Chapter Four
1248 Words
Ms. Sophie Makes Her First Move
Mr. Drake picked up the call, a flash of a reminder of the charity gala event ahead. It was a seasonal glamorous fair where the city’s elites gathered to show off their wealth under the guise of philanthropy. Sophie arrived at the event but remained isolated and unspotted, her eyes scanning through as she made a mental note of every single image at a glance.
Her dress was stunning, a floor-length gown that hugged her curves, her blonde hair flowing down her back like a waterfall of gold.
The scene was an ocean of sparkling gowns and tailored suits, the air saturated with the hum of soft tones, music, and clinking of champagne flutes.
Her entrance was nothing short of a beauty pageant; her dress seemed to shimmer with every step, a delicate balance between elegance and allure.
As she walked in, the countenance of the event had changed, hush fell over the crowd, and she reveled in the attention, but tonight wasn’t about them. Tonight was about her prey... Drake!
"The hour has come, finally", she whispered. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for.
Sophie wasn’t here for admiration and adoration of strangers; keeping focus was key. Alexander Drake, the reclusive billionaire whose name was synonymous with power and wealth, was her prey tonight.
Sophie had committed time and effort to perfecting every singular move she needed for this mission and to know everything about him relevant to this mission, from his business dealings, personal life, and his wife’s death, which exposed him to her snare, and wanted to use such vulnerability to her advantage.
She spotted him, he was dressed smartly in a black tuxedo, his dark,k shiny hair glossily dressed backward, and his blaring blue eyes skimmed through the ballroom with an enthusiasm that made her heart skip a beat.
"This's the man I've to work on his psyche," the man I need to entrap if I've to succeed," she told herself.
As she made her way towards the bar, every step measured, her smile confident but not overtly seductive. She didn’t want to come on too strong—not yet. As she approached, she caught Drake’s eye, and she held his gaze for a moment longer than was necessary, letting a small, enigmatic smile play on her lips. It was a look she had perfected, one that conveyed just the right amount of interest without appearing desperate.
“Hi!” Sophie said, her voice smooth and melodic, as she took a place at the bar beside him. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Drake turned to face her, his expression one of mild curiosity. “Not at all,” he replied, his tone polite but reserved. He was used to women approaching him, though few managed to hold his attention for long. But there was something he can't figure out about Sophie that intrigued him—perhaps it was the comportment with which she coordinated herself, or the way her charming eyes seemed to sparkle with mischief.
“I’m Sophie Larry,” she introduced herself, extending a hand. “And you must be Alexander Drake.”
Drake took her hand, noting the firmness of her grip. “I am. It’s quite a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Sophie.”
“The pleasure is mine, My Drake, ..Oh! So sorry, I mean Mr. Drake,” Sophie deliberately incited a mixed feeling in him. Her smile widened just a fraction. “I’ve learned so much about you.”
“Wow! All good, I guess,” Mr. Drake replied and smiled softly.
“Absolutely,” Sophie affirmed playfully. “Though I’ve also heard that you’re a bit enigmatic.”
Mr. Drake jokingly, raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“It is,” she confirmed, coming in slightly as if sharing a secret. “I must admit, I’m intrigued. I’ve always had a weakness for mysteries.”
Alexander chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Then I suppose you’re in the right place tonight.”
“Indeed,” Sophie agreed, her eyes twinkling. “But I’d rather not spend the evening unraveling the same old stories. How about you tell me something about yourself that isn’t in the headlines?”
Alexander considered her for a moment, impressed by her directness. Most people tiptoed around him, afraid to say the wrong thing, but Sophie seemed different.
She was assertive, confident, self-assured, and unafraid to challenge him. It was quite a refreshing change; the more she talked, the more he wanted to know more about her.
Curiously, "What would you like to know?” he asked softly but genuinely.
Sophie tilted her head, pretending to think. “How about... what motivates you? Beyond the obvious, I mean. What drives a man like you?”
Mr. Drake paused a while, reflecting on her question. It wasn't the core casual conversation he was used to at these events; it was deeper, and it caught him unexpectedly. But instead of putting her off, he found himself responding to it honestly and interestingly.
“I suppose it’s the challenge,” he said finally. “Establishing from the basis, seeing how I can push myself further and those within. It’s beyond just the money—it’s about proving to myself that I can succeed, no matter the odds.”
Sophie nodded as if she understood perfectly. “That’s admirable,” she said, her voice soft. “Most people would be content with what you’ve achieved, but you keep pushing forward. That takes a certain kind of strength.”
Mr. Drake analyzed everything about her, trying to weigh her sincerity or simply telling him what she thought he wanted to hear. But all sounded genuine; there was a good quality to her words that he couldn’t ignore. “What about you, Ms. Sophie? What drives you?”
Sophie smiled a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I suppose I’m driven by the same vision. I need to prove to the world myself, that there is much behind this pretty face. It isn't easy for a woman to be in a man’s world, but I’ve resolved to excel at all costs.”
Drake's heart melted and filled with empathy. He knew how it feels to face your challenges, to inch your way to the top. He was also aware that some people considered him as cold and unfeeling; the truth was that he valued those who shared similar traits of determination. Hence, he felt a connection with Ms. Sophie, a bond forged by their shared ambition.
“Success is never easy,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “But I’ve found that the hardest battles are often the most rewarding.”
Sophie nodded, her eyes locking onto his. “I couldn’t agree more.”
They talked through the night, blending freely. She was careful not to reveal too much about herself, keeping the focus on him and his achievements. But she also made sure to drop hints about her struggles and ambitions, painting herself as a woman who was both strong and vulnerable—a combination she knew would appeal to a man like Drake.
Sophie had accomplished the first phase of her mission; carving a lasting impression in his heart. Her plot snared him, he was fond of her in a way he hadn’t been fond of anyone since Christine’s death. As she left, Sophie couldn’t help but feel a surge of fulfillment.
- Writer
