#25 “I Will Take the Case.”
“Macallan neat,” Alexander gruffly says to the bartender as soon as he reaches the bar. He takes the empty seat next to the informant, Kyle Vennillia, and impatiently awaits his Scotch, drumming his fingers on the bar top.
“That was quite the performance,” Kyle remarks, breaking the silence. ” Who would have thought a woman who looks like that could play so well.”
Taking a long sip of his Scotch, Alexander turns to Kyle with a hint of irritation. “I’m Alexander Stone.” Alex does not extend his hand for a handshake.
“Yes, Mr. Stone, I know who you are. Laura told me you needed to speak with me urgently,” Kyle replies calmly.
Alexander shows no sign of relaxing, even after finishing his drink in one long gulp. He sternly says, “Well, she is mistaken. I never NEED anything. But I do have a matter I would like to discuss with you.”
“Of course, Alex. Can I call you Alex?” Kyle asks, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. “No,” Alexander replies curtly, making it clear that he prefers a more formal address.
“Hmm, she really has you worked up,” Kyle remarks as he signals to the bartender for another round of drinks.
“Who?” Alexander answers, trying to maintain his cool demeanor, though he is disappointed that it is so apparent that Sophia rattles him.
“Sophia Johnson. I saw that little interaction the two of you had a moment ago. For someone known for his unshakable, calm, and collective behavior, I am quite surprised by how much she seems to have bothered you,” Kyle observes with a sly smile.
A long silence hangs in the air, Alexander can scarcely deny that this man possesses an uncanny intuition. It becomes undeniable that Laura, his competent assistant, had recommended him for a reason.
“Laura believes you can provide some insights into what is really going on,” Alexander admits, leaning in slightly.” 11 I want to understand why Sophia seems to harbor such animosity towards me. It’s baffling. I demand answers. I want you to find out why.”
Kyle chuckles softly, enjoying the puzzle of the situation. “Well, Alex, let me tell you this: People aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes, there’s more to their actions than meets the eye. And it seems like you and Sophia have quite the dynamic going on. You might just be surprised by what you discover.”
“That woman,” Alexander begins, taking a sip of his refreshed drink, ” that woman is continually hostile to me when I have been nothing but respectful to her. It makes no sense. There must be something that I am missing.”
“And that’s where I come in?” Kyle asks rhetorically, clearly sensing the opportunity to delve into a fascinating situation. He leans back in his chair, taking a thoughtful sip of his own drink, inviting Alexander to share more details about the situation with Sophia.
Alexander nods, a determined glint in his eyes. “Yes, I need someone to find out everything there is to know about Sophia Johnson. I have already had my investigators look into her, and they came up with nothing.”
Kyle chuckles confidently, a mischievous glint in his eye. Amateurs,” he scoffs. “I have ways of conducting an investigation that other people do not. But there must be more of a reason than the fact that she has rejected you.”
Alexander raises an eyebrow, astonished by the man’s presumption and brazen insolence. He considers walking away, but his pride gets the better of him. “The reasons I want Sophia Johnson investigated are none of your business,” he retorts. “I just need to know if you have the capabilities to accomplish what I need.”
Kyle smiles, realizing that he has uncovered at least one weakness when it comes to Alexander Stone. As the two men continue their conversation, the bustling gala carries on around them, guests mingling and the music filling the air.
“Kyle Vennillia, I thought that name sounded familiar. Aren’t you a journalist for The WeekDay?” Alexander asks, a moment of realization crossing his face.
“I am, among other things,” Kyle replies quickly and curtly, eager to redirect the conversation. Spotting Sophia across the room, he turns his head towards her direction. “To be honest with you, Alex, I have been watching Sophia since I arrived. There is something so alluring about her.”
Alexander keenly observes Kyle’s fascination with Sophia, a wave of imbalance washes over him.
Kyle turns back to Alexander, his smile never fading. “I will take the case. I will investigate Ms. Sophia Johnson for you, Mr. Stone,” he says confidently. “I’ll do it for you, but also for me. As I said, there is something very intriguing about that beauty.”
Still watching Sophia intently, Kyle continues, “I mean, look at her. Have you ever seen a woman so graceful and elegant? You can see from here that she simply commands the room. She is magnetic. Not to mention the way her hands and fingers moved across that violin… mmmm.”
Hearing Kyle’s continued interest in Sophia, Alexander’s anger grows. His back immediately tenses, and his hands unconsciously clench into tight fists.
“I want to make one thing perfectly clear from the beginning,” Alexander grimaces, stepping as close to Kyle as possible, “you will keep your distance from Sophia. I am warning you that if you go anywhere near her, there will be consequences.”
Taking notice of the change in Alexander’s demeanor, Kyle quickly reassures him, “Hey, man, I’m just joking. Seriously. I never mix work with pleasure. That’s a lesson I learned many years ago.”
Not entirely sure he believes Kyle, Alexander tries to relax and pivots his attention back to watching Sophia. “I expect daily reports and for you to answer any texts or calls I send you immediately. I want this done quickly but quietly.”
“Of course, for the money you are paying me, that will not be a concern at all,” Kyle replies confidently.
As the two sip their drinks and keep their eyes on Sophia from afar, they notice a younger man approaching her. Kyle considers making a flippant comment, but after Alexander’s last reaction to his joke, he decides against it.
Instead, Kyle says, “I will do my very best to unravel all the secrets that are wrapped up in the background of Ms. Sophia Johnson.”
Alexander nods, appreciating the confidence and dedication of his newfound informant. Despite his reservations, he is eager to see what Kyle will uncover about Sophia. He knows that knowledge is power in the business world, and he is determined to gain an edge over Sophia.
“I expect nothing less,” Alexander responds, maintaining a stoic expression.
From across the room, Alexander and Kyle notice that another man has entered into the conversation with Sophia and the young man. The look on her face indicates that she is not pleased with the intrusion.
