#80 “I’ll Do My Best to Keep You Safe.”

The evening at the Japanese restaurant continued with Alexander’s arrival, and as he entered, a tension settled over the table. Michael couldn’t resist the chance to throw a teasing comment at Alexander, his sardonic tone evident.

“I didn’t expect you to be so restless, Alexander, rushing here to disrupt our dinner as soon as you heard I was having dinner with Sophia,” Michael quipped, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. It was clear to Sophia that this was yet another subtle battle in the ongoing war of egos between the two men.

“You were kind enough to let me know and I decided to join in,” Alexander replied with a smile that was far from warm.

Sophia, who had hoped for a peaceful dinner discussion about their collaboration, rolled her eyes at their exchange. Her irritation was evident, and she was growing tired of their immature rivalry.

“Must you two be so childish?” she chided, a hint of exasperation in her voice. It was disheartening to see two grown men engaging in such antics.

Sophia did not doubt that Michael wanted to rub Alexander’s nose and that was why he had let him know, which explained his sudden appearance that evening. She shook her head.

“Can we continue?” Benjamin asks boredly and looks at Sophia.

began. “Gentlemen, there’s something I need to discuss with you. I’ve decided

glances. Benjamin, as the voice of reason and caution, was

more people in this could increase the risk of our plan being

forward and spoke with conviction. “I know it might seem counterintuitive, but Alexander was

had been silently observing their exchange, chimed in with skepticism. “And what’s to stop Alexander from using that information for his own gain or, worse, exposing

foolish enough to jeopardize his own interests by revealing our plan.

they could sense the determination in Sophia’s voice. She was unyielding in her belief that Alexander should be part of

the tension in the room began to ease. Sophia knew that it wasn’t an

discussed earlier with Michael and

and Benjamin and Michael made their departures, the restaurant slowly emptied out. Only Alexander and

leaned back in his chair, looking contemplative as he gazed

“What?” Sophia asks.

sometimes,”

about the plan?” Sophia asks, sipping her tea. Sipping her

it doesn’t sound too bad, even though it’s terribly risky,” Alexander says and pauses for a moment. “Do your want me to drive

“Okay,” Sophia replies.

restaurant, they headed for the car. As they strolled past the storage room, a fleeting moment of discomfort tugged at Sophia.

that Alexander would not bring up the subject of their unexpected kiss, preferring to maintain a professional demeanor during

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