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.

in her laughter. “I’ll admit she’s a

hand rested gently on her lower back, and she chose not to

you, Ms. Johnson, for your help in this matter. It means a lot

my ass, she thought bitterly. That woman is the reason why Alexander divorced me; I’m

I

you still have several people to talk to. The

it to your

and Emily disappear into the crowd. Emily hangs tightly onto

says to no one in particular, “might as well enjoy his party.” She moves toward a bar in

of the guests. Sophia settles onto a barstool, her eyes scanning the room as she contemplates her next

like, lovely lady?” the bartender flirts, drawing a

answers, her voice carrying

and offers it with an authentic smile. Sophia takes a sip, feeling the warmth of the amber liquid

in his late twenties takes the seat next to her. He is dressed

woman’s heart. “I’ll have what the lady is having,” he says, his voice dripping with

hand, the man leans closer, his eyes twinkling with intrigue. “Quite the

filled with resignation. The effects of the whiskey have rendered her

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

voice alluring. “I don’t know; it could be because I’m

man blinks momentarily, a fleeting smile gracing his lips before he abruptly leaves Sophia alone at the bar. Her

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