Chapter 98


    #98 “You Two are A Handful.”


    The air in Benjamin’s living room, thick with the residue of a strategic discussion, began to lighten as


    the trio -Sophia, Benjamin, and Alexander- shifted gears from the weighty matters at hand. The


    intricate web of corporate intrigue had momentarily given way to a more lighthearted atmosphere.


    Sophia broke the brief silence. “Well, all this plotting and nning has left me famished. How about we


    grab something to eat?”


    As her suggestion hung in the air, Sophia didn’t know she started a childishpetitive spark between


    Benjamin and Alexander.


    Benjamin, hisposed demeanor momentarily disrupted, eximed, ” Absolutely! I know the perfect


    ce. They have the best seafood in town.”


    Alexander, not one to be outdone, countered with a sly smile. “Seafood is good, but have you tried the


    Italian ce downtown? Their pasta is out of this world.”


    Sophia, caught in the middle of this culinary rivalry, couldn’t help butugh. “Okay, gentlemen, let’s


    settle this. How about wepromise and go for a ce that offers both seafood and pasta? I’m sure


    such a utopia exists in London.”


    Benjamin and Alexander, though stillpetitive, reluctantly agreed to thepromise. The prospect


    of a shared meal seemed to momentarily alleviate the tension, and they headed out in search of the


    elusive restaurant that would satisfy both preferences.


    As they strolled through the vibrant streets of London, the trio engaged in casual banter, the earlier


    gravity of their conversation reced by light- hearted exchanges. Sophia, adept at navigating the


    dynamics between Benjamin and Alexander, subtly teased them about their culinary preferences.


    “So, Benjamin, are you a seafood enthusiast, or are you just trying to impress me with your restaurant


    choices?”


    Benjamin replied with a charming smile. “A bit of both, perhaps. But I genuinely believe you’ll love the


    vors at this ce.”


    Alexander, not one to let an opportunity pass, interjected, “Well, Sophia, if you prefer pasta, I can


    guarantee you an Italian experience that will leave you craving for more.”


    Sophia, reveling in the banter, yed along. “I see we are doing this again. Looks like I have quite the


    connoisseurspeting for my appetite. Let’s see who wins.”


    The trio finally settled on a restaurant that boasted a diverse menu, ensuring everyone could find


    something to their liking. As they took their seats, the rivalry between Benjamin and Alexander


    continued.


    “I must say, Sophia,” Benjamin began, “their seafood tter is renowned. You’ll thank meter.”


    Alexander, undeterred, added, “But don’t underestimate the allure of a perfectly crafted pasta dish. It’s


    an art, really.”


    As they perused the menu, the waiter approached, ready to take their orders. Sophia, sensing an


    opportunity to yfully fuel thepetition, turned to the two men. “I’ll let you both decide. Surprise


    me.”


    The challenge was epted with a nod from both Benjamin and Alexander. Each determined to win


    not just Sophia’s appetite but also her attention.


    Sophia wasn’t really sure what was happening between Alexander and Benjamin but she found it


    hrious. And she decides to y along as long as they act like children.


    As the meal progressed, they discussed travel and shared anecdotes, and favorite books and movies.


    However, underneath the veneer of camaraderie, the unspoken tension between Benjamin and


    Alexander simmered.


    At one point, Sophia, noticing a hint of frustration on Benjamin’s face, asked, ” Is something bothering


    you, Benjamin?


    Benjamin caught off guard, hesitated before responding. “No, no, just lost in thought. Enjoying the


    meal.”


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Alexander, ever observant, chimed in. ” Perhaps he’s disappointed that his seafood strategy didn’t win


    you over.”


    Benjamin, attempting to mask his true feelings with a casual smile, replied, ” Not at all. I’m just


    appreciating thepany and the good food.”


    “Until I eat it all, I can’t judge which one tastes better,” says Sophia.


    She covers her face with a napkin because she’s going to burst outughing at any moment. These


    were two grown men who had gained important positions in business and dealt withplex situations


    every day, but now they werepeting over food.


    Sophia just didn’t understand where their desire topete constantly came from, but she wasn’t


    going to stop them. There was something about the situation that just amused her.


    The subtle dynamics of their interactions revealed theplexity of emotions at y. Benjamin,


    harboring a crush on Sophia, was caught between the desire to express his feelings and the fear of


    jeopardizing their friendship. He envied Alexander’s unabashed affection for Sophia, despite her


    previous rejection of him.


    “So, Alexander,” Sophia began, her tone filled with genuine concern, ” how’s that arm holding up? You


    took quite a hit back there.”


    Alexander, ying along with a mischievous glint in his eyes, winced theatrically. “Ah, the perils of


    being a knight in shining armor. I’ll survive, though. A small sacrifice for the damsel in distress.”


    Sophia chuckled, appreciating the theatrical disy. “Well, I appreciate the chivalry, even if ites


    with a touch of drama. But seriously, are you okay?”


    Benjamin observed the exchange with frustration. He couldn’t deny the pang of jealousy that tugged at


    him, seeing Sophia’s genuine concern for Alexander. It wasn’t that he doubted Alexander’s injury;


    rather, it was the subtle realization that Sophia’s attention had shifted, and he found himself on the


    outskirts of her focus.


    “Oh, you know,” Alexander replied, just a little cut. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure.”


    Sophia nodded, a caring smile on her face. “Well, make sure to take it easy, okay? I wouldn’t want you


    to suffer for my sake.”


    Benjamin, unable to contain his thoughts, interjected, “Sophia, I’m sure Alexander is exaggerating.


    Probably trying to win some sympathy points.”


    Sophia, ncing back at Benjamin,ughed. “You think so? Well, I’d rather be overly concerned than


    indifferent. It’s part of my charm.”


    Benjamin, his tone light but with a hint of yfulpetition, remarked, “If you say so. But I bet I can


    spot a real injury from a fake one. Let me take a look.”


    Alexander obliged with a dramatic ir. “By all means, Dr. Benjamin, inspect away.”


    Benjamin examined Alexander’s arm, much to Sophia’s amusement. The scenario, though born out of


    a lighthearted moment, underscored the subtle shift in dynamics.


    Sophia, perhaps unintentionally, had be more attuned to Alexander’s well-being. She lingered


    near him, her concern evident, while Benjamin yed the role of the good-natured skeptic.


    After the impromptu medical inspection, Sophia turned to Benjamin with a teasing smile. “Well, Dr.


    Benjamin, what’s your diagnosis?”


    Benjamin, attempting to maintain aposed exterior despite the twinge of jealousy, replied, “No


    serious injuries here. Just a case of dramatic ir, as I suspected.”


    Sophiaughed. “You two are a handful, you know that?”


    Benjamin couldn’t shake off the lingering sense of unease. He realized that Sophia, unaware of his


    feelings, remained oblivious to the emotional turmoil brewing beneath the surface.


    For Sophia, it was a terribly funny situation. Benjamin and Alexander took it too personally. They were


    aware of the absurdity of their actions but still did their best to keep Sophia’s attention.