Sophia's POV.
I looked up at Alex, expecting an answer but he was just staring back at me with an unreadable expression, lips pressed into a thin line and his jaw clenched.
“So how was Florida, Sophi” Emma's voice snapped me out of my daze, making me look away from Alex.
“It was good.”
“Good while it lasted.” She muttered under her with a smirk, but I heard it. I took a deep breath.
“Wait, how come you're here? Alex told me you wouldn't be” Easy, Soph, easy.
“He's right. I accompanied Steve just to cover up for his assistant.”
“Oh, I see. You tagged along for this meeting.
“Enough!” Alex's loud voice cut through the thick tension. He was irritated and wasn't even looking my way anymore.
“We're late for the meeting.”
“Sure. Let's go.” Emma grabbed his hand but he was quick in yanking it away.
“I can walk perfectly well on my own, thank you very much.” With that, he walked further into the conference room.
Her lips pulled into a frown which was directed towards me for some weird reason, then she was gone too. Sighing, I followed after them, deliberately taking a seat beside Steve.
Fishing out a writing pad and pen from my bag, and arranging them on the desk in front of me.
“Shall we begin?” Alex said, grabbing everyone's attention from across the table, his eyes fixed intently in our direction with a menacing scowl plastered on his face.
I squirmed in my spot.
“Of course, Mr Hayes.” the person who appeared to be his client said. “You've already briefed me on the stats over the phone this morning.”
“Yes. I'll present the prototype features of our new products now.” Getting up, he started explaining a PowerPoint while I carefully took down notes.
Alex truly had a way with words as the client seemed impressed by the end of the meeting.
Steve was answering the production queries while I typed the changes the client suggested on my laptop.
“So this is a deal between the Hayeses and Harrisons?” He asked. “Yes, it is,” Steve answered.
“And Parker.” Emma, who had not said a word throughout the entire meeting and didn't even seem that interested to be there, suddenly spoke up. “You see, my father's company is a major funding party for this project.”
Out of my peripheral view, I saw Steve roll his eyes.
“It states here that the parkers are a 5% holder of the profits, which is directly proportional to their investments.” The client studied a file.
Steve coughed to probably conceal a laugh. I pressed my lips into a thin line to stifle a smile as we exchanged a look for a second.
“Anyways.” Alex cut in, not seeming humored in the slightest. It was almost like he was going to defend Emma, which was nice of him but I didn't like it one bit. “I'll email you the trivial details, Mr Kane.”
“Well then.” Mr Kane got up and extended his hand to Alex, then to Steve. “I'll see you in Paris for the signing.”
“Definitely. Thank you for your time.” Steve said and escorted the client out.
“Did he just say Paris?” Emma turned to Alex in excitement and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
“I guess.” Alex seemed nonchalant.
“We're going to have so much fun there, Alex. Just like the old times.” She winked. “Please tell me you'll stay after signing the deal. Call it a mini vacation.”
Alex seemed annoyed again. Why couldn't that girl just take a hint? Did she not know that I was his girlfriend? Even though it's a pretend one?
“I've had enough vacations.” He said dismissively, cutting a glance at me.
“Come on, Alex—”
“Ms Parker?” A lady appeared at the door. “Yes?”
“Your father is on the line, he wishes to speak to you.”
“Why didn't he just call me on my phone? Oh, never mind, it's dead.” She walked over to the landline in the corner of the room.
“Not that one. He's at the one out at the reception.” “Fine.” Huffing, she walked out of the room.
Once alone in the room with Alex, I looked up at him and he was already watching me. Looking away, he grabbed his phone from the table and made to walk out.
“Alex,” I called, making him stop in his tracks and turn around. I offered him a smile. The frown did not vanish from his face.
“I got you something.” I fished out a chocolate bar from my bag, hoping he would smile or at least his eyes would soften, but they did not. “As a thank you for the chicken soup you brought me.”
Nodding, he took it from my hands. “Thank you.”
Seriously, Alex?
He remained silent and I struggled to come up with the right words. I took in a breath. “Alex.”
“Yes, Sophia?” He spoke in a monotone. I missed his usual suggestive and mocking demeanor right then. He must've realized what I was going to say as a scowl fell on his lips.
“Yesterday, Colin was only—”
“Don't.” He warned, his eyes suddenly dangerous. “Don't say that name in front of me again.”
I sighed. “What are you so mad about, Alex?”
“Are you seriously asking me that, Sophia?” He snapped, taking a step forward. “I was trying to reach out to you and you didn't return my call. When I show up to check on you, I find you with that guy.”
“I'm sorry I didn't call you back. Trust me, I was going to. And I dozed off all day.” “No.” He shook his head. “You were with him.” Hurt was evident in his eyes.
The door swung open and Emma stepped inside, her heels clicking annoyingly against the marble floor as she walked up to Alex. “Now, where was I?” I felt like smacking her senseless.
“Wow. Don't you just have perfect timing? I was starting to get hungry.” She took the chocolate bar from his hands without so much as a struggle. My mouth opened slightly.
“Anyways, what about Paris? Please tell me you'll stay. I can even call up some old college mates living there. Make it a little reunion? What do you say?” She wiggled her brows, smiling.
I gritted my teeth in annoyance and almost opened my mouth to say, take a hint girl! But Alex muttered. “Sure.
Sounds good.” Keeping his gaze on me the entire time.
“Yes.” She clapped her hands in glee.
I left the conference room.