CHAPTER 8 : THE GAME BEGINS
339 Words
Sophia met Alexander’s gaze across the candlelit table, doing her best to remain composed. This wasn’t just a dinner—it was a test.
The waiter poured their wine, but Alexander didn’t break eye contact. “Tell me something, Sophia.”
She lifted her glass. “That depends on the question.”
Amusement flickered in his eyes. “Why did you take this job?”
She had been expecting something like this.
“I needed a change,” she said smoothly, taking a sip of her wine.
Alexander leaned back, studying her. “That’s not an answer. A woman like you—smart, poised—you don’t just end up as an assistant. What are you running from?”
Sophia’s fingers tightened around the glass. He was too perceptive. Too dangerous.
“I’m not running from anything,” she lied, keeping her tone even. “I just wanted to prove I could succeed on my own.”
His lips curved slightly, but there was no warmth in the expression. “Interesting.”
The waiter returned with their food—seared steak for him, a delicately plated salmon dish for her. Of course, he had ordered for both of them. Another show of control.
She picked up her fork, pretending not to notice. “And what about you, Mr. Knight? Why are you so interested in me?”
His knife slid through the steak effortlessly. “I always pay attention to the people closest to me.”
She swallowed, heart pounding.
“That,” he continued, cutting another piece of steak, “and I don’t trust easily.”
Sophia’s pulse quickened. Was he suspicious? Did he know something?
She forced a polite smile. “Maybe trust is something you should work on.”
Alexander smirked. “I trust people who earn it.”
Sophia exhaled slowly. She had to be careful.
Because if Alexander ever found out who she really was—the hidden Windsor heiress he had unknowingly hired—he wouldn’t just fire her.
He would destroy her.
- Writer
