Chapter 6 A Birthday Surprise

Outside Chloe's apartment, Sophia fidgeted with her scarf, nervously readjusting it. She clutched the small bouquet of daisies she had picked up at the corner florist, her mind racing. Chloe's call earlier had been uncharacteristically serious, and Sophia was dreading the conversation that was to come.

The door swung open before she could knock, and Chloe stood framed in the doorway, wearing an oversized t-shirt and leggings, arms crossed over her chest. "Took you long enough."

"I brought flowers," Sophia said, holding them out like a shield.

Chloe snatched the bouquet with one raised brow. "Cute. Now get inside. We need to talk."

The smell of garlic and herbs wafted from the kitchen, and spaghetti sat in plates on the table. Sophia was resisting, but Chloe was already tugging her to a chair.

"Start talking," Chloe said, seating herself and spearing her fork into her food.

Sophia fiddled, paying attention to twirling her spaghetti instead of looking at Chloe. "What do you mean?"

Oh, don't pull that with me." Chloe narrowed her eyes. "You vanished with some guy at the bar and didn't show up until morning. Who was he?"

Sophia froze. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

Chloe leaned closer, her expression softening. "Soph, I'm not mad. Just tell me the truth. Was it someone i know?"

Sophia let out a sigh, setting her fork down. "It was someone I just met," she said, keeping her voice even.

Chloe frowned. "And?"

"And it doesn't matter. It was just one night, and it's over."

Chloe tilted her head, studying her. "You're lying. I can see it on your face. Who was it?

The words tumbled out before Sophia could stop them. "It was Adrian Grayson."

Chloe's fork clattered to the plate. "What?!"

Sophia cringed, glancing toward the door as if someone might overhear. "Keep your voice down!"

"You mean THE Adrian Grayson? Billionaire, Adrian Grayson? Nathan's sworn enemy?" Chloe whispered harshly, her eyes wide.

Sophia nodded, her face burning. "Yes. But it's not what you think. It was a mistake. A one-time thing."

Chloe blinked, then gave a sharp laugh. "A mistake? Oh, Soph, you have officially entered the danger zone. You know what Nathan would do if he found that out?"

"Yes," Sophia snapped, frustration boiling over. "That's why I'm trying to forget it ever happened. He can never know."

Chloe shook her head. "You're playing with fire. Adrian Grayson isn't just some guy. He's calculated, ruthless. you really think he's going to walk away?"

Sophia pushed her plate away, her appetite gone. "I don't care what he does. I've made my decision. I don't need anyone's help, and I definitely don't need Adrian Grayson in my life."

Chloe reached across the table, her hand covering Sophia's. "I get it, Soph. But be careful, okay? You don't want to end up caught in the crossfire."

The rest of the week was a haze of work and avoidance. Flung head-first into her work, Sophia avoided Nathan's temper and screened out Chloe's concerned texts. Every time her mind went to Adrian, her chest twisted into anger and confusion.

On her birthday morning, she told herself it was just another day, no celebrating, no surprise parties.

But she froze as she entered the office.

A huge bouquet of red roses sat on her desk, and all her colleagues stared at them. Murmurs of whispered conversations surrounded her as she approached the flowers with a sinking feeling.

Among the roses was a card in elegant handwriting:

"Happy Birthday, Sophia. I hope today brings you everything you deserve. I Miss You. – Adrian"

She jammed the card back inside its envelope as her heart began to pound. This couldn't be happening.

If the roses weren't enough, a small, exquisitely wrapped box sat beside them. She did hesitate but curiously opened it to find a delicate silver bracelet - the kind that screamed money and taste.

Her co-workers had all gathered in small clusters, trying not to stare but just missing the mark.

"Someone's got an admirer," one of them said, smirking.

Sophia's cheeks flared red as she muttered, "Mind your own business," and sat down.

She hadn't even had time to process the gift when Nathan's voice boomed across the office.

"Everyone in the conference room. Now."

The chatter died instantly as her coworkers scrambled to obey. Sophia grabbed her notebook, her stomach twisting with dread.

Nathan stood at the head of the table, his face thunderous. "I'll make this quick," he said, his voice sharp and cutting. "We're at war with Grayson Enterprises. Anyone caught fraternizing with Adrian Grayson or his associates will face immediate termination."

Sophia's breath caught.

Nathan's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on her a fraction of a second more than on the others.

"Let me make one thing crystal clear," he added, the timber of his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "If I find out that anybody has crossed this company, they will be sorry. Do I make myself crystal clear?"

There was complete silence in the room.

Sophia's chest constricted as she kept her head down, avoiding his eyes.

As the meeting ended and her coworkers filed out, she stayed frozen in her seat, her mind racing.

Nathan was suspicious. And if he found out about Adrian. She didn't want to think about what would happen.