Chapter 7: Entwined Thoughts

Julian sat across from Jason at the crowded cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Jason's expression was somber, his eyes locked on Julian's.

“I've been digging into some rumors, Julian”, Jason said, his voice low and serious. “ There's a rival company, D Brooks Industries, that's been trying to sabotage your father's company”.

Julian's eyes narrowed. “What makes you think that?”

Jason leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial note. “I've seen some internal documents, Julian. Documents that suggest D Brooks Industries is trying to poach your clients and undermine your business”.

“How did you get your hands on these documents?” Julian asked, his mind racing.

Jason smiled wryly, “Let's just say I have my sources, Julian. But the point is, we need to take action. You can't let D Brooks Industries get the upper hand”.

Julian nodded, his mind racing with strategies and countermeasures. “What do you know about D Brooks Industries?”

Jason leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “From what I've gathered, D Brooks Industries is a ruthless company that will stop at nothing to get what they want. They're led by a CEO named Ericson Brooks, who has a reputation for being merciless”.

Julian's eyes widened in surprise. “Brooks? That name sounds familiar, like I've heard of him”.

Jason nodded. “Yes, he is a formidable opponent. But you can't let him intimidate you, Julian. You need to fight back”.

“Bro, are you a spy now, how come you know all these? But thanks man, I really appreciate it, " Julian said jokingly. 

Jason laughed and said. “I have your best interest at heart, brother. You are my best friend”.

As they talked, Julian felt a sense of unease growing inside him. He couldn't believe that someone was trying to sabotage his family's business.

After discussing the details of D Brooks Industries’ plans, Julian took a deep breath and changed the subject. “Jason, can I ask you something?”.

“Shoot”, Jason replied.

Julian hesitated for a moment before launching into the story. “I met someone the other night, funniest thing is I don't even know her name”.

Jason's expression turned curious. “What about her”.

Julian took a deep breath before continuing. “We…we had sex. But it was more than that, Jason. It was like……I don't know, it was like we connected on a deeper level”.

Jason's eyes widened in surprise. “Whoa, Julian. I've never heard you say something like this before, this is heavy”.

Julian nodded. “I know, right?, I've never felt like this before. I don't even know if I'm ready to settle down at this point.

“Where did you meet her”, Jason asked. 

“I met her at that club downtown”, Julian replied.

“Club!, are you serious right now”, Jason asked with a very shocking tone.

“What if it's a club, she's different man! And she is very beautiful”, Julian said.

“If you say so then, what do you plan on doing about her”, Jason asked with a thoughtful expression.

“ I don't know. My father's will is complicated. It states there that I have to settle down before I can inherit St Clair Industries.

 I'm thinking of proposing a contract marriage to any random lady, and I think she is the best fit. I don't think she will agree though”. Julian said.

Jason replied and said. “A contract marriage? Are you crazy? You don't even know her name Bro!”.

Julian said softly, “I know it sounds crazy, but I feel a connection with her. And if she doesn't agree, I'll just find someone else like my assistant I guess.

 But I just have to try. I have just a year, Jason and I have to fully own the company before I can take actions against D Brooks like you said”.

“Well, good luck with that. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into”, Jason replied.

As they parted ways, Julian couldn't shake off the feeling that he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He had to navigate the complexities of his father's will, all while dealing with the threat of D Brooks Industries.

Julian couldn't shake off the feeling that Sophia was still in his mind as he walked into his apartment. He wondered where she was and what she could be doing.

Meanwhile, Sophia was sitting in her small apartment, staring blankly at the wall. She pulled out her phone and dialed Tina's number.

Tina answered on the first ring. “Hey, girl! How's it going?”.

Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. “I got the job, Tina!”.

Tina squealed with delight, “That's amazing, Sophia. I knew you would get it, how much is the pay?”.

Sophia laughed, feeling a sense of relief. “Thanks, Tina. I couldn't have done it without your support, uhm….the pay would be discussed when I resume, I just pray it's good enough”.

Tina's tone turned serious. “Okay, I've heard. What about the guy from that night, you haven't told me anything, girl!. Spill please”.

Sophia felt a flush rise to her cheeks. “I'll tell you soon, Tina. Not just right now”.

Tina's response came quickly. “Okay, fine. But you owe me, Sophia!”.

As Sophia hung up the phone, she couldn't help but think of Julian. She wondered where he was at and what he was doing at the moment.

Julian was sitting on the couch, staring at the TV. He couldn't concentrate on the show, his mind kept wandering back to Sophia.

He thought about the way she stared at him, the way they kissed and how they spent the night.

As the night wore on, Julian's thoughts became more intertwined with Sophia's. They were both thinking of each other, wondering what the future held.

The distance between them seemed to melt away, and for a moment, they were together again, lost in their own little world.

But as the night wore on, reality began to set in. Julian realized she didn't give him her number, he didn't even know if he would see her again. He made up his mind to go to the strip club to look for her.

Sophia, too, was faced with the reality of their situation. She didn't know if she would ever see him again. 

As the night drew to a close, Julian and Sophia were left with only their thoughts, their little memory of each other, and the hope that someday, they would find t

heir way back to each other.

“I will go back to that club to find that girl”, Julian said…….