#57 “His Ex-girlfriend will be Here.”
Sophia had been meticulously preparing for the auction of the assets belonging to the Williams family enterprise for the past half month. On the morning before the event, she sat in her living room, poring over the documents one last time.
Each document had been scrutinized in great detail, with Sophia assessing their history and the associated financial records. Her aim was to determine which assets carried a higher level of risk and which ones had a strong legal foundation that could withstand potential disputes in court.
Throughout this period, Sophia had engaged in lengthy discussions with Benjamin. They had dedicated numerous hours to analyzing their options and potential strategies. After careful consideration, they had honed in on three assets that stood out as the most promising investments.
These assets appeared to carry manageable risks while promising substantial profits over time. It was a calculated strategy, and Sophia felt confident in their choices.
She was delighted at the opportunity to assist her friend in partaking in the division of the Williams family’s wealth, all while observing with satisfaction the downfall of this corrupt family.
She donned a simple yet elegant white Chanel vintage skirt suit for the occasion. Just as she was about to call Benjamin to inform him of her readiness, the doorbell chimed throughout her apartment. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by Benjamin’s wide, enthusiastic smile.
“Just in time,” Sophia replied, returning the warm smile.
“I wouldn’t want us to be late for the auction. Are you ready?”
“Yes, just to grab my bag,” Sophia responded before quickly retreating into her apartment. After a few minutes, they both returned to the waiting Lincoln stretch limousine, ready to head to the auction. Sophia looked at Benjamin in astonishment. He just smiled at her and opened the door for her to enter.
“You really didn’t have to go all out with the limo. We could have driven in our own cars,” Sophia commented.
“But why not indulge a dear friend?” Benjamin replied with a playful grin. Sophia chuckled and shifted the conversation to a more crucial topic.
You remember well what we discussed, don’t you? It is important to stick to the assets we have commented on.” she inquired. “Of course, Sophia,” he laughs. “Why are you worrying?”
“Because I know you’re impulsive and if you like something, nothing can stop you,” Sophia noted. “That’s exactly why I called you, to hold me back when I falter,” Benjamin admitted, giving Sophia a grateful smile.
Before long, they arrived at the auction venue. Benjamin and Sophia found their seats among the growing crowd of attendees. The auction venue was opulent, with crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow over the room, and elegantly dressed guests chatting in hushed tones.
As they settled in, they continued their conversation about the assets up for auction. Sophia spoke, her voice a low murmur amid the ambient sounds of the room. “From what I see on the program they gave us at the entrance, it seems that we’ll start with the material possessions of the Williams family and then move gradually to the more valuable ones.”
Benjamin nodded in agreement, his gaze scanning the room for familiar faces. “Yes, that’s what it looks like. But keep in mind, Alexander is also in the competition. The best-case scenario for us would be to secure two or three of these asset packages we planned.”
Sophia furrowed her brows slightly. “I understand that, but how strong is our competition? Do you think we can outbid Alexander?”
Benjamin leaned in closer and replied in a confidential tone. “It’s hard to say at this point. Alexander is a formidable opponent, and he’s not afraid to go all- in for the assets he wants. We’ll have to be strategic and make our moves carefully.”
Their discussion was interrupted by a small commotion in the room as more guests arrived. Benjamin took the opportunity to bring up another attendee of note. “By the way, Sophia, I heard that Megan Sterling, the CEO of Enlighten Press, is also expected to be here today.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Megan Sterling? Why would she be at an asset auction like this?”
Benjamin leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “Well, here’s the interesting part. Megan and Alexander used to be a couple back in college. They were considered the perfect match within their social circle. However, their relationship ended abruptly when Alexander was arranged to marry you.
Sophia found the situation rather amusing as she chuckled. Benjamin, curious about her reaction, inquired, ” What’s so interesting?”
She explained with a grin, “I think it’s funny that we’re at an auction to buy the assets of Alexander’s childhood friend, I’m his ex-wife, and his ex- girlfriend will be here.”
Benjamin joined in her laughter, and they shared a lighthearted moment. “I hadn’t thought about it. This is definitely an interesting event.”
While Sophia acknowledged the peculiarity of the situation, she didn’t feel particularly invested in Alexander’s private life. Her focus remained on the auction and helping Benjamin secure the assets they were interested in.
As their conversation concluded, Sophia’s attention was drawn to the entrance. She noticed the two figures Benjamin had mentioned, Alexander and Megan, walking in together. They made their way toward the row of seats where Sophia and Benjamin were seated.
Alexander and Megan exchanged pleasantries with Sophia and Benjamin. Alexander, with a polite smile, introduced Megan to both of them. ” Sophia, Benjamin, this is Megan Sterling, the CEO of Enlighten Press.”
Sophia nodded, acknowledging the introduction. “Nice to meet you, Megan.” Megan extended her hand with a friendly smile. “Likewise, Sophia. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
The atmosphere was cordial but tinged with an underlying tension, especially between Alexander and Benjamin, Their past history and the competitive nature of the auction seemed to cast a shadow over their interactions, despite the polite veneer they maintained. Especially since the last time when Alexander outbid Benjamin.
Sophia couldn’t help but find the situation ironic. She had a sneaking suspicion that Alexander had deliberately gotten close to Megan, just to annoy her, but deep down, she knew it was unlikely. Still, the coincidence was too much to ignore.
Megan couldn’t help but take a moment to observe Sophia. She had heard quite a bit about her, especially from Alexander, who had introduced her as his ex-wife. Megan had expected someone extraordinary, given the circumstances. However, her initial impression of Sophia was quite different.
Megan found Sophia undeniably pretty, but she didn’t strike her as someone extraordinary or particularly impressive.
When it came time to take their seats, Megan initially made a move to sit next to Sophia. However, Alexander subtly signaled for himself to take that spot, causing Megan to reluctantly move aside.
Benjamin, noticing the unspoken tension, leaned in and quietly suggested to Sophia, “Would you like to switch seats with me?”
Sophia considered it but decided against it. She didn’t want to create a scene or give in to any potential power plays. With a polite smile, she replied, No, it’s alright, Benjamin. I’m fine here.
Sophia realized that both individuals on either side of her were sitting unusually close, almost leaning against her. It felt uncomfortably intimate, and Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that this scene was all too familiar.
On the other hand, Megan couldn’t help but notice Alexander’s subtle leaning towards Sophia, and it infuriated her. She had hoped to sit closer to him, and the proximity between Alexander and Sophia was making her increasingly uncomfortable. The tension in the air was palpable, and Megan was growing more frustrated by the minute.
