Hidden Blade

Chapter 15: Get in the car

Old Friends, New Tensions

The word “old friend” landed like a thunderclap in the Bennett family conference room. The room, filled with some of the most influential members of the family, fell into a stunned silence. Charles Bennett, the patriarch of the family, appeared as though someone had physically struck him. His sharp eyes narrowed on Rex Carlson, who was now reclining comfortably in his chair, a faint smile dancing on his lips.

“Old friend?” Charles finally spoke, his voice low and menacing, as if daring Rex to repeat himself.

Rex didn’t flinch. He leaned forward slightly, his casual demeanor belying the gravity of the moment. “That’s right. Margaret and I go way back.”

But it wasn’t just the “old friend” that had rattled the room. It was the way Rex had effortlessly dropped another bombshell, calling Sophia his “fiancée.”

Sophia Bennett’s heart froze. She blinked, her head whipping toward Rex, her mind racing. Fiancée? What was he doing? Was this part of some grand plan, or was it just another one of his unpredictable, audacious moves?

Charles straightened his posture, his grip tightening on his cane. “Fiancée?” he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. “Sophia? Care to explain?”

Sophia opened her mouth, her mind scrambling for something to say, but Margaret Liu, Rex’s trusted ally and the project’s lead negotiator, spoke before she could.

“Mr. Bennett,” Margaret began smoothly, her authoritative tone cutting through the tension, “this project is contingent on Miss Bennett’s leadership. Our boss has made it abundantly clear—if Sophia Bennett isn’t leading the charge, we will have no choice but to withdraw our offer.”

A Family in Disarray

The room erupted in murmurs. Luke Bennett, Sophia’s ambitious and conniving cousin, was the first to vocalize his frustration. “This is absurd!” he snapped, rising from his chair. “Sophia doesn’t even handle major projects! She barely knows what she’s doing. Why would anyone insist on her?”

Margaret turned her gaze to Luke, her expression calm but pointed. “Perhaps that’s the point,” she said with a faint, knowing smile. “Our boss values transparency and professionalism. Miss Bennett represents a fresh perspective—untainted by… internal politics.”

Luke’s face flushed red with fury, but before he could respond, Charles raised his hand, silencing him. “Miss Liu,” he said, his voice tight with barely concealed anger, “we appreciate your boss’s input, but this family operates on merit. Surely, we can find a more seasoned candidate within the family.”

Margaret raised an eyebrow, her professionalism unwavering. “With all due respect, Mr. Bennett, the decision is final. Miss Bennett leads, or we walk away.”

Charles’s jaw tightened. The air in the room was suffocating, heavy with tension. Finally, Arthur Bennett, another of Sophia’s uncles, spoke. “Let her have it,” he said, his tone laced with barely concealed malice. “If the client insists, then so be it.”

“Arthur!” Luke exploded, his voice rising. “You can’t—”

“Enough!” Charles’s voice cut through the room like a whip. He turned to Margaret, his expression cold and calculating. “You’ll have your answer by the end of the day.”

Victory’s Bitter Edge

Sophia sat quietly as the room emptied, her hands resting on the cool surface of the table. The weight of the moment bore down on her. This was her moment—her first major victory in the family’s cutthroat corporate world. And yet, it felt hollow.

Margaret approached her, placing the contract in front of her. “Congratulations, Miss Bennett,” she said with a small smile. “You’ve earned this.”

Sophia nodded, her throat dry. “Thank you, Margaret.”

Margaret’s gaze softened slightly. “And for what it’s worth, you’ve got the right people in your corner.”

Sophia glanced at Rex, who was still lounging in his chair, watching her intently. She wasn’t sure if his presence was comforting or infuriating.

When Margaret left, Rex finally spoke. “You’re welcome,” he said casually, his tone teasing.

Sophia turned to him, her emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. “For what? For calling yourself my fiancé in front of my entire family?”

Rex grinned. “It worked, didn’t it?”

Her mouth opened to retort, but she couldn’t deny it. He was right. As much as she hated to admit it, his audacity had saved the day.

Schemes in the Shadows

In a smaller office, Luke Bennett paced back and forth like a caged animal, his frustration palpable. “This is insane!” he fumed. “How could we let her take it?”

Arthur leaned back in his chair, a sinister smile playing on his lips. “Let her think she’s won. Give her a few weeks to run the project. Once she stumbles—and she will—we’ll swoop in and take over.”

Luke’s eyes gleamed with malice. “And what if she doesn’t fail?”

Arthur chuckled darkly. “Oh, she will. We’ll make sure of it.”

The Parking Lot Exchange

Sophia left the office late that evening, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The project was hers, but at what cost? Her family’s resentment was palpable, and the path ahead felt more treacherous than ever.

As she approached the parking lot, she spotted Rex leaning against the security booth, a cigarette dangling from his lips. The faint glow of the embers cast shadows across his face, highlighting his perpetual smirk.

“You,” she said sharply, her voice cutting through the quiet. “Get in the car.”

Rex raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Bossy tonight, aren’t we?”

“I’m serious, Rex. Get in.”

With a shrug, he extinguished his cigarette under his boot and followed her to the car. They drove in silence for a few moments, the hum of the engine filling the void.

Finally, Rex broke the silence. “So… when are we announcing the engagement?”

Sophia shot him a glare, though the corner of her lips twitched despite herself. “Don’t push your luck.”

Rex chuckled, leaning back in his seat. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

But as the city lights blurred past, Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The stakes were higher than ever, and the battle for her place in the family—and her heart—was far from over.