A Close Encounter

Sophia barely had time to catch her breath before Alexander handed her another task. It was relentless—meetings, reports, schedules—yet, somehow, she found herself keeping up. Barely.

By noon, she was exhausted but determined. She had handled her first official morning as Alexander Kingston's assistant without making a mistake. That alone felt like an achievement.

"Miss Evans," Alexander's deep voice pulled her from her thoughts. He stood by his desk, one hand adjusting the cuff of his expensive suit. "We're heading to a lunch meeting. Grab your things."

Sophia blinked. "A lunch meeting?"

"You're my assistant," he said, already moving toward the door. "You go where I go."

She scrambled to grab her notepad and followed him out, struggling to keep up with his long strides.

As they entered the sleek black car waiting outside, Sophia hesitated before sliding into the seat beside him. The space between them felt too small, too charged.

"You're quiet," Alexander observed, watching her.

"I wasn't aware I was required to make conversation," she said.

He smirked slightly. "You're not. But I expected a little more confidence from the woman who claimed she was the best."

Sophia met his gaze, refusing to back down. "Confidence isn't about talking just to fill silence, Mr. Kingston. It's about knowing when to speak and when to listen."

His expression shifted—just for a second. Then he turned away, looking out the window. "Interesting perspective."

The car ride continued in silence, but Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that Alexander Kingston wasn't just testing her work ethic. He was testing her.

The Lunch Meeting

The restaurant was as high-end as she expected—white tablecloths, polished chandeliers, and an air of exclusivity.

As they were seated in a private section, a sharply dressed man approached, his smirk widening as he saw Alexander.

"Kingston," the man greeted, sliding into the chair across from them. His tone was smooth, but there was an edge to it. "Didn't think you'd show up personally for this deal."

Alexander didn't react. "Damien."

Sophia glanced between them, sensing the tension. She had heard the name before—Damien Blackwood. CEO of another powerful firm. A rival.

"And who's this?" Damien's gaze slid to her, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.

Sophia straightened. "Sophia Evans, Mr. Kingston's assistant."

"Assistant?" Damien hummed. "Interesting. I don't recall Alexander ever keeping one for long."

Sophia forced a polite smile. "Then I suppose I'll be the first."

Alexander's lips twitched, as if suppressing a smirk, but he said nothing.

The meeting began, and Sophia quickly realized Damien was more than just a rival—he was a manipulator. Every word he spoke carried a hidden meaning, every deal he proposed was laced with subtle traps.

Alexander, however, was unfazed. Calm. Calculated.

But then, Damien did something unexpected. He leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face. "You know, Kingston, maybe you should loosen up a little. A man like you—powerful, rich, cold—must get lonely at the top."

Alexander's jaw tightened.

Sophia felt the shift in the air. Before she could think, she spoke. "Mr. Kingston isn't alone, Mr. Blackwood. He surrounds himself with the best, and that's why he's sitting across from you—while you're still trying to catch up."

Damien's eyes widened slightly before a chuckle escaped him. "Feisty. I like her."

Alexander finally spoke, his voice dangerously low. "Watch yourself, Damien."

Damien raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Kingston. I was just having a little fun."

The meeting wrapped up soon after, but Sophia couldn't ignore the look Alexander gave her as they left.

She had spoken up for him. Defended him.

And for the first time since meeting him, she saw something unreadable flicker in his eyes.

Something that sent a shiver down her spine.