#14 “This Incident Ends Here.”

Before reaching the door, Sophia’s determined footsteps come to a halt. With a sense of urgency, she walks back to Steven, who curious smile. greets her with a “One more thing, Mr. Mhyler,” she says.

Steven leans in attentively. “Of course, go ahead.’

“It is crucial that you do not mention to Mr. Stone that we met today,” Sophia asserts, her eyes locked with Steven’s. ” And please, do not reveal my true identity to him. I am warning you it would be bad for everyone!”

Confused by her request, Steven raises an eyebrow. “Ms. Johnson, you are putting me in a very tricky situation.”

Sophia leans closer, her voice almost a whisper, “I realize that Mr. Mhyler, and I am sorry about that; however the best decision you can make is to stay silent.” “But, Ms. Johnson…”

Sophia cuts him off, “Steven, it is imperative that this stays between you and me. This is not a request.”

Uncomfortable with the demand, but realizing he does not have a choice. Steven relectuanly replies, “Your secret is safe with me.”

Sophia nods gratefully. She turns again towards the door, eager to leave. The once-crowded lobby of the restaurant has become even more packed with patrons, making it difficult to navigate. In her haste, she overlooks Alexander and Emily as they make their way through the crowd, their eyes fixed on her.

whispers to Alexander,

as she walks out the door, slows his steps and replies, “I have no idea. I am just as surprised as you are to see

his expression shifting to

gaze. Emily, caught in the crossfire, shifts uncomfortably, her

concerns, but I assure you it is nothing of

at the table. Alexander leans back in his chair, his arms crossed tightly. “I find it hard to believe that this was a mere casual discussion. There must be more to

more to it,” Steven

movement of funds from the Crimms’ bank to Emily’s, which, as I informed Ms. Johnson, cannot

telling Alexander the true identity of Sophia, but he quickly reconsiders. The fallout would have devastating consequences for not only

breach of trust? In fact, as far as I can tell, it seems like an act of revealing insider

a moment, weighing his options. He knows the consequences of revealing the truth and the potential

a calculated decision, Steven responds, “Alexander. I assure you there was nothing inappropriate or revealing

leans back in his chair, his tone resolute.

He understands the severity of the situation and the weight of

a letter drafted tonight to all employees of Stone Enterprises terminating all collaboration with Crimms’ bank. And be

*

of her meeting with Steven lingering in her mind. She sees Evelyn, seeking refuge from the storm brewing in her own life at

Sophia, Evelyn’s eyes shimmer with both anxiety and curiosity. She’s eager to hear the details of the encounter with Steven, desperate for a glimmer of hope amid

herself a generous portion of wine. She releases

how it went,” Evelyn ventures, her voice betraying her anticipation. Realizing that divulging the full extent of

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