Sophia's POV.
I wasn't sure why at the end of the day, I was dressed in the black gown Stephanie claimed Alex had bought for me.
Well, Stephanie can be persuasive.
While I was in the car with Steve, I decided to ask him a question that had been on my mind for the longest time.
“So how do you know Harvey Hamilton?”
“Who hasn't heard of the Hamilton enterprises?” He said calmly, his smile forced.
“Please stop lying to me.”
I was beginning to feel something akin to disappointment because nobody would tell me something I needed to know.
“I hate how you do this, Steve. I hate how none of you would just tell me.” My expression fell. “Stop pretending you don't know him because I'm sure you do.
Steve just kept driving without a word.
“On your first meeting that I know of with him during Alex's birthday party, you both insulted each other countless times. It even went as far as him insulting your whole family. Do you think hate like that at first sight can lead to that extent of humiliation? Do you take me for a fool?” My voice hardened.
“He's the one Stephanie loves! If he's dangerous, if he's a bad person, hell! If he's an alien, just say it!” I said, looking directly at him, already getting frustrated.
Steve's smile was gone from his face now and he was gripping the steering wheel with such force. The expression that crossed his face left me uncertain.
His eyes were blackened with sadness, his face darkened and his smile was gone.
The expression that crossed his face was one filled with stress and a bit of....regret. It was like he wanted to say something and yet couldn't.
I felt my heart tug as I turned away from him, facing the window.
“We're here.” That was the next thing I heard Steve say.
I turned to look at him and was surprised at how quickly his facial expression changed. His contagious smile was back on and I don't know why but I felt something akin to pity for him, making me smile back and decide to forget about the issue for now.
I intended to have as much of a good time as I could manage today.
But then, my hands began trembling with anxiety as I got down from the car and my only source of confidence was my reflection in the glass door of the restaurant. The black gown did fit me perfectly.
Although, I still didn't believe that Alex intended it for me.
A few curly strands of my hair were poised at the side of my face and long wavy locks fell over my shoulders. My eyes were emboldened with a smoky look and my lips were painted a hot red.
I would've never gone with something like that but Stephanie suggested that tonight was all about slaying and showing a particular someone who the boss was.
“Let's go?” Steve's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I nodded and walked towards the doors with Steve. Help me, God.
Just as we entered, I saw a glimpse of a very familiar woman right before she turned a corner and disappeared. Emma.
My blood started boiling at the thought of Alex bringing her along.
Was she his date? The front lady greeted us with a smile.
“Good evening. May I know your name please?”
“Harrison,” Steve muttered.
She typed it on her computer. “You have a reservation. This way, Mr and Mrs Harrison.”
“Oh no, we're not.....” we both started at the same time with a laugh.
“We're not a couple.” Steve completed.
“Ms O'brien.” A deep voice spoke from behind me and I could suddenly feel his presence, smell his scent, and even hear his breathing, so close that I started losing my nerve again.
“My apologies, Mr Hayes.” The lady said. “Mr Harrison and Ms O'Brien, this way please.”
The lady started walking ahead and Steve followed but I couldn't move, nor could I turn around to look at Alex because I could feel his gaze burning holes in my bed.
A few seconds passed and neither of us moved, so I finally turned around.
My legs turned to jelly at the way his scorching gaze traveled across my body. He was eyeing the gown.
Soon recognition flashed across his face and o waited for him to say something, expecting the worst— him telling me that it didn't belong to me— but he didn't say anything. Just watched me.
I cleared my throat, causing his blue eyes to snap up to mine.
Oh how much I've missed those mesmerizing blue eyes.
“Alex,” I said with a straight face.
“Sophia.” He murmured, scrutinizing my face for a second before his lips pressed into a straight line. “So you came as Steve's plus one?
Remember you work for me only.”
“You brought Emma. Besides I'm just helping Steve out since his assistant, Jessica, has been for some time.” My immediate response surprised me while Alex seemed satiated, his arms crossed over his chest and a smug look plastered on his face.
