Chapter 12

#12 “Do You Think He’ll Hold A Grudge?”

Alexander, unable to resist the temptation, approaches Sophia and Evelyn at the café patio. With a half- joking, half-intimidating tone, he addresses them.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the two ladies discussing their disdain for a certain someone,” Alexander remarks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Evelyn, wasn’t it? I must say, I’m quite intrigued by your strong opinions about this ‘egotistical, arrogant, money-hungry man.”

Evelyn’s eyes widen as she recognizes Alexander. She stammers, “Oh… uh… Mr. Stone, I didn’t realize it was you. It was all in good fun, you know, just venting with Sophia here.”

Sophia, maintaining her composure, leans back in her chair and smirks.

“You should be flattered, Alexander. I am sure you know that Evelyn’s father owns a bank that heavily relies on Stone Enterprises. I’m sure he’d be interested to hear your reaction to his daughter’s colorful assessment of men. Alexander chuckles, his gaze alternating between Sophia and Evelyn.

“Is that so? Well, Evelyn, I hope your father has a good sense of humor. I’ll make sure to remember your spirited remarks. Who knows, it might spice up our business negotiations in the future.

“Mr. Stone, please, it was just a casual conversation. I didn’t mean any harm.” Evelyn’s face turns beet red as she tries to play down the situation. Alexander leans in closer, his tone shifting to a more serious but still playful one.

“Oh, I know, Evelyn. No need to worry. I always appreciate the honest feedback, even if it comes with a touch of colorful language. Just remember, though, words have a way of lingering in one’s memory.”

Sophia can’t help but chuckle at the exchange, finding it both amusing and surreal.

“Well, Alexander, it seems we have a mutual understanding now. Perhaps it’s best for us to leave it at that and focus on our respective endeavors.” Alexander straightens up, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

“Agreed, Sophia. Let’s keep our interactions strictly professional. I have no intention of letting personal history cloud our business relationship. But being the gentleman I am, I would like to offer you, ladies, a ride to wherever you may be going.”

Sophia raises an eyebrow, exchanging a quick glance with Evelyn before responding, “I think we are okay, Mr. Stone.”

Alexander’s expression turns slightly colder as he replies curtly, “Fine.”

Tipping his imaginary hat, he swiftly jogs off, leaving Sophia and Evelyn to process the encounter. They sit there, bewildered, their gazes following his departure as they silently contemplate the unexpected turn of events.

Evelyn breaks the silence, whispering to Sophia, her voice filled with awe.

“Wow, that was intense. I can’t believe I had a face-to-face encounter with him. Honestly, I’m surprised at how gentlemanly he was. Do you think he’ll hold a grudge?”

Sophia raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Evelyn’s concern.

“What do you mean, hold a grudge?” she questions. Evelyn’s anxiety becomes apparent as she explains, “Like, do you think he will tell my dad? Stone Enterprises is one of my dad’s bank’s biggest clients. They heavily depend on that business.”

Sophia ponders for a moment before confidently responding.

“Alexander loves money. Telling your father might cost him money, so I highly doubt he will be so petty as to hold a grudge.”

Evelyn nods in agreement, a sense of relief washing over her. “True,” she concedes, “but we have to talk about the fact that he does not have the slightest idea that YOU are his ex-wife. How is that even possible?”

Sophia’s gaze drifts off momentarily, lost in memories. “I never saw him,” she admits.

“Never?” Evelyn asks incredulously. Sophia shakes her head. “Never. It was a marriage on paper only.”

A mischievous smile plays on Evelyn’s lips as she continues, “You know what else is weird?” Curious, Sophia leans in and asks, ” What?”

Evelyn lowers her voice, her with amusement. eyes filled “I just saw him walk into that building down the street. You and your ex- husband live on the same block.”

Sophia’s heart skips a beat as a mix of emotions washes over her. She turns to look at the building Evelyn is pointing at, her mind racing.

“I think,” Evelyn leans in closer, whispering conspiratorially, “this is the universe’s way of trying to get the two of you back together. I’m betting you and him will be kissy-kissy before too long.”

Sophia bursts into laughter, realizing that Evelyn is poking fun at the situation. She playfully nudges her friend and replies, “Oh please, as if that would ever happen. The universe has a twisted sense of humor, but I’m not falling for it.”

*

Later that afternoon, Sophia is immersed in her office work, the warm sunlight streaming through the window. Her cell phone buzzes, and she answers cheerfully upon seeing Evelyn’s name on the screen.

“Hi, Love!” Sophia greets her friend.

“No, no happiness,” Evelyn’s voice responds frantically, filled with concern.

“What’s wrong?” Sophia inquires, her voice laced with worry.

“I just got off the phone with my father. Alexander is going to withdraw all his company’s deposits from the bank. Do you know what that means, Sophia?” Evelyn’s voice trembles with tears. “It means that it might possibly cause the bankruptcy of his bank!”

Sophia’s heart sinks as she comprehends the gravity of the situation. How could he do this? “Hold on, let me call Alexander at his office.” Her mind races with questions, but she focuses on comforting Evelyn.

Sophia swiftly dials Alexander’s number from her office phone, her anxiety growing with each unanswered ring. It goes directly to voicemail. She tries again, but Alexander once again sends her to voicemail.

“This is my fault, Evelyn. I’ll go over there and speak to him directly,” Sophia declares, determination in her voice, as she starts making her way toward the elevator.

“I’ll meet you there,” Evelyn responds, her voice still shaky. Both women arrive at Stone Enterprises in record time. Evelyn’s tear -stained face and Sophia’s guilt-ridden expression display the weight of the situation as they approach the receptionist’s desk.

“Excuse me; we need to see Alexander Stone,” Evelyn pleads, her voice trembling. The receptionist raises an eyebrow, Mr. Stone does not have appointments today,” she informs them.

Sophia insists, “Please, can you tell him that Ms. Sophia Johnson and Ms. Evelyn Crimms are here to see him? I’m sure he will see us.

The receptionist’s expression softens slightly, sensing the urgency in Sophia’s plea. She nods and heads towards Alexander’s office. Sophia turns to Evelyn, offering a reassuring smile. “I’ll take care of this, I promise,” she assures her best friend. Moments later, the receptionist returns with a somber expression.

“I’m sorry, but Mr. Stone does not wish to see either of you. He has asked me to tell you to leave immediately.”