Chapter 2

2 “Let’s See What She Can Do.”

Three days had elapsed since Alexander Stone had dispatched Charles to deliver the divorce papers.

He paced back and forth within the confines of his opulent corner office, boasting a panoramic view of the city skyline.

He was waiting for a consequence. And he was not surprised to get the result he expected.

He knew that his soon-to-be ex-wife would sign the papers. He offered a very generous price for this transaction, far higher than what she has paid in this marriage, but of course, she is taking the full three days to finish this sham of a marriage.

A soft knock at the door preceded Laura’s entrance. Laura, a trusted employee who had taken on the role of Alexander’s secretary, held an envelope containing the divorce decree, laying it delicately on the polished surface of his desk.

“She signed and has moved out,” Laura announced simply, her tone carrying an air of finality.

“Of course. She should be.” Alexander replied.

“It’s about damn time,” Emily Williams, a Branch Manager for Stone Enterprise, breezed into the office, her long black hair trailing behind her like a curtain of shadows.

“You should have kicked her out of that house years ago.”

Emily was Alexander’s childhood friend. Their families had been business partners, so naturally, Emily and Alexander were also business partners. Alexander treated her as his little sister.

Meeting Emily’s gaze, Alexander frowned, “Emily, you know why things had to unfold this way.”

He has always been a man that whatever he wanted, no matter the cost. This marriage was a way for him to seize control of the family business, so he took it.

“Maybe,” Emily responded, “but she lived in your house and relied on you for support while offering nothing in return. It’s fantastic that you’ve finally put that chapter behind you!”

Alexander exhaled deeply, he leaned back in his luxurious chair.

“It’s all about the damn responsibilities. We all know the story. My grandfather was saved—whatever that means—by Sophia’s grandfather when they were just children. In return, my grandfather promised me to Sophia a transaction drenched in obligation.”

“A truly beautiful romance,” Emily scoffed with sarcasm. “Two star-crossed lovers who had never seen each other in their entire marriage.”

“Regardless of what it was, it’s done,” Alexander declared. “I have fulfilled my duty to my grandfather.”

The phone’s shrill ring pierced the air, jolting both Alexander and Emily from their conversation. Without hesitation, Alexander pressed the speaker button, allowing the urgency in the caller’s voice to flood the room.

“Mr. Stone, some emergency happened! Please turn on the television! Right now!” The voice on the other end delivered frantic instructions.

Alexander frowned, but he complied.

As the TV flickered to life, a news banner crawled across the bottom of the screen, spelling out a shocking headline: Wealthiest Man Secretly Divorces, Suspected of Having an Extramarital Affair.

Bewilderment etched themselves on Alexander’s face as he turned to Emily, searching for answers.

“What the hell is going on?” he demanded, “Who leaked the news of divorce to the damn press?”

Emily, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, could only offer a shrug, her tone lacking conviction.

“I have no idea,” she confessed. “But you know, people love to jump on these types of stories. Anyone could have leaked it.”

As tension thickened in the room, a forceful knock on the door shattered the silence, announcing the arrival of Steven Mhyler, one of Alexander’s trusted lawyers. His demeanor betrayed a sense of urgency as he hastily entered the room, his attention consumed by the news he was about to share.

“Ah, good, you are both here,” Steven declared, seemingly oblivious to the charged atmosphere that enveloped the office. His focus remained steadfast on the critical information he was about to divulge.

“I have news. I think you should take a seat.”

Alexander continued standing, now glaring at Steven.

“Just spit it out,” he commanded, could not hide the irritation in his voice.

After taking a deep breath Steven began, “I took a closer look at the modified terms and we have a few problems.”

“Modified? She modified it?” Alexander grabbed the paperwork from Steven’s hand with so much force that they almost rip.

“Take a look at amendment B. It states’ In the matter of the divorce proceedings between Mr. Alexander Stone and Mrs. Sophia Stone, it is hereby decreed that Mrs. Sophia Stone shall retain ownership and control of forty-five percent (45%) of the shares in the subsidiary company, hereinafter referred to as the “StoneTech Solutions” of Stone Enterprises.”

“StoneTech Solutions is mine. Alexander! It’s mine. If you don’t solve this problem, it is going to be taken over by someone else. Fix it,” A gasp catches in Emily’s throat. Emily demands as tears begin to well in her eyes.

“This woman! I gave her more than she was worth and she wants more?” Alex’s voice gradually became deep and husky, which is a typical sign when he gets furious.

“Fix this immediately, Steven!”

Under the intense gaze of the CEO, he broke out in a cold sweat.

Steven pipes up, “I think we have to discover a potential avenue to recoup your losses from the shares that Sophia stole in her modification. Time is of the essence. In order to do this, though, we must swiftly exploit a legal loophole.”

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. “Now,” he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. “Closing this loophole is far beyond my expertise. We will need to seek specialized assistance to navigate the complexities.”

Frustration welled up within Emily, her patience wearing thin. She let out an exasperated huff, unable to contain her dismay.

“You have to fix this, Alex,” Emily pleaded, her voice laced with urgency and a hint of desperation.

Alexander’s countenance turned increasingly bleak, the weight of the situation settling upon his shoulders.

“How do you expect me to fix it, Emily?” Suddenly, he was growing weary of her stupidity.

Laura, who had been silently observing the tense exchange, stepped forward with a calm determination, offering a suggestion that captured everyone’s attention.

“I might have an idea,” she stated, her voice steady and composed. “We could reach out to Ms.

Johnson.”

The mention of this mysterious figure caused Steven to shift uncomfortably in his seat, his unease palpable.

On the other hand, Emily rolled her eyes in disgust, clearly harboring reservations about involving Ms.

Johnson.

Alexander, however, locked his gaze onto Laura, his interest piqued.

Alexander turned his face to Laura, he probed further. “Johnson? From the Johnson and Associates Law Firm? Do you think she could possibly help us in this situation?”

Laura’s gaze met Alexander’s unwaveringly.

“I know there are mixed opinions about her by some in this room, but she has proven herself invaluable in the past when it comes to handling delicate matters for us before you took over the company. She possesses a unique skill set, and I happen to know that she has returned to town.”

Steven, unable to contain his apprehension, interjected with caution.

“Alexander, you weren’t here the last time she ‘helped out’ as Laura said. Just, be careful with your decision.”

Pausing to reflect, Alexander leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting from person to person in the room. He contemplated the potential risks and rewards that lay ahead.

Finally, with unwavering resolve, he spoke to the room, “Let’s see what she can do. Contact her at all costs.”