her company. Isn’t that great news?”
“Yes, but there is already a new player in the plan that we haven’t discussed,” Benjamin replied.
“Are you talking about Alexander?” Sophia asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.
“Yes, things turned out well for him too. Now that Megan is out of control of the company, not only do Michael and I have a stake, but so does he,” Benjamin said, his tone carrying a touch of accusation.
“Why not, after all, it’s because of him that we have the information with which we were able to unearth it,” replied Sophia.
Benjamin leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
“And let me guess Sophie, he told you he did all this for you?”
“Yes, because he did it for me,” Sophia replied, slightly irritated by his tone.
“Very calculating on Alexander’s part; he gets a share of Meghan’s company and comes out a hero in your eyes.”
“What are you trying to tell me, Benjamin? I hate rambling.”
“Alexander has been an unscrupulous businessman for years, Sophia. He doesn’t just do things like that. He is calculating and cunning. I don’t think he did all this for you; I think he’s just pinning you on his side.”
Sophia was shocked by Benjamin’s accusation against Alexander.
“He’s not like that at all, Benjamin. It is true that he is a good businessman, but I am sure that his intentions are good.”
Benjamin shook his head, “This is not just business. Alexander played his own game, and I don’t think it’s all for your benefit. He’s not the hero you’re painting him to be.”
Sophia’s frustration grew. “You don’t understand him, Benjamin. There’s more to Alexander than his business persona. He has a soft side.”
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “People like him don’t change. He must have something in it for himself. You might be blinding yourself to the truth.
Sophia, firm in her stance, declared, “I trust him, Benjamin. He’s not just in it for personal gain. There’s a complexity to him that you’re not seeing.”
Benjamin sighed, unconvinced, “Be careful, Sophia. Business and personal feelings don’t always align. Alexander might have his own motives.”
Despite Benjamin’s warning, Sophia remained steadfast in her trust in Alexander.
As Sophia and Benjamin continued their conversation, the tension in the room escalated. Sophia’s patience wore thin as Benjamin continued to question Alexander’s motives.
“I understand your concerns, Benjamin, but you underestimate the connection between Alexander and me.
There’s more to him than meets the eye, and I believe he genuinely wanted to help,” Sophia asserted, her voice laced with frustration.
Benjamin, however, wasn’t backing down. “Sophia, you’re naive to think he did this solely for your benefit.”
Sophia’s eyes flashed with anger. ”
Naive? Benjamin, I know what I’m doing.”
Benjamin leaned forward, his own frustration evident. “You’re putting your faith in someone who plays the game better than anyone. There’s more at play here, Sophia, and you’re ignoring the warning signs.”
The air in the room crackled with tension as the two engaged in a verbal sparring match. Sophia, driven by loyalty and perhaps a touch of stubbornness, defended Alexander vehemently.
“I won’t let you undermine my decisions, Benjamin. Alexander has been there for me when I needed him, and I won’t turn my back on that,” Sophia declared, her tone sharp.
Benjamin’s expression hardened.” Fine, Sophia. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. People like Alexander don’t change overnight, and they always have an agenda.”
Sophia’s phone rang, shattering the tense atmosphere in the room. She glanced at the screen and saw Alexander’s name, prompting her to answer.
“Hello,” Alexander’s voice came through, a soothing melody that stirred a mixture of emotions in Sophia.
“Hello, Alex,” Sophia responded, a soft smile playing on her lips.
The use of the affectionate nickname didn’t go unnoticed by Benjamin, who arched an eyebrow in silent disapproval.
“How about I take you out on a date tonight?” Alexander proposed, his voice holding a charming warmth.
A surge of excitement rushed through Sophia, and her smile widened unintentionally. Benjamin, however, registered his discontent with a stern shake of his head. Sophia, momentarily lost in the moment, remained oblivious to his silent warnings.
“Sure, what time?” Sophia agreed, her attention fully on the call.
Without uttering a word, Benjamin abruptly exited the room, letting the door slam shut behind him. Sophia was left perplexed by his sudden departure, unsure of why he was reacting so strongly.
“I’ll pick you up at eight,” Alexander stated.
