Chapter 99
#99 “Let’s not Turn This into A Battlefield.”
The food had been served to them and Sophia was more than pleased with the look of all the dishes.
She sensed that Benjamin and Alexander were no longer in the mood despite the banter they had
exchanged so far.
Sophia, attempting to lighten the mood, initiated the conversation. “I must say, after all the plotting and
scheming, I’ve worked up quite an appetite. I’m d we got outside and I can get away from everything
that’s going on for a little bit.”
Benjamin, however, seized the moment to assert his own agenda. He turned his gaze toward
Alexander, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Speaking of appetites, Alexander, I’ve always wondered how
your taste in certain matters has evolved over time.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow, his expression guarded. “And what might those matters be, Benjamin?”
Benjamin leaned back, a smirk ying on his lips. “Well, let’s talk about your pursuit of Sophia. I
remember a time when you were relentless in trying to win her back after your divorce. What
changed?”
Sophia, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation, exchanged a perplexed nce with
Alexander.
Alexander, however, remainedposed, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Ah, Benjamin, you
always had a way of digging up the past. But I thought we agreed to focus on the present.”
Benjamin persisted, his tone edged with subtle mockery. “Oh, we can focus on the present, but it’s hard
to ignore the echoes of the past, especially when they involve Sophia.”
Sophia, sensing the brewing conflict, interjected, “Okay, okay. Let’s not turn this into a trip in the past.
We’re here to enjoy a meal, remember?”
But Benjamin, fueled by a mixture of jealousy and a desire to assert his standing, pressed on.
“Alexander, I’ve always wondered if your pursuit of Sophia was driven by genuine feelings or just a way
to win at everything, including rtionships.”
Alexander’s gaze sharpened, his patience wearing thin. “Benjamin, I’ve never imed to be perfect.
Yes, I made mistakes, and my pursuit of Sophia after our divorce is none of your business. Sophia and
I have moved on, and so should you.”
Benjamin, undeterred, continued the verbal sparring. “Moved on, you say? But here you are, still
entangled in her life. I can’t help but wonder if your presence endangers her.”
Alexander’s jaw clenched, his eyes shing with irritation. “Endangers her? That’s quite an usation,
Benjamin. I’ve been there for Sophia when she needed support, and I’ll continue to do so. If you have
concerns, address them directly instead of insinuating.”
Sophia, feeling the tension escte, attempted to mediate. “Guys, let’s not ruin this lunch with old
grievances. Benjamin, your concerns are appreciated, but Alexander has been nothing but supportive.”
But Benjamin, unwilling to back down, pushed harder. “Supportive or possessive? I’ve seen the way
you hover around her, Alexander. It’s not healthy, and it’s certainly not in her best interest.”
Alexander’s restraint wavered, a sharp retort on the tip of his tongue. “I don’t need your approval or
your assessment of what’s healthy for Sophia. She’s a grown woman perfectly capable of making her
own choices.”
Sophia, sensing the escting tension, intervened with a firm tone. “Enough, both of you. This is not
the time or the ce to rehash old arguments. We’re here to enjoy a meal, and I won’t tolerate any
more bickering.”
After the meal, as they stood outside the restaurant, Alexander suggested, ” Sophia, I think it would be
wise for you to stay at the hotel where I’m currently staying. It’s centrally located, secure, and it would
ensure your safety.”
Benjamin, ever thepetitor, interjected, “Or, Sophia, you’re more than wee to stay at my ce.
It’s quiet,fortable, and you won’t have to deal with Alexander’s overbearing presence.”
Sophia caught between the conflicting offers, hesitated. She appreciated both gestures, but a decision
needed to be made. After a moment of contemtion, she turned to Alexander. “I appreciate your
concern, Alexander. I think I’ll take you up on your offer. It makes sense, considering the central
location and the safety aspect.”
Benjamin, masking his disappointment with a forced smile, conceded, “Well, if that’s what you think is
best.”
As they left the restaurant, the night had fully descended on London. The city’s lights glittered, casting
a surreal glow on the cobblestone streets. The trio made their way to Alexander’s hotel, the air heavy
with the unresolved dynamics between them.
Once in the lobby, Alexander apanied Sophia to the front desk to arrange her stay. Benjamin,
feeling like an unwanted spectator, hovered at a distance, his frustration simmering beneath the
surface.
As Sophiapleted the check-in process, Alexander handed her the key card with a reassuring
smile. “You’ll be safe here. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”
Sophia thanked him and made her way to the elevator, leaving Benjamin and Alexander alone in the
lobby. The silence that followed was filled with unspoken words.
Finally, Benjamin couldn’t contain his frustration any longer. “Why are you so insistent on having her
stay with you? It’s not like she can’t take care of herself.”
Alexander, his expression unwavering, replied, “I’m concerned about her safety, Benjamin. This city
can be unpredictable, and I want to make sure she’s secure.”
Benjamin scoffed, his irritation evident. “Secure? Or is it just another move in your game to win her
over? You always have to be in control, don’t you?”
Alexander, his patience wearing thin, retorted, “This is not about control, Benjamin. It’s about looking
out for someone I care about. Perhaps you should try it sometime.”
The tension escted as the two men stood in the hotel lobby, the unspoken rivalry between them
reaching a boiling point. But before the verbal sparring could escte further, Sophia reappeared,
diffusing the charged atmosphere.
“Okay, let’s not turn this into a battlefield,” she said, a hint of weariness in her voice. “Alexander, thank
you for your concern. Benjamin, your offer was appreciated, too. Now, can we please move past this
and focus on the reason we’re here?”
“Okay,” Alexander says. “Well, I’m going up to my room. If you need me, you know where to find me.”
He brandishes his room key, which says number 6. Alexander heads for the elevator, and Sophia and
Benjamin send him off with a look.
“Benjamin, can we talk?” Sophia asked once the elevator doors closed.
“Sure,” Benjamin replied, turning his whole attention to her.
“Benjamin, I know things got tense back there. But please, try not to adopt such a hostile tone when
speaking to Alexander. It only makes things moreplicated. Let’s focus on the case and not let
personal conflicts interfere.
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Upon hearing this, Benjamin’s frustration, which he had been nursing since their heated exchange at
the restaurant, only intensified. He felt torn between his genuine concerns for Sophia’s well-being and
the mounting tension with Alexander.
Benjamin decided to take a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. After a couple of
seconds, he sighed, a heavy exhale that betrayed the weight on his shoulders. “I will try.”