#16 “This Really is A Peculiar Situation, Isn’t It?”
As Sophia stands in front of her apartment building, watching Alexander starting to walk into his, her heart jumps as he turns and looks directly at her. Frozen with whether or not to acknowledge him or ignore him, he decides for her.
“Sophia!” Alexander shouts, dodging cars like a player in his own version of Frogger to cross the busy street. When he finally reached her, Sophia couldn’t help but smile. “Mr. Stone, I had no idea we were neighbors,” she said, attempting a flirty laugh that came out more as an awkward chuckle.
“It would appear so,” Alexander replied, pulling out her green Gucci Marmont card case wallet from his suit pocket. “I believe this belongs to you. I found it at Bistro 45 last night. I was going to have it messengered over to you today, but this takes something off my to-do list.”
Alexander hands Sophia the wallet and turns to leave. Nervously, she places her hand on his shoulder, stopping him. Filled with anxiety, she musters the courage to ask, “Mr. Stone, I was hoping for just a quick moment of your time.”
Alexander turns and looks at her, his green eyes shining with a glint of gold in the morning sunshine. He nods, indicating for her to continue.
“Okay, well, um,” Sophia stammers, gathering her thoughts. “You are owed an apology. What my friend said was inexcusable, and I am so sorry. She didn’t mean any harm; she’s just… umm… feisty and protective. But honestly, on behalf of my best friend, I deeply apologize for her behavior.”
Taking a deep breath, Sophia raises her eyes to meet Alexander’s gaze. His face was impenetrable, and she anxiously awaited his response. Alexander locks eyes with her, and a gentle smile spreads across his tanned face.
“Well, isn’t this interesting,” he begins. “Just a few days ago, you treated me like I was the most despicable, vile person in the world, and now you’re practically begging me for forgiveness.”
Sophia’s mind raced. He wasn’t going to bend, and she realized she might have misjudged the situation.
With sarcasm dripping in his voice, Alexander continues, his smile unwavering. “This really is a peculiar situation, isn’t it, Ms. Johnson?”
Sophia’s grip tightens on the wallet in her hand, panic threatening to consume her. Maybe Mr. Mhyler hadn’t heeded her warning and had revealed her true identity to Alexander. “Look, I don’t know what Mr. Mhyler might have told you, but…”
Alexander cuts her off, his voice laced with superiority. “Ah, yes, Steven Mhyler. I must admit, I’m rather impressed by your wide range of network connections. Mr. Mhyler is a very influential lawyer, and most people must make an appointment with him months in advance. I’m frankly surprised you were even able to meet with MY lawyer,” he emphasizes the possessive “my.”
Relief washes over Sophia like a wave. If Steven had indeed disclosed her secret, this conversation would have taken a drastically different turn. But the relief quickly subsides as she notices the bitterness forming on Alexander’s face.
“The thing is, Ms. Johnson,” Alexander begins, his voice loaded with power, you need to understand that Steven is MY lawyer, and so he will do as I tell him. I have made my decisions on… matters… and those matters will hold.”
He pauses, his eyes narrowing. “What was it that Michael Corleone said? ‘It’s nothing personal; it’s strictly business.’” Sophia’s mind races as she considers Alexander’s response.
“Nothing personal?” she thinks, her brows furrowing. It became clear to her instantly that her investigation with Steven had angered Alexander, and he had no intention of sparing Evelyn’s father’s bank. The realization hardened her resolve.
Sensing Sophia’s unease, Alexander turns a warm smile toward her, hoping to convey his intentions. He takes a step closer, attempting to bridge the gap between them. But instead of returning the smile, Sophia takes a deliberate and exaggerated step backward, creating distance between them. Disappointment quickly clouds Alexander’s expression.
Refusing to let Alexander think he has gained the upper hand, Sophia locks eyes with him, her voice steady and measured.
“To me, Mr. Stone, my business is always personal, especially in this case, “she states firmly. “And I think you will agree, particularly when I begin to exploit some legal loopholes in the subsidiary StoneTech Solutions. Which, if I’m not mistaken, is Emily’s company.”
Alexander, taken aback by Sophia’s revelation, instinctively steps back. His anxiety seeping into his words. “What are you talking about? We closed all those loopholes.”
Sophia maintains her unwavering gaze, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. “Did we?” she asked, her voice dripping with confidence.
Noticing the shift in Alexander’s demeanor, Sophia feels a surge of satisfaction. She turns to leave, but she swiftly moves back towards him. Close enough that he can catch a whiff of the light, alluring fragrance of her Chanel Les Exclusifs Gardenia.
Sophia leans in, her eyes captivating as she whispers seductively, “You know, Mr. Stone, I love The Godfather too. But my favorite quote is spoken by Calo. Do you know which one that is? No?”
She paused, relishing in the moment. Calo says it, ‘Women are more dangerous than shotguns.””
With that final declaration, Sophia vanishes into a waiting cab, leaving Alexander alone on the bustling sidewalk, his thoughts in turmoil.
Sophia hurriedly rummages through her purse in the back of the cab, finally retrieving her phone. As she unlocks it, she notices an alarming number of missed calls from Evelyn.
Panic grips her heart, and she dials her friend’s number without wasting a second. Before Sophia could even utter a greeting, Evelyn’s voice erupts from the other end of the line, filled with desperation.
“Soph, it’s worse than we ever imagined! Alexander has unleashed havoc by sending a memo to all his employees, demanding immediate termination of the partnership with my father’s bank! Can you believe it? If he goes through with this, it will cause a catastrophic run on the bank. The consequences would be devastating- we’ll be left with insufficient cash reserves to maintain normal operations. It’s a sure path to bankruptcy!”
The anguish and tears in Evelyn’s words reverberate through the phone, jolting Sophia to the core. She knew she had to act swiftly to prevent this disaster from unfolding. Ideas whirl in her mind, desperately seeking a solution. Then, like a lightning bolt, inspiration strikes her.
“Evelyn, I might have a possible solution,” Sophia says, her voice brimming with newfound hope.
“I’m going to reach out to Benjamin Thompson. I have a feeling he’ll be able to help us out of this situation.”
