#6 "Unbelievable."

Sophia couldn't help but chuckle softly, finding the situation absurd. How could she win a lawsuit against herself and regain shares after finalizing their divorce? It seemed ridiculous. But she had to find a way to use this situation to her advantage.

Putting on a fake smile, Sophia returned the divorce papers to Alexander, "This contract is flawless. I can't find any loopholes. I won't be able to assist you in reclaiming your shares."

Undeterred by Sophia's response, Alexander retrieved a checkbook from his suit pocket. "If you need money, how much would be an acceptable consultation fee? I'll write the check for you."

Glancing at the open checkbook, Sophia replied, her tone firm. "Whether or not I accept your consultation has nothing to do with money."

The flush on Alexander's face grew more prominent as anger coursed through him. He attempted to steady his voice as he spoke, "Ms. Johnson, tell me your price. Everyone has a price."

Taking a step toward Sophia, Alexander cornered her against the hallway wall. His closeness enveloped her in the scent of his cologne, causing her heart to race more than she would have liked. Nevertheless, she stood her ground, not attempting to move away.

Alexander leaned in, his voice a low whisper near her ear. "You're the first person to refuse my invitation and the first to negotiate with me." She could almost feel his full lips brushing against her.

Sophia maintained her calm demeanor, concealing her emotions as she spoke. "If it's about your divorce, that's not my area of expertise. I can't provide that service. But if the news is true, even if you give half of your property to your ex-wife, it's still legal."

Alexander's grip on Sophia's arm tightened slightly as he processed her words. His voice showed frustration as he responded, "Legal or not, I can't let her take everything. There must be something I can do."

Sophia met his gaze, "Well, there might be another way I can assist you," she said, her voice dripping with intrigue. "I've heard rumors about your subsidiary facing a hostile takeover. I can help you fix that, but I have a proposition."

"Ms. Johnson, I must admit that your information is really well-informed,” said Alexander. Sophia replied, “Utilizing all the information I can get and turning it into usable resources is my strength.” 

Alexander's eyebrows furrowed, "Go on," he urged.

Leaning in closer to Alexander, Sophia lowered her voice, the words almost a seductive whisper. "In exchange for my assistance, you'll solve the hostile takeover and agree to buy 10% of my client's company shares worth several billion."

A flicker of astonishment crossed Alexander's face, followed by a momentary pause. Sophia continued, her voice firm and unwavering. "But here's the catch, Alexander. Once this is over, you must return those shares at the original price."

A mixture of disbelief and anger played across Alexander's features. After a moment, he nodded, reluctantly conceding. "Agreed," he said.

This time, Sophia leaned her head closer to Alexander's. She wasn't finished yet. "Your company won't make a single cent. And you have to sign a contract promising not to touch any of my client's companies in the future."

Alexander couldn't hide his disbelief. "You must be joking, right?" he retorted, but Sophia's unwavering expression made it clear she was serious. 

Alexander retorted coldly, "You really know how to think for the customers." Sophia replied, "Considering the interests of the customers is what I should do as a lawyer."

Alexander’s face turned bleak. Unwavering in her demanor but aware from the look on Alexander’s face that if she added any more situpulations he was likely to strangle her right where they stood.

"Do we have a deal, Mr. Stone?" Sophia asked, revealing a fleeting glimpse of her victorious smile.

Alexander's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. But ultimately, he knew he had little choice but to agree. With a curt nod, he replied, "Fine. I'll sign the contract."

Sophia allowed a satisfied smile to grace her lips, knowing she had secured her terms. She stepped back, freeing herself from his grip, and nodded toward the papers in his hand. "Prepare the necessary documents, and we'll proceed accordingly."

Though visibly irritated, Alexander begrudgingly extended his hand once again. As they shook hands, something flickered between them.

"The deal is done," Alexander said.

Sophia's victory smile resurfaced, though she swiftly concealed it. "Indeed, it is," she replied, her voice filled with satisfaction.

With that, they released their handshake, their eyes locked momentarily before they each turned to resume their original separate paths.

Taking a purposeful step away from her ex-husband, Sophia's mind raced, reminding herself that their relationship was purely professional. Once this job was over, she would have no further involvement with him.

"Alex," a female voice called from down the hallway, interrupting their moment. "I've been searching everywhere for you." A tall, alluring brunette in a slinky Balmain off-shoulder dress approached Sophia and Alexander.

Upon reaching Alexander's side, she linked her arm with his and looked judgmentally at Sophia.

"You're missed at your party, Alex. It's time to go back," the woman stated with a noticeable whine in her voice, nudging Alexander away from Sophia.

"Of course," he responded, turning to the brunette. "But first, Emily, I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Sophia Johnson. Ms. Johnson, Emily is the head of the subsidiary involved in our case."

Emily leans her head against Alexander's shoulder and extends her hand but never raises her head from Alxander's shoulder.

Sophia firmly shook Emily's hand and muttered, "Nice to meet you." She turned to Alexander and said, "I believe that's all for tonight, Mr. Stone. I'll be in touch."

Alexander smiled briefly at Sophia and then looked at Emily, his hand resting on the small of her back. He whispered something in her ear and they both laughed. 

Sophia's heart raced. A surge of anger coursed through her veins, bringing a new flush to her cheeks. 

As if sensing her emotions, a hint of amusement danced in Emily's eyes as she looks over at Sophia, still clutching Alexander’s arm.

So, that's my ex-husband's lover? she thought, her face contorting into a sneer, replacing the fake smile she had worn. Becoming more and more convinced of their relationship, Sophia’s vexation grows. No wonder he would rather agree to such an unreasonable deal, just to use me to save her company.  But even through her anger, she realized something about Alexander. It seems that he is not as heartless as the public thinks. It’s just that his emotions are used on specific people.

Sophia's grip tightened around her vintage Chanel bag strap as she muttered under her breath, "Unbelievable."