Chapter 52

#52 “Do You Like Him?”

In the evening, Sophia and Evelyn burst into fits of laughter during the movie marathon they had meticulously organized. Sophia couldn’t help but realize that she hadn’t enjoyed herself this much in a long time.

They had expertly mixed up some delightful Sex on the Beach cocktails and decided to engage in a game of truth or dare. After all, the entire evening was meant to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscent of their teenage years.

As they lounged on the comfortable sofa, clinking their glasses together, Evelyn turned to Sophia with a sly grin. “What do you choose?” she inquired, taking a delicate sip of her fruity cocktail. Sophia contemplated for a moment before replying, “True.”

Evelyn’s eyes gleamed mischievously as she leaned in closer, raising her eyebrows playfully. “What’s going on between you and Alexander?” she asked, the curiosity evident in her expression. Sophia, feeling a sudden wave of hesitation, furrowed her brow and changed her choice. “Dare.”

Evelyn’s grin widened. “I dare you to answer my question.”

Sophia couldn’t help but emit a theatrical growl of annoyance, flopping dramatically onto the soft cushions strewn across the floor. “It was supposed to be an evening without work and men,” she lamented.

“Come on, I’m your best friend,” she cajoled. “I should know. Do you like him?”

Sophia sighed dramatically, playing up the suspense. “Well, let’s just say he’s a complicated book, and I’m not sure if I want to keep reading it.”

Evelyn burst into laughter. “That’s the most diplomatic answer I’ve ever heard. Sophia winked. “Gotta keep you on your toes, Evie. Now, it’s your turn. Truth or dare?”

Before Evelyn could respond, Sophia’s laptop emitted a soft, distinct beep, signaling the arrival of a new email. Sophia’s reflex was to reach for her laptop, but she quickly caught herself, reminded by the ambiance of the evening that tonight was meant for relaxation and reminiscing, not work.

Evelyn encouraged her with a smile. ” Go on, check your message. I’m finished with my cocktail anyway. I’ll whip up a new one for myself.”

Sophia hesitated for a moment but eventually gave in to curiosity. She retrieved her laptop from the nearby table and opened the email, only to find it was from an anonymous sender.

The message contained intricate details about Enlighten Press, a newspaper under the umbrella of Horizon Media Holdings. Megan Sterling, a member of the Sterling family, was the CEO of Enlighten Press, and her family held ownership of Horizon Media Holdings as well.

Sophia’s eyes carefully traced the email’s contents, absorbing the intricacies of the challenge that lay ahead. Enlighten Press, nestled under the vast umbrella of Horizon Media Holdings, wasn’t just any newspaper; it held a significant stake in the media world.

The email detailed the intricate web of relationships, corporate structures, and potential obstacles she might encounter in any dealings with Enlighten Press. Megan Sterling’s reputation as a shrewd and formidable leader in the media industry was not to be underestimated. Sophia understood that the challenges ahead were significant, but she had never been one to back down from a daunting task.

As she continued to pore over the email, Sophia couldn’t help but let her mind wander to the anonymous sender. It was clear that Alexander hadn’t resigned himself to the idea of their relationship disintegrating without a fight. The information provided was not just a random act of goodwill; it was a calculated move aimed at drawing Sophia back.

Sophia’s determination to clear her name and seek justice remained unshaken, even in the face of the complicated situation with Enlighten Press. She knew she had to fight for what was right, no matter the cost.

Just as she was deep in thought, Evelyn walked in carrying drinks. Sophia looked up.

“Well, I choose dare,” Evelyn declared, placing the drinks on the table. Sophia couldn’t help but smile and closed her laptop.She would deal with it tomorrow.

On the next day, Sophia had planned to have lunch with Benjamin. They met at a cozy, dimly lit restaurant in the heart of the city, the soft jazz music in the background setting the mood for their conversation.

As they settled into their seats, sipping on glasses of red wine, Benjamin leaned in and mentioned a significant development.

“Sophia, I wanted to talk to you about something,” he began, his voice low and confidential. “Williams Bank is holding an asset auction in half a month, and I’m planning to acquire some valuable assets. I was wondering if you could help me review the relevant materials.”

Sophia nodded, her interest piqued. “Of course, Benjamin. I’d be happy to assist you with that.”

Their conversation then shifted to a topic that had been on Benjamin’s mind. “By the way, I took a look at the information about Enlighten Press that you sent me,” he said. “It seems like they’ve covered their tracks quite well. Seeking revenge against them might prove to be difficult.”

Sophia couldn’t help but feel a twinge of frustration at the mention of Enlighten Press. She had been working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind their actions, and the thought of them eluding justice irked her.

“Also, another interesting thing about them struck me,” Benjamin continued. “As of today, Horizon Media Holdings’ shares are going down.”

Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise. ” What?”

“I assumed you didn’t know about it,” Benjamin remarked. “From when we found out they are behind the scandal with you, their company has suffered some serious blows.”

Sophia’s mind raced, connecting the dots. It all made sense now. Alexander’s involvement in dismantling the reputation of Horizon Media Holdings seemed apparent, and it left her conflicted.

She had repeatedly told him she could handle her own battles, and yet, he continued to interfere in her life.

“Thanks for telling me, Benjamin,” Sophia replied thoughtfully, her gaze distant as she processed this new information. “I’ll see what I’ll do with this information.”

With that, they shifted their conversation back to more casual topics. Soon after the lunch, Sophia returned to her office, her thoughts still consumed by the recent revelations about Horizon Media Holdings.

As she entered, she found Michael waiting for her. It had been a while since they had seen each other, not since the incident at the police station.

“Hello, dear Sophia,” and offered a friendly smile. Sophia reciprocated with a smile of her own. “I haven’t seen you in a long time, she replied, her tone friendly and welcoming. “How are you?”

Michael’s initial warm smile faded into a darker expression as he responded to Sophia’s inquiry about his well-being.

“I’m sorry we haven’t met since the police station; I’ve had so many problems on my mind,”

Sophia furrowed her brow. “What problems?” she asked, genuinely curious. Michael’s tone turned somber as he explained, “Alexander didn’t stop meddling in my business. He’s trying to appropriate it.”

Sophia’s eyes widened in astonishment. The revelation that Alexander was actively targeting Michael’s business left her taken aback.

“Are you sure?” Sophia asked suspiciously. Michael nodded, “Yes, that’s why I didn’t have time to come see you. The constant attacks from his side left me no time even to sleep.”

Sophia fell silent, her thoughts churning. It all seemed so strange to her. While she didn’t doubt Michael’s sincerity, the notion of Alexander targeting his own half-brother’s business was perplexing.

Alexander did not act like that. True, he had a lot of power and that was within his means, but if he wanted to take Michael’s business, he would have done it a long time ago. Why now, Sophia wondered.

Then, Michael broached another topic, his gaze locked onto hers. “I also wanted to ask you something else,” he began. “Is it true that you are Alexander’s ex-wife?”