Chapter 5 Between Rivalries and Secrets

Sophia stared at her phone; the email's subject line seared her brain like a brand: "Urgent: We Need to Talk About Adrian Grayson."

Her heart quickened, her stomach twisting with unease. Was it about last night? Impossible, it couldn't be. Nathan couldn't know. Could he? The thoughts grew more desperate, tugging at her into the depths of panic.

She jammed her phone back into her purse and hailed a cab. She was sweating so much the cab driver had to ask if she needed more air conditioner, she refused and asked him to roll down the windows instead. As soon as she got home, she ran into the shower, hoping the cold water would wash away her anxiety. But her mind wouldn't quiet down.

Her boss had never called her in for any of his personal meetings, and attaching the name Adrian Grayson to the message only increased her nervousness. She scrubbed her skin almost aggressively, as if trying to erase every memory of the night before.

By the time she emerged from the shower, her phone went off again. She froze midreach with wet and clumsy hands. This time, it was Chloe. Thank God!

"Hello?" Sophia replied guardedly as she tucked the towel into place.

"Sophia!" Chloe's voice came through the line, tight with worry. "Where have you been? You left the bar, and your phone's been off for hours. I've been losing my mind!"

Sophia bit her lip, guilt pooling in her chest. "I'm so sorry, Chloe. I just needed some time alone."

"Alone?" Chloe's tone was incredulous. "Soph, you sounded a little tipsy last night. Did something happen?"

With a sigh, Sophia let herself drop to the edge of her bed. "It's too long of a story. I'll tell you later at work. Mind if we dine over at your place?"

"Of course," Chloe returned, even while her tone carried a troubled resonance. "Only that I get the promise now that you'd be okay later."

"I'll be good," Sophia repeated with forced evenness on her voice. "Thanks, Chloe. Please make some pasta. It's been ages since I had your very delicious meatball pasta".

"Your wish is my command, My Queen," Chloe replied while laughing. "Have a great day my love."

"You too Bestie", She replied as she hung up the phone and turned to her closet, feeling the anxiety build up once more. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good.

She arrived at work and was called in by other colleagues. Nathan's office was intimidating, with its huge desk and floor-to-ceiling windows that gave a view of the city that seemed to curve. Every time Sophia stepped inside his office, she felt like a small fish dragged into the deep end of the ocean.

She took a deep breath and knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in," Nathan's voice boomed from inside.

Sophia entered, clutching her tablet against her chest like a shield. Nathan sat behind his desk, his dark eyes sharp and calculating.

"Sit," he said without looking up, his fingers typing furiously on his keyboard.

She nodded and sat in the leather chair opposite him. The silence stretched unbearably until he finally leaned back and turned to her personally with a piercing stare.

"I'll get straight to the point," Nathan began, his tone clipped. "Do you know who Adrian Grayson is?" he asked, pointing directly at her.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She fought to keep her face neutral. "He's the CEO of Grayson Corp, right?"

Nathan's smile didn't hold any humor. "That's right. And do you know what he is to this company?"

"I.... I assume he's a competitor," she answered carefully.

"Competitor is an understatement," Nathan said, his voice going stone hard. "That man is a leech. He's been trying to undermine this company for years. His latest stunt almost cost us a multimillion-dollar deal.

Sophia swallowed, her palms growing clammy.

Nathan rose, pacing behind his desk like a predator circling its prey. "Adrian Grayson is a ruthless opportunist. He'll stop at nothing to win, no matter who gets hurt in the process."

Sophia's throat constricted, memories of last night flashing in her mind. Adrian's intensity, his unexpected vulnerability - it didn't align with the image Nathan was painting.

"I'm telling you this," Nathan said, his voice dropping ominously, "because I won't tolerate anyone in my company having any association with him or his organization. That includes friendships, casual encounters, and anything else you might think is harmless."

Sophia's chest constricted. The unspoken warning was clear.

Nathan leaned forward, his hands splayed on the desk. "If I find out anyone here is involved with Adrian Grayson or Grayson Corp, I will make it my personal mission to destroy their career. Do I make myself clear?"

Sophia nodded stiffly, unable to find her voice.

"Good," Nathan said, his tone returning to its usual businesslike efficiency. "That's all. You're dismissed.

Sophia stood up with shaking legs and spun towards the door, where Nathan's voice echoed after her, "Oh, and Sophia? "

She turned then, stomach churning.

"Be smart. Not let your feelings screw up all your future."

Sophia stepped out of Nathan's office, her legs trembling. Her phone buzzed again. She pulled it out. Her breath hitched as she read the text message from an unknown number:

"Last night wasn't a mistake. We need to talk. – Adrian."