#15 “Where are We Regarding A Proposal?”
Once Alexander had made the directive about terminating all collaboration with Crimms, his mood appeared to lighten. However, Steven couldn’t shake off the unease that lingered within him.
“However, that is not the original reason I wanted to meet,” Alexander responded. “I have a new client I need you to meet with.”
Emily’s eyes darted towards the door, a playful smile spreading across her face. “They’re here!” she exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice.
As the couple approached the table, Alexander eagerly extended his hand and vigorously shook the man’s hand, his enthusiasm apparent. On the other hand, the woman let out a cheerful laugh and pulled Alexander into a warm embrace.
“Steven Mhyler, this is Daniel and Barbara Williams, Emily’s parents,” Alexander introduced a sense of dignity in his voice. The air filled with a flurry of greetings, hellos, and friendly handshakes, while everyone settled down at the table.
“What can I get you all to drink?” the waiter asked, breaking the pleasant buzz of excitement filling the air.
Once the wine arrived and Alexander offered a charming toast, the atmosphere shifted from casual chatter to the business at hand. Alexander wasted no time and dived straight into the heart of the meeting.
“Steven, as you know, we have withdrawn all our funds from Crimms International Bank and Savings,” Alexander stated. Steven nodded nervously, the memory of his conversation with Sophia just before Alexander’s arrival still fresh in his mind.
“Well, the next step is to move that money into Barbara’s bank,” Alexander continued, his gaze unwavering.
The Williams exchanged smiles, their appreciation evident, but Steven couldn’t shake off his growing concern. He knew better than to question Alexander, especially in front of other people, but the weight of apprehension continued to rise within him.
Sitting beside Alexander, Daniel reached over and patted him on the back. “Alex, you and your family have always been so good to us. To say we appreciate this is an understatement.”
Barbara nodded in agreement, her hand reaching out to grasp Alexander’s. “Yes, this will truly go a long way in supporting our plans. But,” she trailed off, her voice hinting at an underlying request.
Alexander raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to their gratitude. He was aware of the Williams’ inclination towards greed, but he had assumed that the substantial amount of money he invested would satisfy them.
“But?” Alexander prompted. Barbara took a moment, her eyes meeting Alexander’s. “We are going to need an additional investment to see our potential business proposal through,” she finally revealed, her tone laced with expectation.
Emily’s face flushed with embarrassment as she attempted to intervene. “Mom, Alexander has already made a significant investment. I think that-”
Before she could finish her sentence, Emily’s mother swiftly cut her off, her voice stern, “Emily, please do not speak on matters you do not understand.”
Silence fell upon the table, tension thickening as everyone awaited Alexander’s response.
“Of course, Mrs. Williams, anything you need,” Alexander responded smoothly, maintaining his composed demeanor. He glanced at Steven and continued, “Now, if you will excuse Steven and me for a few moments, I have some private matters to discuss with him.”
As Steven and Alexander left the table, Barbara shifted her full attention to her daughter. “Where are we regarding a proposal?” she asked. Her voice filled with more exasperation than concern.
Still feeling the sting of embarrassment from her parents’ behavior and scolding, Emily gibed in response. “We are nowhere, Mom. I told you that.”
Barbara’s tone grew more insistent.” Ridiculous, Emily. You’re an attractive woman; Alexander is divorced. I don’t see the issue. Are you even trying? I mean, look at your dress! There’s absolutely no cleavage showing. How will you ever seduce him if you dress like that?” She waved her hand dismissively as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Daniel, taking a gentler approach, interjected, “Emily, you know how important it is for you to get Alexander to propose to you. Maybe just try a little harder, smile more, and compliment him. Men love that. And even if you aren’t in love with him now, those emotions can grow over time.”
Emily looked up from the table, her eyes filled with tears of frustration. ” The thing is, I do love Alex. I love him madly. That’s not the issue.”
“Then what is it, darling?” Barbara inquired, genuinely curious.
“It’s you two,” Emily confessed, her voice wavering. “I can’t bear the way you act in front of him. You just received more money than any person could ever imagine, and what do you do? You ask for more.” Her words came out in a rush, tears starting to spill down her cheeks.
“Nonsense, Emily,” Barbara dismissed her daughter’s concerns with a wave. Alexander is a businessman. He understands that money makes the world go round. Plus, that amount of money is a drop in the ocean to him. Please, you’re being silly.”
“Alexander is not like that,” Emily asserted defiantly. She looked up and caught sight of Alexander and Steven walking back toward their table.
Quickly, she added, her voice filled with worry, “My concern is that the more you push for money, the less Alexander will want me.”
As the two men approached, Emily’s eyes pleaded for understanding from her parents, silently hoping they would change their ways for her relationship with Alexander. Steven and Alexander returned to their seats with smiles on their faces.
However, as Alexander pulled his chair out, he noticed a green Gucci Marmont card case wallet lying on the floor. His intuition immediately told him it belonged to Sophia. He swiftly picked it up, intending to return it to her the following day, and discreetly slipped it into his suit pocket.
With a warm smile, Alexander addressed the table, his voice filled with finality, “We are all officially off the clock. No more business tonight!”
*
Having barely slept, Sophia made sure to wake up before Evelyn. She wanted to be there for her best friend and offer as much comfort as possible. Sophia prepared her famous Nutella French Toast and had her coffee pot ready, waiting for Evelyn to emerge from the guest bedroom.
The room had a thick layer of anxiety as the two sat down for breakfast. It was evident that Evelyn had spent most of the night in tears.
“Evelyn, I truly believe we can find a way through this,” Sophia began, her voice filled with determination. “Look at us,” she continued, a twinkle of confidence in her eyes, “We are smart, sexy, badass bitches! There is nothing we can’t do!”
“Especially when it comes to some stupid man, right?” Evelyn laughed in agreement, a touch of relief breaking through her sadness.
“Right!” Sophia exclaimed, her smile growing wider. They clinked their coffee cups together, their spirits lifted as they enjoyed breakfast in a more relaxed atmosphere.
After Evelyn left for work, Sophia took a shower and prepared herself for the day ahead. Although she still felt worried, she decided to wear one of her Dolce & Gabbana Carretto-print poplin dresses. It was a small way to boost her confidence. She might not feel fantastic on the inside, but she damn sure looked incredible on the outside.
As she walked through the revolving door of her apartment building, the warmth of the sunshine brought a genuine smile to her face.
Contemplating whether she should take a leisurely walk to work to enjoy the beautiful weather, her gaze upon Alexander entering the fell apartment building directly across the street from her own.
