#41 “She Changed the Contract.”
Emily paced nervously outside Alexander’s office. He had called his lawyer Steven. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but she was definitely going to do her best to find out what was going on. The moment the lawyer came out of the office, Emily headed straight for him.
“Steven, may I have a moment of your time?” Emily asked, her tone polite but with a hint of urgency. Steven hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting between Emily and Alexander’s closed office door. “Of course, Emily. What can I help you with?”
Emily motioned toward a nearby quiet corner, away from prying ears. “Let’s talk over there, away from any potential eavesdroppers.”
They moved to a more discreet spot, and Emily got straight to the point.
“I’ll be forward. I know you know Sophia Johnson is Alexander’s ex-wife, “Emily stated firmly, her eyes fixed on Steven. Steven, caught off guard, attempted to feign surprise, but Emily’s unyielding expression didn’t waver.
“I remember when you met Sophia at Bistro 45, and I’m sure while you were sorting out their divorce papers, it became abundantly clear to you who she was.”
As the weight of Emily’s words settled in, Steven swallowed nervously, beads of perspiration forming on his forehead. It was all Emily needed to confirm that he indeed knew Sophia’s true identity.
“You see, Steven, I have a way of making people talk. Now, spill the truth, and maybe, just maybe, things won’t get too messy for you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Steven stammered. Emily leaned in closer, her eyes fixed on him, her voice low and threatening. “Steven, I’ve done my homework. I know about the secret deals you’ve been making under the table, the hidden accounts, and the offshore transactions. Do you really think your little escapades would remain hidden forever?”
Steven’s face paled as he realized that Emily had information that could not only ruin his career but also land him in jail. He swallowed hard, the fear evident in his s eyes.
His voice shaking as he finally cracked under Emily’s pressure. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, defeated. “Yes, I knew. Sophia is Alexander’s ex-wife. She changed the divorce agreement.”
Emily’s eyes gleamed with triumph as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. She had the leverage she needed, a potent weapon against Sophia. With this newfound information, she began to devise a plan to confront Sophia and win back Alexander, determined to use this knowledge to her advantage.
Emily smirked, satisfied with the information she had extracted. “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Now, tell me how Sophia modified the divorce papers.”
“It appears that Sophia modified the divorce agreement,” Steven revealed. ” She intends to take half of Alexander’s subsidiary’s shares.”
Emily’s frown deepened, and her eyes bore into Steven as she decided it was time to press the lawyer for more information.
“What was your meeting with Alexander about?” she asked. Steven hesitated for a moment, realizing that Emily was not one to be trifled with. He sighed, his shoulders slumping, and finally relented. ” Alright, Emily,” he conceded, “but this information is strictly confidential.”
“I can assure you, Steven,” Emily retorted, her tone firm, “your personal matters won’t remain private if you don’t start talking.”
Under the weight of her threat, Steven sighed again and began to divulge the details. “Well, Alexander wants to halt the transfer of his funds from William’s Bank. He asked me to find a more reliable banking partner.”
The shock of this revelation caused Emily to inadvertently raise her voice.” What?”
Realizing that she had attracted the attention of everyone in the office, Emily quickly lowered her tone, her voice a hiss. “He wants to sever all ties with my family?”
Steven nodded, maintaining his composure even as Emily’s anger flared. “At least with their business, yes,” he confirmed.
Emily couldn’t believe how easily Alexander was willing to cut her family off because of some scandal. Her initial shock quickly transformed into simmering anger as she considered the implications.
It was all because of that woman, Sophia. Emily wasn’t about to let this situation stand. She turned to Steven, her smile now malevolent.
“Don’t tell Alexander that his ex-wife is Sophia,” she instructed, her voice dripping with determination. “And I want you to deliver a message to him, but under no circumstances mention that we spoke.”
As reluctant as Steven was to participate in such schemes, the fear of repercussions forced him to comply. He knew that Emily’s influence and determination were not to be underestimated, and he had just become entangled in a web of secrets and deceit that he couldn’t easily escape.
*
In the sprawling, glass-walled office of Stone Enterprise, Alexander sat at his desk, his face etched with worry. The weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders, and he had been trying to bury himself in work to escape his turbulent thoughts about Sophia. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the hum of the city beyond the windows.
Suddenly, the door swung open, Steven, the lawyer, walked in again and with a solemn expression. Alexander looked up, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption.
“What is it, Steven?” Alexander asked, his voice tinged with impatience.
Steven took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. “Alexander, there’s something you need to know,” he began, his tone grave. Alexander leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Steven. “Go on.”
“Sophia was the person who helped your ex-wife take away half of the subsidiary’s shares. She changed the contract.
Alexander’s eyes widened in shock, and his heart raced as he tried to process the gravity of the revelation. “What? Are you sure?”
Steven nodded solemnly. “I’ve found evidence of Sophia’s interactions with your ex-wife. It appears she approached you with the intention of manipulating you and benefiting from it.”
Alexander’s mind raced as he recalled the moments he had shared with Sophia. He had always believed in her and now, the possibility of betrayal hung heavily in the air.
“This can’t be true,” he muttered, shaking his head in denial.
But Emily, who had been waiting in the shadows, stepped forward with a determined look in her eyes. “If you don’t believe it, Alexander, then go talk to Sophia in person. Confront her with the evidence and see for yourself.”
Alexander hesitated, torn between disbelief and the need for answers. The office seemed to close in around him as he grappled with the shocking revelation.
