#3 "The Quicker, The Better."

"Mr. Stone, what can you tell us about your current situation with the Senator's daughter?"

A reporter yelled at Alex the moment he stepped out of the courthouse; the blinding sunlight assaulted his dark green eyes. The scene before him was chaotic, with reporters swarming like a hive of bees. Flashing cameras momentarily blinded him, and microphones were thrust into his face, each reporter vying for his attention.

Amidst the frenzy, their questions bombarded him like a relentless onslaught. "Is there any truth to you marrying the daughter of a Senator?" one reporter demanded.

Another chimed in, "Can you finally reveal the name of your ex-wife?"

The questions grew more personal and invasive. "How long have you been having an affair?" and "What can you tell us about the divorce agreement?" echoed through the air.

Alexander's patience began to wear thin as he pushed his way through the crowd. He remained silent as he was in no mood to answer any reporter's questions, especially ones that were so clearly misinformed. Just as he broke through the barrage, a reporter's voice boomed from the back, catching his attention.

"Ms. Johnson, Ms. Sophia Johnson, can we have a moment of your time?"

The scene outside the courthouse had transformed into a frenzied spectacle as the reporters quickly redirected their attention from Alexander to the stunning blonde who emerged from the building.

Leaving him entirely alone, Alexander's gaze fixated on Sophia, standing amidst the chaos with an undeniable air of elegance. Her blonde hair bounced ever so slightly with each confident step she took toward the courthouse stairs. As she moved, her impeccable sense of style was evident—the way her Piazza Sempione grey pinstripe suit draped flawlessly on her figure, exuding sophistication. 

Sophia's eyes swept across the sea of reporters, and Alexander could have sworn he caught a fleeting glimpse of a smile gracing her lips. The sight of her composure amidst the pandemonium only intensified his curiosity, stirring an unexpected mixture of emotions within him.

With every deliberate step Sophia took, she moved effortlessly through the gathering, seemingly unperturbed by the relentless barrage of questions and camera flashes. Her composed demeanor conveyed neither aloofness nor vulnerability, striking a delicate balance that commanded respect.

As the reporters instinctively made way for her, Sophia gracefully descended the courthouse steps, her presence captivating their attention, and Alexander's. It was apparent to everyone that she was extremely comfortable with these surroundings. 

A Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV awaited Sophia, positioned just a few steps away. The driver opened the door, and with a fluid motion, she glided into the vehicle. As the car prepared to pull away, Sophia lowered the window, offering one last glance at the journalists. This time, her smile was unmistakable, radiating a sense of quiet triumph.

The young CEO's dark green eyes stared at her full lips, trying to unravel the mystery behind her enigmatic smile. He smelled danger on her face, although she is undeniably stunning. Alexander, observing Sophia from a close distance, assessed her with interest. Her smile hinted at a depth of knowledge and resolve, intriguing him momentarily. It provided a brief respite in the midst of chaos, evoking a sense of curiosity within him.

As the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV vanished into the bustling city streets, Laura walked up beside Alexander, her gaze shifting from her phone to the disappearing vehicle. When she looked back at Alexander, she noticed an odd expression on his face, one that she was sure she had never seen him wear before.

"Who was that?" Alexander inquired, trying unproductively to hide his profound curiosity.

Laura raised her eyes from her phone again, having just confirmed Alexander's next appointment. "That was Sophia Johnson," she replied quickly.

Confusion furrowed Alexander's brow. "Johnson? Why does that name seem so familiar? The only Johnson I can think of is Judge Simon Johnson?"

Laura met Alex's eyes with a twinkle.

"That Johnson? Judge Simon Johnson? The one who recently passed away?"

Laura nodded, guiding Alexander toward their waiting Lincoln Navigator SUV that had pulled up in front of the courthouse, replacing Sophia's car. "That's the one," she affirmed, opening the door for him.

Alexander's interest piqued further. He stopped at the door to the car, closed the door, and took a step closer to Laura. "Tell me more about her," he demanded.

Laura paused, momentarily taken aback by the sudden intensity in Alexander's voice. "Well," she began, collecting her thoughts, "she's the daughter of the late Judge Simon Johnson. She is a legendary lawyer in her own right. She has never lost a case as a corporate lawyer. She is also the founding partner of Johnson and Associates, which, as everyone in town knows, is a highly regarded law firm, considered one of the best, if not the best, in their field."

"Hmm," Alexander murmured, processing the newfound information.

Laura continued, a small laugh escaping, "But here's something you might find interesting—that is the woman that will be helping us solve our problem."

"Her? The lawyer I instructed you to contact for assistance with the subsidiary loophole? That’s the Ms. Johnson you were talking about?" Alexander narrowed his eyes. An imperceptible smile hung on his lips. 

Laura nodded with a smile. "Yes, the very same.”

As Laura opened the door to the back of the car again, Alexander firmly grasped her arm, halting her movement. His mind whirled with thoughts and possibilities. "Tell me everything else you know about Ms. Sophia Johnson," he demanded. His voice, while deep and authoritative, betrays his profound interest.

Laura hesitated for a moment, contemplating what, if anything, she possibly could share. 

"Aside from the two occasions she has advised our firm in the past, I don't have much additional information. She has maintained a relatively low profile, except within legal circles, I presume. Ms. Johnson is known for her exceptional legal insight and the ability to navigate complex situations with finesse," she explained. 

"I have never heard anything disparaging about her, but to be honest, I have not really heard anything about her. As I said, she keeps a low profile."

Not completely satisfied with her response, Alexander released his grip on Laura's arm, allowing her to slide into the car.

As he settled into his seat, the driver merged into traffic. The mysterious image of Sophia Johnson's face remained etched in Alexander's mind, captivating his thoughts,“Find out everything you can dig up about her. The quicker, the better."