#18 “I Can Assure You She Meant No Harm.”

The maître d’ gracefully approached, trailed closely by Emily. He swiftly arranged the table adjacent to Sophia’s, meticulously placing the silverware and pulling out the chairs.

Reluctantly, Alexander moved towards the table, his eyes shooting daggers at Emily. Sophia let out a weary sigh, gathering her belongings and taking a seat at the new arrangement, while Benjamin settled in next to her, a mischievous grin still playing on his lips.

Once everyone was settled, Steven cleared his throat politely and smiled. ” I really feel we must apologize. I hope we’re not intruding on your date, Ms. Johnson.”

Sophia choked on her wine for a moment, then managed a smile. “Oh, no. Benjamin is my dear friend. We actually grew up together in Europe. You won’t find a kinder and more genuine person than Benjamin Thompson,” Sophia said, shooting a cold glance at Alexander.

“Thompson, Ben Thompson,” Alexander mused aloud.

“I’ve heard of your remarkable achievements across the pond. Impressive write-up about you in The Economist last month. You’re doing great things.”

Benjamin graciously acknowledged the compliment, a touch of humility in his voice. “Thank you, Alexander. I’ve also heard quite a lot about your work here at Stone Enterprises. Your reputation precedes you.”

napkin, her gaze shifting between the three men. The tension in the air was palpable, each word and gesture laden with unspoken meaning. Ever the

powerful

smirk. Her voice carried a hint of teasing but also a pang of envy. Sophia’s ability

him to diffuse the situation. Benjamin tightened his grip on Sophia’s hand with a soft, understanding smile,

our friendship. Sophia and I share a deep bond that goes beyond even the deepest of romantic entanglements. We support and cherish each other as dear friends, and that is

brows furrowed slightly. Emily leans forward, studying Sophia and Benjamin with a probing

sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of the anxiety of the lunch pressing against her chest. She locks eyes with Alexander, defiance in her

the surface, Mr. Stone. Complexities that aren’t easily explained or understood. Benjamin and I have a bond forged through shared experiences, trust, and unwavering support. It’s a connection that transcends conventional labels. Something that I do not think

persisted, “there must be more to this

eyes with an air of exhaustion. She had grown weary of

at this point, I would appreciate it if you could refrain from being

an innocent expression on her face, Emily quickly interjected, “Oh, Alex, I truly am just trying to help a fellow woman out. Honestly! You have my word, Sophia. My

Sophia, assessing the situation. He responded, “If

intentions, if Sophia feels that Emily

Alexander chimed in,

his eyes fixed on Alexander, and replied firmly, “Perhaps, Sophia is happy right

grappled with their own thoughts and emotions. The lunch continued, but thoughts, suspicions, and accusations

think I am finished, and I really do need to get back to the

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