Chapter 9

9 “I’m NOT Interested.”

Moving away from the polished reception desk, Alexander turns to Laura on the phone again, his deep voice carries a tinge of bewilderment as he asks, “I genuinely cannot fathom what I could have possibly done to make this woman dislike me so intensely.”

Laura takes a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. “Mr. Stone, I truly don’t know why she acts this way or how she truly feels about you. Women are complex, and their emotions can be elusive.”

“Laura, I’m asking for your perspective as a woman, so enlighten me. Why do you think she’s behaving like this?” Alexander inquires, his voice laced with exasperation and a genuine desire to understand.

“I appreciate you acknowledging my womanhood, Alexander. Perhaps there’s a reason behind her actions that you may not have considered. Sophia is a fiercely independent and driven woman. Maybe she’s playing the ‘hard-to-get’ game, knowing it ruffles your feathers. It could be her way of testing you or even provoking a response. Some people use that as a seduction tactic.”

Alexander’s eyebrows knit together, his gaze drifting to the shiny elevator doors. He sighs, realizing that the mysterious puzzle of Sophia Johnson’s behavior may not have a straightforward solution.

As the elevator doors close, enveloping him in a brief moment of solitude, he considers the complex interplay of emotions and desires that seem to dance out of reach.

Later that day, Sophia finds herself standing in the towering skyscraper that houses Stone Enterprises.

The expansive space is adorned with sleek marble floors, soaring glass walls, and an air of corporate sophistication.

She steps out of the conference room on the second floor, where her meeting had taken place, feeling a sense of urgency to return to the familiar confines of her own office. She was thankful that she did not have to venture to the top two floors where Stone Enterprises operates.

As she strides purposefully down the hallway, her mind racing with the tasks awaiting her attention, Sophia’s keen eyes catch a glimpse of Emily approaching her.

Her heart skips a beat, wondering how Emily had known she was there and what her intentions might be. Sophia takes a deep breath, summoning her professional composure as Emily’s voice echoes through the corridor.

“Sophia!” Emily’s voice, a touch too high-pitched for the context, reverberates in the space.

“Ms. Williams, nice to see you,” Sophia responds, her voice maintaining a brisk efficiency as her eyes swiftly scan the surroundings, calculating the quickest route to the elevators.

“Yes, it is,” Emily states, positioning herself purposefully in Sophia’s path, effectively blocking her escape route. A mischievous glint sparkles in Emily’s eyes as she savors the moment. “I’m so happy to run into you!”

Sophia’s mind races as she tries to deduce Emily’s motives while attempting to maneuver around her.

But her hopes of a hasty departure are shattered as she realizes she’s effectively trapped in this corridor of unexpected confrontation.

“I was thinking, Sophia, about the party the other night,” Emily begins, as she toys with a strand of her perfectly styled hair. “I’m curious as to why you arrived by yourself.”

Sophia’s eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of annoyance passing through her expression. She steadies herself, keeping her cool, and replies matter-of-factly, “I didn’t have a date.”

Emily’s words tumble out in a hasty attempt to clarify her earlier comment, “Hmm, that’s sad. I mean, not sad, but, you know, sad. Like, you’re so gorgeous. Couldn’t you find a date?”

Sophia’s patience wears thin, her desire to extricate herself from this conversation growing stronger.

With a touch of impatience in her voice, she responds, “I’m sure I could have found a date if I had wanted to, but honestly, I don’t have the time or inclination for dating at the moment.”

Emily furrows her brow, her eyes flitting about as if searching for a solution. “You know, I know A LOT of men. I can always introduce you to a few at parties.”

Sophia suppresses an inward sigh, thinking I am sure you do Sweetie, while resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She chooses her words carefully, hoping to conclude this exchange quickly. “I appreciate the offer, Emily, but I’m just not interested in dating. My work is my prime concern.”

Undeterred, Emily fires back, “Your work, or Mr. Stone?”

The audacity of Emily’s remark takes Sophia aback, her eyes widening in disbelief. Stepping closer to Emily, she squares her shoulders and asserts herself, her voice firm, “Excuse me? Mr. Stone is a business associate, and that’s precisely all he is.”

Emily remains unfazed by Sophia’s intensity as she leans in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “But you wish he were more, right?”

Sophia’s patience wears thin, her brows creasing in annoyance. She can’t help but roll her eyes, no longer able to contain her exasperation. “I promise you, Ms. Williams, I do NOT wish for anything more.”

As Sophia delivers her decisive response, her attention is abruptly drawn to Alexander, who had been standing discreetly in an open doorway, quietly observing the entire exchange. She notices a flicker of uneasiness in his expression, a hint of concern that catches her off guard.

However, Emily remains tenacious, unwilling to let go of the topic. She persists, “Fine, then maybe you can tell me what type of man you don’t like, so I can avoid introducing such guys to you.”

Sophia, aware of Alexander’s presence and mindful of her words, takes a measured breath before responding, her voice composed yet firm, “Sure, I don’t like the type of man who refuses to divide his property with his ex-wife after they get divorced.”

Emily’s attention shifts, her gaze now directed at Alexander. Sensing the weight of the conversation, Sophia continues her verbal assault, unyielding in her determination to make her point.

“Take Mr. Stone here,” Sophia continues, her voice unwavering. “After his divorce, he did everything in his power to ensure that his ex-wife couldn’t receive the fair share of money she rightfully earned during their marriage.”

Alexander’s features tighten, his irritation palpable as Sophia’s words strike a nerve.

With a swift retort, Emily interjects, attempting to defend Alexander. “Mr. Stone’s ex-wife is a lazy, greedy, poor woman who only wants his money.”

Sophia scoffs inwardly, thinking, well, this lazy, greedy, poor ex-wife saved your company from significant financial losses.

Turning her gaze back to Alexander, Sophia meets his eyes with unwavering intensity, her voice cool and measured as she poses her question, “Do you agree, Mr. Stone? Is your ex-wife truly as lazy and greedy as portrayed?”