The Snared Billionaire (...the Money Love And Crime)

Chapter Five

Sophie's and Drake’s First Encounter

The next morning after the gala night, Mr. Drake can't help but think about Sophie Larry. It was very unusual for him to settle on someone he had met casually, especially after one brief encounter, but there was something spectacular about Sophie that had kept his attention on.

She was beautiful, of course, but it was more than that—it was her confidence, her intelligence, and the way she seemed to understand him on a deeper level.

At midday, sitting in his office on the top floor of D & C Conglomerate, Drake tried to brush off his thoughts of Sophie aside and focus on the stack of reports on top of his desk. But as the day ran out, he delved even deeper into it, affecting his concentration.

Drake became obsessed; his mind kept reflecting on the elegant figure he had seen a few hours ago, her soft voice echoing in his ears with every single utterance, appealing and thoughtful. That wasn't without a spell cast, and he couldn’t get off of it.

After all resistance, he finally gave in to his snooping and did something he hadn’t done in a long time—he called his assistant and asked for information about Sophie Larry.

Within a short while, a file was dropped on his desk, detailing everything about Sophie. As he read through it, Drake couldn’t help but be impressed. Sophie was certainly an ambitious woman, quite impressive, with a background that hinted at both intelligence and resourcefulness.

But something seems blurred that he was yet to know about Sophie. A sense of mystery, as if she was hiding something beneath the surface. It intrigued him even more, and before he knew it, he found himself nervously putting up calls across to her.

Sophie's phone rank while in the middle of a yoga session off-minded, she resuscitated and took a glance at the screen, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Drake’s name.

It was barely 24 hours since their first encounter at the gala night, and already he was reaching out. She had hoped to leave a lasting impression, but she least expected it this soon.

With a smile, she answered the call, her voice calm and composed, “Wow! Mr. Drake, Amazing, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Sophie,” Alexander’s voice was warm, almost familiar. “I guess I’m not intruding?”

“Sure, not!” Sophie replied, quickly cut off her yoga session, and headed to the living room. “What do I owe this call?”

“How about a lunch with you later today?” Alexander said in a casual tone but with a stressed urgency. “I'd a place would like to take you.”

Sophie felt a thrill of excitement but kept her tone measured. “I’d love that. What time?”

“How about one O’clock? I’ll have my driver pick you up.”

“One O’clock is okay,” Sophie agreed, a smile tugging at her lips. “I’ll be ready.”

After hanging up the call, she held her breath high, mouth wide open, bewildered, and jumped swirly in euphoria, “Wow, I got you!” She screamed in excitement.

Sophie allowed herself a moment of exhilaration. Things were moving along faster than she had anticipated, but that was a good thing.

The quicker it goes, the better for her to advance to the next phase of the plan. It was just to earn Drake’s trust, the sooner she could advance to the next phase of her plan.

A tinted red car pulled up at about 1 O’clock in front of Sophie’s apartment. The chauffeur in a crisp suit wound down, peeping through as she sauntered down the stairs to the car; he opened the door for her, and she slid into the backseat, excitedly but comported.

Drake was already waiting at the VIP cabin of the restaurant, seated at the extremes, away from prying eyes. As he saw Sophie step in, advancing toward him, he stood, a grin all over his face; her heartbeat skipped as he welcomed her with a warm hug.

He romantically ushered her to a seat. She blushed over the treatment as they gazed at each other warmly, very handsome in the daylight, with so many features she couldn't have noticed last night at the gala.

“Hello, Sophie,” he greeted, pulling out a chair for her. “Thank you for joining me.”

“My pleasure,” she echoed, taking her seat. She was dressed in a purple lace gown that underlined her figure without being too revealing, her hair pulled back in a chic, effortless style. She wanted to impress him, but not overwhelm him.

As they settled in, the conversation flowed easily. Drake was a man of few words, but Sophie was skilled at drawing him out, asking just the right questions to keep him engaged.

Keenly she listened as he talked about his drive and passion for business and his love for facing challenges. She was so deliberate in sharing selectively similar traits about herself to keep him intrigued, carefully crafting a narrative that painted her as both ambitious and vulnerable—a woman who had faced her challenges but had come out stronger on the other side.

Sophie found herself genuinely enjoying Drake’s company. He was smart, reflective, and amazingly attentive-a sharp contrast to the aloof man she had expected. But she prompted herself to keep to focus as this was all part of the plan. She can't afford to compromise any opportunity available to her, not even when she is on the brink of accomplishment.

In the middle of a conversation, Mr. Drake sank into his chair, weighing her with a thoughtful expression. “You’re a fascinating woman, Sophie,” he said, his tone sincere. “I rarely meet with people who can keep me this heed as you do.”

Sophie smiled a hint of playfulness in her eyes. “I could say the same about you, Mr. Alexander.”

“Please, call me Drake,” he corrected, his smile widely. “After all, I’d like to think we’re past formalities.”

“Drake,” Sophie repeated, letting the name roll off her tongue. It felt like a partial victory, a step closer to the intimacy she was striving to create between them.

After their meal, Drake asked for a walk. The Mid-day sun was mild, with a golden glow casting over the city as they took a walk through the mowed lawn in a close by garden. It was a perfect scene. That allowed them to extend their chats freely and in a more relaxed, informal manner.

In their conversation, Sophie had eventually secured an invitation to a dinner party Mr. Drake was hosting just a week ahead—a small, exclusive gathering of his closest friends and associates. It was exactly the kind of opportunity she had been hoping for, a chance to further cement her place in his life.

As they bit goodbye ways, Drake took her hand, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again,” he said, in a low and soft tone.

“Likewise,” Sophie replied, her eyes locking onto his. “Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.”

As she watched him zoom off, Sophie felt a surge of victory. She had played her cards right, and now Mr. Alexander Drake was well and truly under her spell.

There were still tasks ahead, and Sophie knew that she couldn’t afford to let her guard down. The hurdles seemed too tasking, but she was determined to see her plan through to the end—no matter what it may take.