Chapter 3 3

The next morning, Sophia sat at the tiny kitchen table in her apartment, nursing a cup of coffee as the sunlight streamed through the curtains. Despite her efforts to focus on the tasks ahead-preparing Theo's exhibit for an extended public run and drafting pitches for the gallery's next cycle-her thoughts kept circling back to Alexander Pierce.

She sighed and took another sip of coffee, willing herself to snap out of it. The last thing she needed was to let a fleeting interaction distract her from her goals. Men like Alexander Pierce didn't belong in her orbit, and she wasn't about to start daydreaming like some starstruck teenager.

Her phone buzzed on the table, and she glanced at the screen. It was an email from Marcella.

Subject: Follow-Up on Last Night

Sophia,

Excellent turnout for Theo's exhibit. I hope you're as pleased as I am with the response. On another note, I received word that Alexander Pierce was particularly impressed. He's scheduled a private meeting at the gallery later this week to discuss potential collaborations. Ensure you're available. This could be a pivotal opportunity for us.

-MB

Sophia stared at the email, her stomach doing a strange flip. A private meeting? The thought of seeing Alexander again so soon was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. She quickly typed a polite response confirming her availability, then set her phone down and exhaled slowly.

A few hours later, she arrived at the gallery, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she greeted the staff. The space felt different in the morning light-quieter, calmer, but no less electric with possibility.

Theo was already there, fiddling with the placement of one of his smaller sculptures.

"Hey," he said, giving her a sheepish grin. "Figured I'd tweak a few things before the public opening."

Sophia smiled. "Everything looks great, Theo. Last night was a huge success."

He nodded, but his eyes were cautious. "So... Alexander Pierce. What was that about? I thought guys like him only showed up to things when there's something in it for them."

Sophia shrugged, keeping her tone light. "Maybe he's just an art enthusiast."

Theo snorted. "Yeah, sure. And maybe I'm secretly a billionaire who just really likes welding metal together."

She laughed, but the truth was, she didn't have an answer.

By the time Thursday arrived, Sophia had rehearsed every possible scenario for the meeting with Alexander. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she had resolved to treat it like any other professional interaction.

When the clock struck eleven, the sound of footsteps echoed in the gallery. Sophia glanced up from the desk and saw him stride in, his presence filling the space like it had been made for him. He wore a navy suit today, impeccably tailored, with a subtle pinstripe that caught the light.

"Mr. Pierce," she said, standing to greet him.

"Ms. Rivera," he replied, his voice as smooth as she remembered. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Not at all," she said, gesturing toward the exhibit. "Shall we?"

He nodded, falling into step beside her as they moved toward the centerpiece.

"Theo's work seems to resonate with you," she said, breaking the silence.

"It does," he replied. "I see parallels between art and innovation. Both require vision, risk, and a willingness to embrace imperfection."

Sophia glanced at him, intrigued. "That's an interesting perspective."

"Not surprising, though, is it?" he said, a faint smile playing at his lips. "I suspect you share a similar view, even if you wouldn't phrase it the same way."

She smiled despite herself. "Maybe."

They stopped in front of the largest piece, a towering structure of intersecting metal plates that seemed to defy gravity. Alexander studied it in silence for a moment, his expression contemplative.

"Tell me," he said finally, "how do you choose which artists to feature?"

Sophia hesitated, unsure if this was part of a test. "I look for work that feels honest," she said. "Something that challenges the viewer or reveals a deeper truth. Art should make you feel something-whether it's discomfort, wonder, or even joy."

Alexander turned to her, his gaze piercing. "And do you think your choices have succeeded in that?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation. "Theo's work speaks for itself."

He held her gaze for a moment longer, then nodded. "I agree."

They continued their walk through the gallery, their conversation flowing easily between art, business, and the intersection of the two. Sophia found herself surprised by how much she enjoyed talking to him. Beneath the intimidating exterior was a man who seemed genuinely thoughtful, even introspective.

When they returned to the entrance, Alexander paused. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Rivera. This was enlightening."

"Of course," she said, meeting his gaze. "I hope it gave you the clarity you were looking for."

"It did," he said, his tone carrying a weight she couldn't quite place.

As he turned to leave, Sophia felt an inexplicable urge to stop him.

"Mr. Pierce," she said impulsively.

He turned back, one brow raised in curiosity.

"If I may ask," she said, choosing her words carefully, "what exactly are you hoping to find in a place like this?"

His eyes softened, and for a moment, he seemed to drop the polished façade. "Inspiration," he said simply. "Something I haven't felt in a long time."

Sophia's breath caught, and before she could respond, he nodded politely and walked out the door, leaving her standing there with a strange mix of emotions she couldn't quite name.