#34 “I had a Better Alternative.”

Sophia sat in her office, surrounded by a mountain of documents, her thoughts immersed in the intricacies of the investigation. The door to her office slammed open, and her assistant Trevor burst in, an urgency radiating from him. Without giving her a chance to speak, he launched into his news.

“Turn on the news on your TV,” Trevor demanded, his tone urgent and his face flushed. Baffled by his abrupt entrance, she questioned, “What’s going on?”

Trevor grabbed the remote without answering, the TV screen flashing to life and revealing a news segment featuring Michael.

Reporters swarmed around him in front of the hotel they had met at just two days prior. The reporters’ barrage of questions filled the air.

“So, you’re asserting that Sophia had no involvement in the bribery?” they questioned, their voices eager for his response.

A smug smile curved Michael’s lips as he responded confidently. “Absolutely. I’ve obtained the footage from the lobby cameras that show me and Miss Johnson engaged in a conversation with me at the exact time she’s accused of arranging the bribe.”

As if on cue, the video played on the screen, capturing their interaction in the hotel lobby, effectively providing an alibi for the time in question.

“As this evidence will be presented in court,” Michael continued, his tone resolute, “I’m committed to seeing this through until the case is clarified. The truth will be established under the scrutiny of the judge.”

With those words, he reentered the hotel, the reporters trailing after him with a flurry of additional questions.

The news segment continued, a reporter’s voice questioning him about the bouquet of flowers he was holding during their encounter, and whether he and Sophia had a romantic connection.

Sophia turned off the TV relieved. Michael had managed to find concrete evidence to support her innocence and was willing to go to court to ensure her name was cleared. Despite her reservations about deepening her relationship with him, gratitude welled up within her.

“I’ll call him,” she decided. Trevor’s response was swift, a knowing smile on his lips as he handed her his phone. “I was already dialing.”

With a faint smile of her own, Sophia accepted the phone and prepared to express her gratitude to the unexpected ally who had stepped up to defend her reputation “Hello, Michael,” she greeted him.

זיי guess you’re watching the news,” he responded. “Thank you. I know you shouldn’t have bothered, and yet you supported me.” Her gratitude was evident, her words sincere.

“It was nothing. I just couldn’t help but notice in yesterday’s reports that it couldn’t have been you when we were together. I thought I’d give fate a little nudge,” he admitted.

together? I have to thank you,” Sophia

for anything in the world,” he responded, his flirtatious undertone unmistakable. Sophia’s laughter danced through the line. “You do have a

an hour,” he confirmed, his anticipation clear. “Don’t

restaurant in the heart of the city that had caught

restaurant boasted a breathtaking view of the entire city, and its walls were adorned

as he took in the setting. Sophia stood, her smile

admit, Sophia, the place

to express my gratitude for the help you

into his pocket. “This is for you.” He handed

accepted the box,

encouraged. As the lid opened, it revealed a pair of earrings, strikingly similar to the ones she had lost. Her surprise was followed by her

there was no need,”

They were about to settle into their seats when a folder suddenly fell before Sophia, disrupting the moment. The familiarity of the voice that followed made her heart

leaving her stunned. Sophia turned to find Alexander standing there, holding

To what do I owe this appearance?” Sophia’s tone

Backed up with videos of the corridors you passed through. Proving that you

of that,” Michael

lawyer. Your vision only shows a small amount of time that Sophia was out of the room. She could have bribed

Michael’s behalf. She appreciated his help, and

was also admitted to the hotel at the time. Made him testify. Which are described

his actions. “I told you not to worry,

orders from you,” Alexander’s voice held a hint of smug satisfaction as he spoke,

did you

all day to wait for Sophia to return to the office,

divulge such information for

lunch for himself. Michael couldn’t help but comment, “Isn’t it a bit impudent

fixed on Michael. His presence stirred an internal annoyance, as he was well aware of Michael’s motives for spending time with Sophia.

date, I don’t see why I shouldn’t join,” Alexander’s

automatically make you invited. But since we’ve gathered to say thank you for Michael’s help, I

making the atmosphere palpably awkward. Despite their verbal sparring, Sophia chose to focus on the food, determined not to get caught up in their

help, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Outside the restaurant, Alexander offered to drive Sophia to her

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