CHAPTER 4: A CLOSE CALL
350 Words
Sophia sat at her new desk just outside Alexander Knight’s office, taking a moment to steady herself. She had survived her first real test, but something about the way Alexander watched her unsettled her. It was as if he saw through the carefully crafted persona of Sophia Reynolds.
She shook off the thought and focused on work. She couldn’t afford distractions—not when the past she was running from still loomed too close.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
Her pulse spiked. She hesitated before answering.
“You think you can disappear?” The voice was smooth, laced with amusement. James Lancaster.
Sophia’s grip tightened on the phone. “Leave me alone.”
“I will. Once you stop playing this ridiculous game and come home.”
She swallowed the fear rising in her throat. “I’m not coming back, James. Ever.”
Silence stretched before he chuckled. “We’ll see.”
The line went dead.
Sophia closed her eyes, forcing steady breaths. James had found her number—how long before he found her?
“Something wrong?”
Her eyes snapped open. Alexander. He stood a few feet away, watching her intently.
“No,” she said quickly, plastering on a neutral expression. “Just a personal call.”
His gaze didn’t waver. “I don’t like distractions.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m not distracted,” she replied smoothly.
His lips twitched as if she had amused him. “We’ll see about that. I have a meeting at noon. I want you there.”
Her stomach flipped. “You want me in the meeting?”
“I expect my assistant to be prepared for everything.” His piercing gaze met hers. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Sophia straightened. “Not at all.”
“Good.”
As he walked back into his office, Sophia let out a breath.
One call from James had nearly shaken her.
But now, she had a more immediate problem—working closer with Alexander Knight than she had ever intended.
And that might be just as dangerous.
- Writer
