Chapter 7

7 “He’s Not Enough for You.”

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Alexander asked, visibly shifting so Emily’s head no longer rested on him.

Sophia took a deep breath, composing herself once more. Emotions had no place in her plans, and she reminded herself of the task at hand.

“Nothing,” Sophia replied calmly. “I think I’ll be heading home now.”

“Really?” Emily chimed in, her voice laced with fake concern. “The party is just getting started.”

“Umm, Emily,” Alexander interjected, “Why don’t you go back in? I’ll join you in just a moment.”

Emily glared at Alexander, clearly disgruntled, but obediently turned to leave. Sophia couldn’t help but watch as Alexander’s eyes followed Emily down the hallway.

Once Emily was out of earshot, Alexander turned his attention back to Sophia. “My family and Emily’s family have been close friends for many years. She’s very ambitious but naive. I brought her into my company after she graduated from the University of Chicago last year. It was a way to guide and protect her in this ruthless world.”

Sophia studied Alexander closely as he spoke. His explanation of their relationship might work on other women, but she knew better than to fall for his facade.

As Sophia glanced down the hallway and noticed Emily waiting and watching, she tried to stifle a giggle but failed.

Alexander believed he had successfully put Sophia at ease and joined in her laughter. “I’ll admit she’s a bit clingy, though. Come on, let’s get a drink.”

Nodding, Sophia allowed Alexander to escort her down the hallway. His hand rested gently on her lower back, and she chose not to brush it away. Upon reaching Emily, Sophia shook her hand once again.

“Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for your help in this matter. It means a lot to me, to both of us,” Emily remarked.

Sophia couldn’t help but notice the shared look between Emily and Alexander. Sister, my ass, she thought bitterly. That woman is the reason why Alexander divorced me; I’m certain of it.

“It is indeed a mutually beneficial relationship, I assure you,” Sophia replied, regaining her composure.

Emily turns to Alexander, obviously trying to pull him away from Sophia, and says, “Mr. Stone, you still have several people to talk to. The mayor has been asking about you along with Judge Kettler.”

Reluctantly Alexander nods, “Ms. Johnson, I will have the paperwork drawn up tonight and send it to your office first thing in the morning. In the meantime, please enjoy my party.”

Sophia watches as Alexander and Emily disappear into the crowd. Emily hangs tightly onto Alexander’s arm,, and Alexander does not try to push her off.

“Well,” Sophia says to no one in particular, “might as well enjoy his party.” She moves toward a bar in the corner and takes a seat.

The music pulsates through the venue, intertwining with the vibrant chatter of the guests. Sophia settles onto a barstool, her eyes scanning the room as she contemplates her next move.

“What would you like, lovely lady?” the bartender flirts, drawing a small smile to her face.

“White wine, wait, no, definitely need something stronger. How about a whiskey neat,” Sophia answers, her voice carrying a hint of resolution. She’s prepared to nurse her wounded ego with as many whiskeys as possible.

The bartender pours her a generous measure and offers it with an authentic smile. Sophia takes a sip, feeling the warmth of the amber liquid cascade down her throat, momentarily soothing her inner turmoil. She nods in gratitude and turns to observe the partygoers in their gilded splendor.

As Sophia considers ordering another whiskey, a man in his late twenties takes the seat next to her. He is dressed impeccably and oozes a magnetic charm.

His smile could melt any woman’s heart. “I’ll have what the lady is having,” he says, his voice dripping with seduction.

With drinks in hand, the man leans closer, his eyes twinkling with intrigue. “Quite the party, huh?” he murmurs.

“I suppose,” Sophia responds, her voice filled with resignation. The effects of the whiskey have rendered her immune to the emotional currents swirling around her.

The man gazes at her intently, undeterred by her guarded demeanor. “So tell me, why would such an unbelievably gorgeous woman be sitting at a bar all alone? It just doesn’t seem right,” he whispers, his proximity sending a shiver down Sophia’s spine.

Sophia turns to meet the man’s gaze, her voice alluring. “I don’t know; it could be because I’m going through a divorce that threatens to leave me in ruins.”

The man blinks momentarily, a fleeting smile gracing his lips before he abruptly leaves Sophia alone at the bar. Her words hang in the air, a reminder of her wounded state.

“Guess I’m just too much for him,” she mutters, her words directed more to herself than to anyone in particular.

But it is Alexander who unexpectedly answers. “Nah, I think it’s more that he’s not enough for you.”

Shocked by his sudden presence, Sophia tries to steady herself, her eyes widening in surprise. She looks over at Alexander, her lips parting slightly, but she says nothing.

“I was thinking earlier that we don’t really know each other very well, and I would love the chance to get to know you better,” Alexander declares as he takes the seat next to her, his voice soft with a hint of vulnerability.

“Mr. Stone,” Sophia begins, her voice cool and measured, “I have no desire to get to know you any better than I already do. Your party,” she says, waving her hand dismissively, “your company, your wealth—none of it impresses me.” She leans in closer to Alexander, allowing her arm to brush against his. “In fact, there is nothing about you that does anything for me.”

And with that, Sophia stands up, smoothing her curve-hugging dress with an air of defiance. She thanks the bartender and Mr. Johnson for the fascinating party, her words armed with formality, before leaving.

After a few steps, Sophia turns back to Alexander, her eyes locking with his as she delivers her parting words. “I’ll expect those papers first thing in the morning,” she declares firmly.

Before Alexander can respond, she swiftly spins on her heel, the fabric of her dress twirling gracefully around her, and glides out of the party. For the second time that night, Alexander finds himself captivated by her beauty, his thoughts swirling with confusion over her cold demeanor.

The bartender, wise to the whirlwind of emotions that have enveloped his bartop, interrupts Alexander’s reverie. “Another drink, Mr. Stone?” he asks.

Alexander nods, his mind still fixated on Sophia’s departure. What is it about this woman? he wonders, taking a sip of his brandy, the warmth of the liquor failing to extinguish the fire of curiosity burning within him.

Sophia Johnson has no reason to dislike me, he muses silently, determination fueling his next decision.

I’m going to figure this out.