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.

had taken place, feeling a sense of urgency to return to the familiar confines of her own office. She was thankful

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

she was there and what her intentions might be. Sophia takes a deep breath, summoning her professional composure as Emily’s voice

Emily’s voice, a touch too high-pitched for the context, reverberates in

a brisk efficiency as her

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

deduce Emily’s motives while attempting to maneuver around her. But her hopes of a hasty departure

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

through her expression. She steadies herself, keeping her cool, and replies matter-of-factly, “I didn’t have a

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

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

for a solution. “You know, I know A LOT of men. I can always introduce you to a few

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.

Emily fires back, “Your work, or

widening in disbelief. Stepping closer to Emily, she squares her shoulders

unfazed by Sophia’s intensity as she leans in slightly, her voice dropping to

annoyance. She can’t help but roll her eyes, no longer able to contain

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