The Enemy I Married

Chapter Two - The Metropolitan

Maya pulled the taxi door open before the car fully stopped. “You’re still shaking.”

Sophia stepped onto the sidewalk outside the Metropolitan. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not. You’ve checked that second message six times.”

Sophia smoothed the black dress she had borrowed. It was the only thing she owned that looked like it belonged here. Camera flashes went off near the entrance. She kept her eyes forward.

Inside, the lobby was already crowded. Music drifted from the main hall. Servers moved between groups with trays of champagne.

Maya took two glasses and pressed one into Sophia’s hand. “Drink. You look pale.”

Sophia took a small sip and scanned the room. Ellie stood near a tall flower arrangement, laughing with two men in tuxedos. She saw Sophia and raised her glass in a slow nod.

Maya followed her gaze. “She’s already working the room.”

“She always is.”

Sophia moved deeper into the crowd. Every few steps someone stepped into her path—an old vendor, a former editor, a woman from accounting who looked worried. She answered each of them with short, careful sentences and kept walking.

Then she saw him.

Alexander Voss stood near the far windows with two men she didn’t recognize. Tall. Dark suit. No smile. He listened for a moment, then turned his head and looked straight across the room.

Their eyes met.

He said something to the men, handed one of them a glass, and started walking toward her.

Maya muttered, “Here we go.”

Alex stopped a few feet away. Up close he was taller than the photos. His eyes were a hard, pale blue.

“Miss Hale.”

“Mr. Voss.”

He glanced at Maya. “Your friend can give us a minute.”

Maya didn’t move. “I’m fine right here.”

Alex waited. Sophia touched Maya’s arm. “It’s okay. I’ll find you.”

Maya stepped back into the crowd, still watching.

Alex turned fully to Sophia. “You got my email.”

“I did.”

“Walk with me.”

He didn’t wait for an answer. He headed toward a quieter hallway off the main room. Sophia followed. Her heels clicked against the marble.

They stopped near a set of tall windows that looked out over the park. The noise of the party faded.

Alex faced her. “Your board is ready to sell. You know that.”

“I know they’re scared.”

“They’re realistic. Hale Media is out of cash and out of time.”

Sophia tightened her grip on the champagne glass. “We’re not out of options.”

“You are. I checked the numbers this afternoon. You have enough for one more payroll. After that the vendors start filing and the value drops.”

“Including the people who work there.”

“Yes.”

She hated how calm he sounded. “So you brought me here to tell me it’s already over?”

“I brought you here to make an offer before the board signs with someone worse.”

Sophia set the glass down on a ledge. “What kind of offer?”

Alex studied her. “Not the kind you discuss in a hallway with two hundred people listening.”

“Then why ask me to come?”

“Because I wanted to see if you would.” He slipped one hand into his pocket. “Most people in your position hide. You showed up.”

Sophia felt heat in her face. “I didn’t come here for your approval.”

“I know. You came because Ellie cornered you and you still think you can fix this alone.”

The accuracy of it stung. She looked past him at the dark trees outside. “What do you want, Mr. Voss?”

“A conversation without an audience. Tomorrow morning. My office. Eight o’clock.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then the board signs with Sterling by Friday and your father’s company gets stripped for parts.”

Sophia turned back to him. “You talk like you already own us.”

“I don’t. Not yet.” He checked his watch. “Eight o’clock. Don’t be late.”

He stepped past her and walked back toward the main hall without another word.

Sophia stayed by the windows. Her hands were cold.

Maya appeared a moment later. “What did he say?”

“He wants a meeting tomorrow morning.”

“About what?”

“He wouldn’t say. Not here.”

Maya watched Alex disappear into the crowd. “I don’t like him.”

“Neither do I.”

Sophia’s phone buzzed. A new message from the same unknown number as earlier.

*Ellie signed the letter of intent at 4:17 this afternoon. The gala was a distraction. Sterling already has the paperwork. If you walk into Voss Tower tomorrow, you’re walking into a trap. — a friend*

Sophia stared at the screen.

Maya leaned in and read it. “Sophia—”

Across the room, Ellie raised her glass again and smiled like she already knew the ending.

Sophia locked the phone.

She had less than twelve hours.

And someone was either trying to save her or destroy her.