“So what if I brought Emma?” He spoke indifferently like my feelings didn't matter to him at all.
I took in a shaky breath not knowing why I suddenly felt like crying.
So much for wanting to have a good time tonight!
“So what if I came a Steve's plus one?”
His eyes narrowed and I turned around without giving him any time to say anything. “The clients will soon be here. We should get going.”
With that, I started walking, although, had no idea where I was supposed to go. I sighed in relief when I felt him following behind me closely.
Assuming that they must've booked a private room, I went to the upper floor and saw the lady who had greeted us earlier, step out of a room. Maybe that was ours.
Without thinking twice, I swung the door open only to be greeted by unfamiliar faces, half of them staring up at me blankly and the other with their spoons hallway to their mouths.
“Uh...I'm sorry.” I muttered in embarrassment and shut the door, turning around to Alex, who seemed slightly amused.
“You could've said something.” I deadpanned.
“I thought you could easily find your plus one but maybe your connection isn't —” he stapled his fingers together. —as strong yet.”
“You think this is funny?”
“Do you see me laughing?” He raised a brow.
I opened my mouth to say something but was cut off.
“Follow me, Ms O'Brien, I haven't got much time to waste with you.”
That was harsh. To hear him say that our times together was a waste was just hurtful.
Either way, I followed him to the private room on the second floor. The room was larger than the one I had accidentally walked into and it had a table set for about twelve people. I wondered how many clients we were expecting.
“Hey man,” Steve got up from his seat to greet Alex and hugged him.
Alex said something inaudible in his ear which caused Steve to smirk and mutter a ‘you're welcome’.
I looked away only to lock eyes with a pair of glaring ones.
“Sophia.” She stepped forward to hug me.
Oh God, no!
“Emma.” I spat out.
“You look amazing. That gown is a limited edition I saw on the Internet a few days ago. I'm assuming Alex is very generous these days.” she chuckled.
I bit on my lower lip to stifle a curse and had to resist throwing a punch at her pretty little face. I was usually a very calm person but this girl right here always manages to rile me up.
And here I thought I was done with the Emily drama.
“I guess he is.” I faked a smile.
“They're here,” Steve announced.
I watched as all the guests slowly entered the room. Mr Kane was accompanied by seven more members of his team.
As everyone settled in their seats, Emma was quick to take the seat beside Alex. I rolled my eyes.
“Sophia here.” Steve motioned to the seat beside him. Nodding, I settled down, really glad that I was away from the clients and could enjoy my dinner without having to engage in their conversations.
The dinner started and Steve engaged the clients in several business talks so the only company I had was my food.
I accidentally ate something spicy and quickly reached for the nearest drink, gulping everything down in one go, and immediately cringed at the taste.
“What the hell, Steve!” I whispered.
He turned to me, then towards the empty glass, and then back to me. “That was my drink.”
“Who drinks tequila in a wine glass?”
“Shh, I was just a little stressed and I bribed the server. Keep a secret woman.”
“We're all freaking stressed!” I rolled my eyes.
Although turning to the server, I said “I'll have what he's having.”
Steve turned to me with a worried look on his face but I paid him no mind. The drinks were brought and I quickly gulped it down.
“Just out of curiosity, how good are you at handling your liquor?” Steve asked.
Not good at all but I needed this drink.
“Very good.” I lied.
I had some food and for the next round, Steve and I clinked our glasses together before gulping down the drink.
My head was spinning like crazy. oh, man!
“Steve, can we—” I started to say in a high pitch but Steve quickly shushed me. Thankfully, we hadn't caught anyone's attention. Everyone was busy talking about business.
I chuckled and whispered “Oh my God! My head.”
Steve suddenly got up. I didn't pay attention thinking maybe he needed to use the restroom. But then, out of nowhere, Alex was taking the seat beside me.