Chapter 26
Sophie stirred awake, the morning light seeping through the curtains. She blinked and rubbed her eyes. She sat up in bed and stretched.
After a quick shower and some light makeup, Sophie slipped into a casual yet classy outfit.
As she pulled on her shoes, an idea started forming in her mind. She needed to talk to Alex. Not later, not over dinner—now.
Downstairs, she went to Alex’s room but it was empty and she figured he had gone to work already.
She saw a maid approaching and asked. “Do you know if Alex had gone to work?”
“Yes, Miss. Sophie. I left a while ago,” the maid answered with a polite smile.
Sophie nodded. “Do you know where Mr. Alex’s office is located?”
The maid smiled again. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll get the address for you.”
She wrote down the address for Sophie who took it instantly, rushed back to her room to grab her car keys before walking out again.
Minutes later, Sophie was behind the wheel, her GPS guiding her through the city.
****
The building loomed tall and impressive, its reflective glass windows catching the sunlight.
Sophie parked her car and stepped inside, heels clicking against the marble floor. The air smelled of fresh coffee and ambition.
Approaching the receptionist, she offered a warm smile. “Hi, I’m here to see Mr. Alex.”
The receptionist, a young woman with sleek hair and sharp eyes, looked her up and down before responding. “Do you have an appointment?”
Sophie hesitated, biting her lip. “No, but—”
“I’m sorry,” the receptionist interrupted with a practiced smile. “Mr. Alex doesn’t take unscheduled visits. If you’d like, I can set up an appointment for you later this week.”
Sophie clenched her fists, frustration bubbling beneath her calm exterior. Of course Alex would have strict policies like this. But how was she supposed to get through to him now?
She leaned closer to the desk. “Just tell him Sophie is here. He’ll know who I am.”
The receptionist shook her head. “I’m sorry, we don’t do…”
“Try it, will you?” Sophie felt her anger rising at the receptionist’s persistent. “Just tell him it’s Sophie, from home.”
The receptionist arched an eyebrow, skepticism written all over her face. “And you are…?”
“His girlfriend,” Sophie said, her tone steady and confident.
The receptionist’s eyebrows shot up, and for a moment, Sophie thought she might laugh. But instead, she reached for the phone.
“I’ll call him,” she said, her tone doubtful.
As Sophie waited, she glanced around the modern office lobby. The high ceilings and minimalist decor screamed sophistication, just like Alex.
Her thoughts were interrupted when the receptionist’s expression shifted to shock.
“Yes, sir,” she stammered into the phone. “Right away.”
She hung up and gestured toward the elevator. “Mr. Alex said to let you in immediately. Take the elevator to the top floor.”
Sophie smirked, brushing past the stunned receptionist. But as she entered the elevator, a sudden idea hit her like lightning.
Her eyes widened, and she whispered to herself. “This might just work.”
